While it may be hard to believe that a dog doesn’t like going for walks, one Bernese mountain puppy is proving that it can happen, racking up almost 360,000 views.
Jese Smith shared footage of his young dog, Loki, flat‑out refusing to move beyond the front of their home, instead resting sprawled on his stomach on the pavement.
The March 9 clip (@jsmithshields) begins with Smith telling viewers that people often ask him how walking his puppy is going. The camera then flips to show the Bernese mountain dog lying flat on the floor, refusing to budge. Smith laughs as he points out that their house isn’t far away.
In the next scene, Smith continues walking without the canine, at which point the puppy suddenly gets up and begins to follow him. As the dog finally picks up speed, Smith greets him with, “nice to see you mate.”
The video was captioned, “Does anyone else’s dog just hate walking,” though it is likely the puppy simply hasn’t yet adjusted to the idea of going on walks.
TikTok Reacts
So far, the video has over 35,000 likes and almost 830 comments, at the time of writing. It turns out Smith isn’t alone.
One user said: “My old golden retriever used to be the same. [I] took her to the vets because I thought something was wrong with her. Vet comes into the room after some scans and goes “I’m very sorry to say, you just have a very lazy dog.”
“I have a golden retriever 10 month old pup that lays down after [1 km] of walking I really wanted a running buddy,” said another user.
“My French bulldog is like this. It’s basically like taking a pet rock for a walk,” said a third user.
How To Train a Puppy To Walk on a Leash
Reluctance to walk—especially in puppies—is often part of the learning process. The American Kennel Club (AKC) has shared guidance to help owners better understand how to introduce walking and exercise at an early age.
Start With the Basics
Before taking a puppy on outings, the AKC recommends gradually introducing them to a leash or harness. Learning how to walk politely without pulling is an important life skill, particularly for strong-willed or large and giant breeds like Loki.
For many puppies, simply getting used to wearing a leash or harness can feel overwhelming. Some may sit down because it feels safer, while others might try to run in the opposite direction. The AKC advises owners to resist pulling or jerking the leash. Instead, stand still and wait until the puppy comes back to you. Offering treats can help reinforce what is expected.
Leash training sessions should remain positive and be limited to five or 10 minutes. While some puppies adapt quickly, others take longer—but, with consistency, they eventually learn.
Walk, Don’t Run
Once a puppy can walk several steps without veering off, it is time to begin short walks. Veterinary researchers recommend a guideline of about five minutes of walking per month of a puppy’s age, once or twice a day, depending on pace and available time.
The AKC notes that softer surfaces such as grass or packed sand are ideal when starting out. Walks should also take place at least an hour after a meal, allowing time for digestion so nutrients can be properly absorbed.
Owners are advised to avoid jogging or running with puppies until they are fully mature.
Smaller breeds typically reach this stage around six to eight months, medium breeds around 12 months, large breeds between 12 and 18 months, and giant breeds between 18 and 24 months.
Puppies’ bones and ligaments need time to develop, and too much vigorous exercise too early—especially on hard surfaces—may lead to musculoskeletal issues later on.
Consider Breed and Size
Exercise needs can vary significantly depending on breed and size. When starting walks, owners should watch closely for signs of fatigue, such as sitting down or struggling to keep up. If a puppy is small enough, carrying them home may be the best option. Some owners also choose to bring a dog stroller along for longer outings.
For Smith’s puppy, the viral moment may simply be part of that learning curve—one that many dog owners can relate to.