Refuses to walk

Question
I have a year old male Sheltie that until a few weeks ago loved to go for his daily walk. Now he starts out alright but after a very short distance either stops in his track or heads for our house. It just seems like he has a mental block to walking.  Thanks for any help.

Answer
George,

Please give me more information.  Tell me about your Sheltie. Examine his paw pads.  Look at the fur on his legs for matting.  Are there any other activities he no longer does?  Does he jump up on furniture or do steps without hesitation?

Tell me about where you walk.  Grass, paved road or sidewalk?  Gravel, asphalt or concrete?  If a street is it busy?  Where you live is it extremely hot like it is where I live?  Is it dry and the ground is painful?

Are there dogs that he is afraid of?  Anything else he might fear?

Too many variables.  See if any of these questions sparks a thought?

Dave

ADDENDUM: check his nails?  long nails are painful to walk on?