Our dog Kai, a one-year-old Mini Australian Shepherd, won’t pee or poop while on a leash during walks. She only uses a pee pad on our balcony or sometimes indoors. She’s pretty anxious, and I really want to figure out how to get her comfortable enough to go potty outside. Anyone else dealt with this? Tips?
Yeah, anxious dogs can struggle with this. Have you tried taking her to the same spot outside every time and using a command like ‘go potty’?
Nathan said:
Yeah, anxious dogs can struggle with this. Have you tried taking her to the same spot outside every time and using a command like ‘go potty’?
We haven’t tried that yet. Does the command really help? How long did it take your dog to get the hang of it?
Nathan said:
Yeah, anxious dogs can struggle with this. Have you tried taking her to the same spot outside every time and using a command like ‘go potty’?
Totally! The command helps them focus. Took my dog about a week of consistency with treats as rewards.
The pee pad might be confusing her. Have you thought about getting rid of it altogether?
shanty said:
The pee pad might be confusing her. Have you thought about getting rid of it altogether?
I’m worried about accidents in the house if we remove it. Did you have issues when you stopped using one?
shanty said:
The pee pad might be confusing her. Have you thought about getting rid of it altogether?
Yeah, a few at first, but I just cleaned up without making a big deal. She learned fast that outside was the only option.
Have you tried using a bell on the door? It worked for my dog. Ring it every time you go out so she learns to signal.
CateBlanchet said:
Have you tried using a bell on the door? It worked for my dog. Ring it every time you go out so she learns to signal.
Oh, that’s interesting! How long did it take your dog to pick up on the bell thing?
CateBlanchet said:
Have you tried using a bell on the door? It worked for my dog. Ring it every time you go out so she learns to signal.
Took about two weeks, but it’s a game changer. Now he rings it whenever he needs to go!
Does Kai get super distracted or scared outside? My dog was like that, so we started with really short trips close to home.
Happy said:
Does Kai get super distracted or scared outside? My dog was like that, so we started with really short trips close to home.
Yeah, she seems nervous outside. Did the short trips help your dog get more comfortable?
Happy said:
Does Kai get super distracted or scared outside? My dog was like that, so we started with really short trips close to home.
For sure. Once he got used to the same spot, he started relaxing more. Treats helped a ton too.
FYI, punishing accidents indoors doesn’t help at all. Just clean up and stay consistent with taking her out.
madisonwilson said:
FYI, punishing accidents indoors doesn’t help at all. Just clean up and stay consistent with taking her out.
Yeah, we haven’t punished her. Do you think we should use a crate when she doesn’t go outside?
madisonwilson said:
FYI, punishing accidents indoors doesn’t help at all. Just clean up and stay consistent with taking her out.
A crate can work! Keep her in there for 10 mins if she doesn’t go, then try again. Worked wonders for us.