Dog afraid to go outside now

Question
We are really in need of help.  Our 5 year old mini dachshund has always been a nervous dog.  Well, we recently fenced in our backyard because she and the other mini doxie were going into the street and neighbor's yards and we need to keep them contained.  We installed a dog door so the dogs could come and go outside as they pleased.  Well since we put the dog door in, she is so scared to go near it.  If you tell her to go outside, she rolls over and starts peeing all over herself.  She hasn't actually gone through the door at all so there's no way she's gotten hurt.  We tried putting hot dogs and other treats near the door so she'd try it but she doesn't even want to go near it at all.  She won't even go outside if I prop open the entire screen door.  We have to carry her outside for her to go to the bathroom.  We don't know what to do about her now - we obviously can't have her inside 24-7 and definitely can't have her peeing all over the place as we have a small child who crawls on the floor.  Any help is GREATLY appreciated.  Thanks :)

Answer

Dogasaur.com Since the hot dogs didn't work, try putting your Doxie on a long leash attached to her buckle collar. Run the leash through the dog door so you are outside and she is inside. Have a friend hold the door flap open so Doxie can see you through the exercise. Call her name, in a happy, encouraging tone, and start reeling her towards you. Even if she brakes, continue pulling her towards you, pulling her through the door even if she doesn't come willingly. As soon as she comes through, throw a mini-party and offer her an irresistable A+ treat. Repeat again and again, until she gets the idea. You should also be walking her outside to show her the ideal toileting spot. The more leash walking, the better it will make it clear in her mind.

Some dogs need a little push through the fear barrier in order to be shown that they CAN accomplish a certain task. Good luck...

Josh Abrams
Founder
www.dogasaur.com

P.S. There are indoor toileting product options available (i.e. fake grass, etc.) but those should really be used as a last resort.