Basset Hound Puppy Mill Rescue Fearful of Husband and Wont Budge

Question
Hello!  Our family just adopted a 5 year old basset from a rescue organization
just 3 days ago.  She is a sweet and gentle dog, and we have instantly become
smitten with her!  Believe it or not, she's even house broken - this happened
when she was kenneled before she was fostered.  She hasn't had an accident
in the house! However, I am sure that tonight, this will change; here's our
dilemma:

Let me tell you about Georgia -- she is good with my daughters and me, but
(surprise!) she is afraid of my husband, and apparently all men that resemble
him in stature.  We're working on that issue, and we know that it will take
some time.  However, the urgent issue is that  when I take Georgia for a walk
at night, she will not come back into the house.  We have this problem every
time we go out, but it is even worse at night.  In fact, tonight she planted
herself firmly at the bottom of the steps  of my house (there are only 2 steps).  
As I was trying to get her back in the house, I tried to pull her, and her collar
slipped off and I had to bolt to catch her.  Thank goodness she's not that fast.

Georgia wears a collar -- not a harness. Now I know that I should be using
treats and rewards for good behavior, but our problem is that well, she's not
interested in treats! I always thought that bassets were food motivated, but
she could care less. Because we have been giving her so much affection for
coming (when she responds), potty, etc., she does not seem to respond in
this instance.   Tonight, after trying to coax her back down the street to my
house for about 45 minutes (it was getting later and we live near the woods) I
finally sucked it up, and reluctantly and carefully carried all 50 pounds of her
home. She didn't struggle in the least, but gently lay in my arms like dead
weight. Ultimately, after all of that tonight, she never did go potty (the last
time she went was at around 3 PM).  However,  but I finally got her in the
house, I couldn't take her out again for fear of this problem again! I'm afraid
that since she is afraid, she could possibly bite.  She hasn't shown any signs
of aggression, but I know that a fearful dog is a dangerous dog.

Finally - I do know that I should not pull her collar to get her in the house.
So....what can I do? I give her lots of praise and pet her  when she listens to
"come", but once she digs in, short of picking her up, I can't get her to
budge.  Help!

Thank you!

Answer
Hello Katherine,

It sounds like you've been reading too many dog training books -:).

As you've discovered, ALL dogs don't respond to treats and praise regardless of what the books may say.

You have a real world problem in that you obviously need to be able to take your bassett out and bring her back into your home. The answer is to physically drag her by the leash and collar where you want her to go. If need be, you should use a prong collar to accomplish this. It is simply ridiculous for you to carry a 50 pound dog.

From a behavioral standpoint, you will offer Georgia a clear choice. Either walk or be dragged. Once Georgia understands her choices, she will walk. Further, it is important that you establish that following your commands is not optional. You are not being "cruel" by compelling your dog to obey you. In fact, her realization that she has a strong leader will be the foundation of overcoming her fearfulness.

Good Luck!

Sandy