Attack of the Yard

Question
We have and indoor 5 year old cockapoo and recently she does not want to go outside to do her business. I know she needs to go but she won't take any more then two steps away from the door. I don't know if something scared her in the yard or what. Then later that night she ends up making a mess in the house. This has only been going on for about a week now. What can I do to help use the bathroom in peace and not leave a peace on the living room floor. I want to end it before it turns into a habit, and I am tired of cleaning mess.

Thanks,
Zack

Answer
Zach, start taking her out on leash. If she seems to be afraid of the backyard, take her out in the front yard instead for a while. Do it on leash so you can ensure that she does, in fact, potty, and also so you can immediately praise her once she's finished 'going.' If, after about 10 minutes, she has not gone, bring her back in the house and put her in her crate. Try again in 10-15 minutes. Repeat until she potties outside. This will teach her that when she is taken outside, she must potty if she wants to be able to be free in the house. Her crate should be no larger than to allow her to stand up, turn around, and lie down in comfortably, or she might end up pottying in the crate, and that's NOT what you want.

If you remember to always, always praise her each and every time she potties outside (wait until she's finished), and afterwards play with her for a little while and make it a happy affair, she should have no problem going out after too long. When she's doing okay in the front yard, start taking her into the backyard. Don't make a big deal over it; make it just like any other time, except go out the back door instead of the front.

Let me know if you need anything else.

Kristen