House training when they have been used to a doggie door

Question
I have a dear friend who just adopted a 2 and 1/2 yr. old chihuahua from a lady that had her in foster care.  The lady did have a doggie door and other dogs in her care.  There are several different problems my friend is dealing with.  One-Annie won't go to the bathroom outside when she takes her out, she chooses to do it just as soon as she is back inside.  I know it doesn't help that she does not hav e a doggie door and is probably confused.  Two, she runs from my friend and gets under the coffee table and won't come out.  Annie lets Mrs. Davenport pet her a little bit then runs from her like she is scared.  I don't understand because she rode on her chest all the way home after she got her this past Saturday.  She won't eat or drink unless the food is fed to her by hand and she knows where the food bowl is.  I feel bad for my friend, I hope I haven't mis directed her in adopting this animal.  I just wonder if she is having a hard time adjusting because there are no animals around.  Mrs. D. wants to be able to hold her in her lap and let Annie be able to sleep with her.  She is usuing the bathroom in different parts of the house and I just don't know what to tell her. I've adopted three animals from the shelter my self and have never had that problem.  Please help!

Answer
Most rescue dogs require some time to adjust to a new home. If the foster home hasn't already done so, I'd crate train her, and make the crate a comfortable safe place to go. When letting her out, immediately take her outside. If she doesn't potty in 5 minutes, back in the crate for 5 minutes and try again, until she potties outside. Then she gets to hang out and play in a limited area of the house. Get baby gates, shut doors, so Annie can always be supervised and taken out if she starts to sniff or circle. Mrs. Davenport may even want to tether her to her, so she always knows where Annie is. It's also a great bonding exercise. Annie should be taken out on a schedule. And everything should be done in a routine so she learns what to expect. Mrs. D may even want to keep a potty journal to help her recognize Annie's "trends."

I'd also avoid trying too much cuddling and picking up until the little dog is more comfortable with the situation. Let her make the decisions to interact, and then don't pet a lot. Leave her wanting more instead of feeling overwhelmed. The cuddling can come later.
Mrs. D might want to leave a length of shoestring or clothesline dragging when she is able to supervise, so she doesn't have to grab Annie to catch her, and also turn a little sideways so she's not leaning over Annie - which is very intimidating to a lot of little dogs. For the food issue, if Annie is in good health and good weight, I would recommend this protocol: http://dragonflyllama.com/%20DOGS/Writing/TeachEat.html Remind Mrs. D that these things can take time, but be very rewarding once the dog actually realizes she is "home." I wish your friend lots of luck and a rewarding life with this pup. Sandy Case M.Ed., CPDT www.positivelycanine.com