Potty training on leash

Question
Hello,
I recently rescued a 9 month old chow/golden retriever mix two days ago from an animal shelter. She was a stray when the shelter took her in. She has been a good dog and has not gone potty in the house which is great, but she has yet to go potty when on a leash outside. She has only gone potty a couple times when she was off the leash in a fenced backyard.

Unfortunately, I am not always able to let her off the leash in a fenced yard. I have designated a spot for her to go potty and have been trying to train her to go in the spot while on the leash (staying in spot for five-ten minutes and then going back inside when she doesn't go).  

I have taken her for walks to try and get her to go potty and she has yet to go when on the leash. Getting a little worried that she hasn't gone potty for a while now. Any suggestions.

Thanks, Chris

Answer
I would be concerned that the intestinal tract isn't working properly. I wouold first get a vet to check that the organs are working properly.  Aside form that, lack of water, excess bulk in food (excess fiber) and foreign object blockages are at the head of the list.

The dog can go a few days but eventually what goes in must come out. There are also OTC dog laxatives to get things going.  The dog could be under high stress that would shut down or slow body processes. You didn't mention how the dog is eating. If intake is normal, the outflow should follow 2-3 days later. If intake is low, then the dogs system is already full. Dogs that have not been on a good diet can develop many issues in digestion, chemical imbalances, parasites, worms, and other health concerns.

So before I tried any further potty training, I would get a good vet exam to make sure the dog is healthy.

Regards,
Henry Ruhwiedel
Westwind Kennels LLC
www.dogkennel.org