Why does French bulldog refuses to walk? French bulldogs are relatively small dogs, with a wide stance that is perfect for stability. Their short legs also allow them to be agile enough to run at high speeds, which can make it difficult for frenchies who are not used to walking on hard surfaces.
We will discuss more about the causes and solutions.
A young pug and french bulldog posing together for the camera, while being taken on a walk.
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Why Does The French Bulldog Refuses To Walk?
Most frenchies are friendly and outgoing dogs. They love to run around, play with you or other pets in their household. However, when it comes to walking on hard surfaces like concrete sidewalks or roads, some french bulldogs would refuse to walk at all! This is not the norm for most of these little fellows but there are reasons why this may happen:
The Frenchie Is Uncomfortable Walking On Hard Surfaces
Just like humans, dogs have different preferences and tolerances when it comes to surfaces they walk on. Some french bulldogs may not be used to walking on hard surfaces because they were mostly raised in a home with carpets or other soft flooring. When these furry friends are suddenly exposed to unforgiving concrete sidewalks, their paws can become sore and irritated very quickly. This is especially true if the french bulldog has sensitive paws (more on that later). In this case, the pup would naturally avoid walking altogether as long as possible to prevent any discomfort.
French Bulldogs Are Not Built For Speed
As we mentioned earlier, french bulldogs are built for stability, not speed. This means they would naturally take shorter strides while walking – a trait that is great for their stability but can be quite inconvenient if the french bulldog has to go on long walks!
Man walking his French Bulldog off the lead at the park
It Is Too Hot/Cold Outside
Just like us, french bulldogs feel miserable when it’s too hot or cold. If your little buddy is unwilling to walk on a particularly warm day because he can’t handle the heat, don’t force him! You may get injured yourself if you push him and his paws would definitely be sore after walking for so long in uncomfortably high temperatures. Likewise, if it’s freezing outside and snowing heavily (or even raining), do not force your french bulldog out of the house unless there are no other options available! He will surely hate every second of those walks until spring comes along 🙂
The Frenchie Is Unfit And Needs To Lose Weight
Unfortunately, some french bulldogs may be so overweight that they find it difficult to walk even short distances. In this case, the solution is simple – have your vet help you create a weight loss plan for your pup and try to stick to it as closely as possible! Exercise will definitely be a key part of this plan and we’ll go over that in more detail later on.
French Bulldogs Suffer From Joint Problems
Dogs who suffer from joint problems are often unwilling or unable to walk long distances. This is because any form of exercise (including walking) can cause pain and discomfort for these furry friends. If you notice your french bulldog has difficulty getting up after prolonged sitting or laying down, that’s a clear sign he is suffering from joint problems. Talk to your vet about it and try to find the best course of action for your pup!
Man carrying his Frenchie puppy in a backpack
What to do: Work out a training plan if French bulldog hates walks
If your french bulldog hates walks, don’t worry – you can still train him to be a good walker with a little bit of effort! All you need is patience and consistency. Here are some tips:
Start Small And Gradually Increase The Distance
When starting out, begin by walking your french bulldog for very short distances (just around the block or in your backyard). As he gets more used to it, gradually increase the distance until he is able to comfortably walk for 30 minutes or more. This may take some time but if you are patient, your pup will eventually learn how to enjoy walks!
Use Rewards To Encourage Good Behavior
Whenever your french bulldog follows commands and behaves well during his walks, make sure to reward him! You can use anything as a treat, such as treats or toys. The best way to do this is by using the clicker method since your french bulldog will instantly associate food with good behavior.
Read about Best bones for Bulldog puppies: Everything You Need to Know
If Your French Bulldog Is Sore Or In Pain, Stop Walking Immediately And Talk To A Vet
French Bulldog in harness out for a walk outdoors
The bottom line
if your french bulldog refuses to walk, there could be any number of reasons behind it. If his reluctance persists even after trying the tips we suggested, make an appointment with your vet and figure out what’s going on! Your pup’s health should always be your top priority 🙂
Do you have a french bulldog hates walks? Share your experiences in the comments below! We’d love to hear from you. 🙂
FAQ
Q: how far can French bulldogs walk ?
A: French bulldogs are surprisingly active and energetic pups so they can walk fairly long distances – up to an hour or two! If you have a puppy, however, make sure he is not overworked as this could hurt his growth.
Q: When should I stop walking my french bulldog?
While it’s true that your frenchie will be able to endure quite the distance if necessary (even more than most little dogs), there are times when you need to call it quits for safety reasons. In general, try stopping after 20 minutes of walking at first since puppies may tire out earlier than adults do. As time goes by and your pup gets stronger/gets used to longer walks, increase the duration until he can walk comfortably for 30 to 60 minutes.
Q: My french bulldog won’t budge when I try to get him up – could he have joint pain?
If your french bulldog has difficulty getting up after he’s been laying down for a while, it’s possible that he is suffering from joint pain. This is one of the most common reasons why dogs refuse to walk so take your pup to the vet and get him checked out!
