Behavior issue

Question
Hello, I have a German Sheperd/Malamute +? approximately 10 years old. His health is good and there are no apparent problems. We recently moved into the suburbs from the mountains in Colorado. When we were in the mountains Red was pretty much an outdoors dog. He was confined to a large fenced off area on the property (he would run away for days when given the chance) including access at all times to the deck of the house. The suburb home has a large back yard. Since we have been in the suburb home and because Red is getting old we have been keeping him in doors most of the time. The problem now is we can barely "talk" him into going outside to potty. It has gotten so bad that even if he has to potty he will not go until he is forced. When we do put him out he is frantic to get back inside moments after putting him out. I tried to keep him out and he reorted to breaking the wood fence and finally jumping over and escaping the yard. It has become a major issue and I don't understand what has gotten into him. Do you have any ideas? Thank you for your time. Bill  

Answer
I am not sure why this happening, but I have a couple of ideas that might help you.
1-Use treats to encourage him to potty outside. If your using a new brand of dog food, change it.
2-go out with him on long walks, take him to the park, make him interact with other dogs.
3-you should start spending time outside reading a book... and see if the dog will go out with you.(there shouldnt be anybody else in the house)
4-Put his food out, if he doesnt eat for a long time put it back in. Make sure there is always water outside.
5-Get the dog some sort of a thing that moves that will make him want to follow it(like a remote-control car with lik fur on it ro something)
6-If he doesnt like to move much, he might have arithmatics, take him to the vet and check on him.
Good luck...