Why Is My Dog Suddenly Afraid to Go Outside?

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. Curious about what’s causing this change? We’ll help you understand the reason and find gentle training solutions that’ll make outdoor adventures fun again.

Why is my dog afraid of going outside?

If your dog suddenly becomes afraid of going outside, they could be responding to any number of possibilities. Signs of fearfulness in dogs include crouching in a lowered body position, panting, yawning, dilated pupils, tucking their tails, and more. Below are five reasons why your dog might refuse to go outside.

1. Puppy fear period: 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. (More on that below.)

2. Pain or medical issues: 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. It can be difficult to assess when dogs are in pain, but there are a few common behavioral signs to watch out for.

3. Negative experience: 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.

4. Environmental changes: Changes in the environment, such as new construction, loud noises, unfamiliar people, or even the weather, can cause your dog to feel anxious and avoid going outside.

5. Sensory issues: Some dogs may have sensitive senses, such as hearing or smell, that can make going outside overwhelming or unpleasant.

What is a puppy “fear period”? 

Puppies experience at least two phases of increased fearfulness during normal developmental stages. The first fear period in puppies happens around the time puppies leave their mothers and littermates at about eight to 11 weeks old and are exposed to new environments on their own. The second fear period generally happens a little later, when adolescent puppies between six and 14 months start to become more independent.

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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. This period can last a few weeks or even as long as over a month. If your dog’s fear lasts past that point, it’s worth consulting a professional.

What can I do to help a dog scared to go outside?

There are a few things dog parents can do to help dogs who are afraid of going outside, no matter their age. First, you can talk to your dog in a cheerful, relaxed way while going outside and avoid panicking or reacting dramatically to your dog’s fear. You can also try giving your dog something they love when they exhibit signs of fear outside, such as a treat or a favorite toy; this teaches them to associate the thing they once feared with something safe. If these steps don’t help, it’s worth consulting with your veterinarian and/or a trainer.