Our dog doesnt want to go on the grass anymore

Question
Hi, good afternoon, we got a puppy in July and brought her home. We trained her to do her things in the back garden and recently she seems like if she has scared of the grass or something as she has started to do her things on the deck instead. We threw some of her toys to the grass area the other day as well to see if she would step on the grass to get them, and she didn't. The toys are still there. Why does she not want to go on the grass if she was doing it before with no problems? We are a bit puzzled to be honest... Thanks a lot for your help in advance. Noelia. Oh, she is a mix between a labrador and a springer spanniel, she is 5 months and she has been spayed.

Answer
Thanks for your question, Noelia. it's in interesting problem, for sure! I wonder if something may have frightened her outside and she's afraid to go back there. Try taking her to a grassy area outside your yard. Do you have a park nearby that you can walk to? If she's comfortable walking on grass there, you can probably assume that it's YOUR back garden that she's afraid of.  

If you have a nice day, take a blanket and her favorite treats and toys and go and sit in the garden as far away from the house as you can. Make her walk across the yard to get to you. When she does, reward her with treats, praise and a toy to chase. If you have someone that can help you, have them stand on the deck and call her back and forth and reward her with a very high value treat.

Let me know if this helps!