training a dog to go outside with a fence

Question
Hi,
     I have had a long haired Chihuahua for the past two years. I trained her to go to the bathroom when we take walks. I recently got a fence and would like her to go to the bathroom out there. When I take her out to go, she will not go. She will only go to the bathroom on a leash when we take a walk. How can I get her to go in the yard?

thanks
Sarah

Answer
Hi Sarah,

Thank you for writing to me about your long haired Chihuahua.  I had responded to this question last week but for some reason it never got through to you, so I am re-sending it.

You did a very smart thing in building a fence for your dog. Make sure it is secure at the bottom due to the small size of your munchkin.

Dogs are creatures of habit so since your dog has been trained to go to the bathroom on a leash, she is confused about going in the yard now because she perceives it as an extension of the house.  You might try to take some of her poop and place it in the yard.  Additionally, give her a lot of exercise in the yard.  Exercise gives dogs the urge to relieve themselves. Supply her with lots of water.

In a way, you will have to go back to puppy housebreaking.  By preventing her from going in the house and only allowing her to go in the yard, you are giving her only one option.

Immediately after eating and drinking, take her into the yard and walk her on the leash.  Keep walking her in a relaxed fashion.  If she doesn't relieve herself, bring her back inside after about 30 minutes and keep her crated or confined so that she cannot go to the bathroom in the house.  Wait awhile and then try again. Keep doing this until she finally goes.  Be patient.  She doesn't understand what you want yet.  When she does relieve herself, give her a yummy treat and lots of praises.  Make a big deal out of it just as you would during puppy housebreaking.

If you follow this protocol, it shouldn't take long to become a habit.

Best Regards,
Shelley Davis