When Your Dog Refuses Winter Walks: Should You Force It or Stay Indoors?

When the weather turns cold, it’s not just humans who want to stay curled up in bed — many dogs suddenly become “homebodies” too.

The dog that once wagged its tail excitedly at the word walk may now ignore the leash completely, choosing instead to stay on the sofa and stare at you with a blank expression. In moments like this, many pet parents wonder:
Should I force my dog to go outside, or is it okay to skip walks altogether?

Why Do Dogs Lose Interest in Walks During Winter?

According to animal behavior experts and veterinarians, one of the most common reasons is cold sensitivity.

• Cold air and frozen ground can be uncomfortable, especially for senior dogs
• Dogs with arthritis or intervertebral disc issues may feel increased pain in low temperatures
• Some dogs dislike winter clothing — tight or ill-fitting coats can restrict movement and make walks unpleasant

Over time, these negative experiences can cause dogs to associate walks with discomfort.

How Dogs Show They Don’t Want to Go Outside

Dogs often communicate their reluctance very clearly. Common signs include:

• Turning away or running off when they see the leash
• Hiding in corners or under furniture
• Lying down and refusing to move
• Drooping tails, flattened ears, or anxious expressions

In simple terms, your dog may be saying: “I really don’t want to go out right now.”

Should You Force a Dog That Resists Walks?

The short answer: No — never force it.

If your dog clearly resists going outside, forcing a walk can increase stress and damage trust. Instead, consider these two adjustments:

1. Choose the Warmest Time of Day

Avoid early mornings and late nights. Midday walks, when the sun is out and temperatures are higher, are usually much more comfortable.

2. Keep Your Dog Warm — Comfortably

If your dog is sensitive to cold, choose well-fitted, lightweight clothing that keeps them warm without restricting movement. Comfort always comes before style.

What If Your Dog Absolutely Refuses to Go Outside?

While daily walks are important, bad weather doesn’t mean your dog has to miss out on stimulation or exercise.

On extremely cold days, veterinarians recommend switching to indoor enrichment activities to help dogs burn energy and stay mentally engaged.

Good indoor alternatives include:

• Playing fetch or tug-of-war
• Short training sessions
• Snuffle mats (sniffing mats) with hidden treats

Snuffle mats are especially helpful in winter because they tap into a dog’s natural foraging instincts. Just 10–15 minutes of sniffing can provide meaningful mental exercise, helping reduce restlessness and boredom when outdoor walks aren’t ideal.

👉 If you’re curious how snuffle mats work and why they’re so effective for indoor enrichment, you can read our full guide here: What is a snuffle mat?

Don’t Skip Bathroom Breaks

Even if walks are shortened or skipped, dogs still need regular opportunities to urinate and defecate. Holding urine for too long can lead to discomfort or urinary issues, especially in colder months.

Short, functional outdoor breaks are usually enough on days when long walks aren’t possible.

When Winter Behavior Might Signal a Health Issue

It’s important to pay attention to changes beyond walk resistance.

If your dog:

• Loses appetite
• Shows changes in toilet habits
• Becomes unusually inactive
• Walks with an abnormal posture

…the issue may not be cold weather alone.

This is especially true for senior dogs. If these changes persist, a veterinary check-up is recommended to rule out underlying health problems.

Final Thoughts

Winter doesn’t mean your dog is lazy or stubborn — it often means they’re responding to discomfort. By adjusting walk times, respecting their limits, and adding indoor enrichment like snuffle mats, you can keep your dog happy, stimulated, and healthy throughout the colder months.

Sometimes, the best care isn’t pushing harder — it’s listening more closely.