Timid

Question
QUESTION: I got a soft coated wheaton terrier 2 days ago from a breeder that did not socialize the dog. He was kept in a building with wire cages (with many other dogs of his breed) and only 1 person feeds them. He is 5 months old and was the only one of the litter not sold in the first three months and he is very timid. The first day he avoided all eye contact and does not come to me for treats etc.  He is not eating or drinking hardly at all (but he is very healthy) so he is also not eliminating much yet either.  I carry him outside because he doesn't lead yet and after he is out a bit he will wander around and play a bit not minding me following him with the leash loose but does not know to go potty outside yet. He has only gone once since I got him and of course that was right after we came inside and the phone rang and I turned my back.  He is in a large kennel by my bed at night. I believe that he will improve everyday but my question is:  Is it too soon to start taking him with me when I go places he can go or should he get comfortable at home first.  I am afraid that at 5 months this will be a difficult task and don't want to delay socialization, but don't want to push him either.  I have had shy dogs before and don't want to make the mistake I have made in the past of not socializing him.  Any helpful ideas will be appreciated.

ANSWER: I would take him with you but not every trip, and only to places that will be non-threatening.  Don't limit your trips to the vet only, and stay away from dog supplies stores for right now.  Walks in the park, new neighborhoods to walk in, dog parks but ONLY if they are empty or you are very familiar with the dogs/people there-so you can keep him in a safe environment for now.  Every experience he has that is non-threatening and nothing "bad" or "scary" happens will increase his confidence.  And the "bad" and "scary" is from HIS point of view-not yours.  What dogs perceive as scary is different than us.

Do not coddle him when he is being afraid, i.e. "its ok, you're ok" kind of talk.  You will be rewarding him for being afraid when there is no reason to be, and will dramatically increase his habit.  Do not let people pet him-my favorite line is "nope, sorry-he is in training".  Wait until his confidence level is up, and he is approaching others to investigate, and set up situations so when he does go to someone, they do not start interacting with him right away.  This takes a neutral and interesting situation, and makes it scary.  And decreases him chances of wanting to try that again.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: He is doing much better every day with his timidity.  He is almost a totally different dog now.  The huge problem I am having with him now is he refuses to go potty outside. I can have him outside on the leash for over an hour in the morning and he won't go.  I have never seen him go potty outside so I can't praise him (he won't eat treats I have tried 5 different kinds).  When he goes in the house I just pick him up and go outside with him on the leash but he just won't go and wants back in or just wants to play. It has been almost 2 weeks now and I am running out of ideas. Something has got to give here.  I don't want him thinking it is ok to go inside but I don't want to be mean to him, but I can't use positive reinforcement when he won't go potty outside! What can I do?

Answer
I am very glad to hear of the improvements!  Congratulations on your hard work!

For the housebreaking, it sounds as though you are not utilizing the crate to help with this.  If that is so try the schedule on my website with the timing being appropriate to his age-it is written for young pups.  An hour is too long to wait, and he needs to realize he does not get freedom unless he eliminates in the acceptable spot.

You may want to make a trip to the vet, as sometimes this is caused by a medical condition.  If for example he has a urinary tract infection and has experienced pain while urinating outside, he could be contributing the pain to the location.  He may be holding it until he is physically unable to anymore, and that turns out to be when he is inside.