shy dog

Question
Hi,

I just wondered if you could help me with some advice regarding our one and a half year old Northern Inuit dog Lily.  We have tried many methods to get her to poop outside, but she just won't do it in front of us.  When we first got her as a puppy, we tried the usual method of moving newspaper near the front door and then letting her out on a long leash, but this didn't work.  She will wee and mark her territory on walks now, and has pooed twice in front of Jane, but otherwise all poops happen in our house (a large flat with no garden!).  We are desperate to resolve this problem as otherwise she is perfect, but we are sick of having to clean up and the smells!  It is frustrating as when we have her at other people's houses who have gardens, she will go out to poop and asks us to go, but never in front of anyone.  How do we stop her shyness so that she will go in front of us on walks and stop her going inside the house?

Any help would be much appreciated!
Thanks,
Rob & Jane

Answer
Hi, Rob and Jane!

I have a few suggestions for you.  First, be sure to thoroughly clean and neutralize any areas where Lily has pooped in the house.  Do not used ammonia based cleaners.  Dogs have a very keen sense of smell, and can tell where they or any other dog has pottied unless you take special care to neutralize. You may use a 50/50 solution of vinegar and water or you may purchase a neutralizer at the pet store.  You may also wish to use a repellent in any area she seems to prefer inside the house.  You may use a pungent fragrance or buy a repellent at the pet store.  Then, when you take Lily for walks, stay outside with her as long as it takes.  Take her to the same spot.  You may even place some of her poop at the spot where you want her to go.  This may require even taking a book and just sitting there for 30 minutes or so.  Of course, try to do this when you know she will need to poop soon.  Perhaps if you occupy yourself with a book or something else, Lily will see that you are not paying her much attention and she may be more relaxed to go.  Good luck!