Potty problems

Question
Shera, a Bernese Mtn Dog, is almost 2 years old. she spent the first year of her life in a tiny dirty kennel with little food and less human contact. She is adjusting to her new home very well. The only big issue we have is that she will not go potty while on a leash. She just went for 36 hours without going because she was leashed. as soon as I let her off leash she went potty. This is a big issue because I cannot take her anywhere for longer than a day because she will not go potty. If you have any ideas on how to fix this please let me know.

Thank you,
xtina

Answer
There must have been some abuse regarding house training and the use of a leash, on top of the horrific abuse she was forced to endure.  I wonder if the leash is the problem or the manner in which it is attached to her.  Instead of a collar, you might try a body harness.  Also, a very long extending leash (Flexilead makes all belt varieties: see this link:
http://www.flexiusa.com/products.asp

The harness may make a huge difference all by itself and the distance allowed by some flexileads may give the dog the sense of being not under restraint.  Try both together for the first time; take the dog to a place where there have been many other dogs (where the scent of urine and excrement is strong to the dog, like a dog park area or near or around a veterinary clinic or training facility.)  The stimulus of scent plus the new sense of freedom on the long leash may do the trick.  Once the dog eliminates (if she does, it may take several outings at a time of day you know she needs to go), praise her in a very calm, subdued voice and offer a food treat.  Associating new and rewarding things with this new combo of harness and leash will also help overcome her response perseverance to eliminating on leash.  This may not be a quick fix.  Go to special places, use play training with her on this leash/harness combo (see this link: http://www.dogplay.com/Activities/obedience.html

offer her new toys and special treats when she is out with you.  Do NOT take her to the vet or any place or situation that causes anxiety; the trick is to change her association with the harness/leash so she anticipates good things and reward.  Once she has relaxed regarding wearing these items, and if exposed to an area with a scent that stimulates her urination or defecation, she may break through the fear.