Why is my dog suddenly terrified to go outside?

Dogs might be afraid to venture outside for a number of reasons, including: New puppy panic: Transitioning to a new home can be overwhelming for puppies, which means your pup might slam on the brakes the first time you try to take him for a walk. Plus, the unfamiliar sensation of wearing a collar and leash can make going outside an extra frightening experience. Negative experiences: Some dogs become reluctant to walk after having a scary experience outside. Whether getting startled by a noisy garbage truck or a having a run-in with a barking dog behind a fence, these dogs make a connection between going for a walk and confronting stressful situations. Insufficient socialization: Dogs who miss out on the critical socialization period during puppyhood might end up afraid to take walks. Pain: Dogs who are reluctant to go for a walk, or who suddenly refuse to walk, might be suffering from undiagnosed pain. Everything from overgrown toenails to muscle stains to arthritis can impact a dog’s willingness to walk. Electric fence fear: Training a dog respond to an electronic containment system includes a session during which the dog gets shocked, and for some, the sensation is all it takes to make the yard a place where pain happens. Sound sensitivity: Some dogs pair a frightening sound, like a gun shot or fireworks, with the location they’re in when they hear it, which can result in the dog trying to avoid that location.

If your dog is suddenly afraid to go outside, they may be experiencing pain, responding to a recent negative incident, experiencing juvenile-onset shyness, or a number of other possibilities. Your dog might have had a bad experience outside, such as being startled by a noisy truck, running into an aggressive dog, or getting spooked by the wind. Negative experiences like these can create a fear associated with going outdoors for dogs. A new or sudden pain — including pain that makes walking difficult, such as overgrown toenails, muscle strains, or arthritis — can make going outside uncomfortable or even scary for your dog. Environmental changes, such as new construction, loud noises, unfamiliar people, or even the weather, can cause your dog to feel anxious and avoid going outside. Some dogs may have sensitive senses, such as hearing or smell, that can make going outside overwhelming or unpleasant. If your puppy is scared to go outside, they are likely going through a “fear period,” which is a normal part of your puppy’s development, where they become suddenly afraid of new things or situations. This second fear period, which behaviorist and dog trainer Patricia B. McConnell, PhD, calls “juvenile-onset shyness,” is likely when your dog could become afraid of going outside after previously having no issues with doing so.