Ask Me Help Desk - Adopted dog will not go to the bathroom

I just adopted a obese Maltese. I am working on getting his weight down. He is not eating right now and drinking a minimal amount. Anyway he is not going to the bathroom at all. I walked him three times yesterday and had him have access to outside for a couple hours. When I came home last night he had peed on a carpet mat. I then rubbed his nose and took him outside. He did not go again. And did not go at all this morning or all day. What do I do?
Do you think the adjustment is making this hard for him?

Also any tips for obesity besides cutting down food intake and walks?? He was fed people food from his pervious owner who was poor.

I live in an apartment with the a patio being the only outside.

First of all I do not agree with rubbing his nose in it. You are new to him and are only making him fearfull of you. Shame on you. Secondly you should have realized your living situation is not ideal for dog ownership. May I suggest you purchase wewe [ads and place them on your patio. It has a scent on them that will make it eaiser for them to pee.

Quote:

Originally Posted by azg5009

I just adopted a obese Maltese. I am working on getting his weight down. He is not eating right now and drinking a minimal amount. Anyway he is not going to the bathroom at all. I walked him three times yesterday and had him have access to outside for a couple hours. When I came home last night he had peed on a carpet mat. I then rubbed his nose and took him outside. He did not go again. And did not go at all this morning or all day. What do I do??
Do you think the adjustment is making this hard for him?

Also any tips for obesity besides cutting down food intake and walks??? He was fed people food from his pervious owner who was poor.

I am rather horrified that you rubbed his nose in his own pee - I didn't know anyone still thought that was a good idea. You are running the risk that he will never, ever trust you. Trust that isn't how you potty trained your children.

You said you "just" adopted him. Give him a chance to get adjusted. Did you get him through a rescue group?

What does your Vet say about diet? Some of the low cal dog foods are very good but, like people, you can't just drastically cut his intake.

Maybe I should explain... I did not literally rub his nose in it. I put him next to it he already knew what he did, so he looked at it and I said "no we go outside" then took him outside. That is my definition of rubbing nose in it maybe I should not have explained it that way. You think I want a dog with pee on its nose?
Also, my apartment is fairly large so the living situation is not small or cramped for a small dog. There are many apartment renters who own dogs bigger than mine and it works out.

He is going to the bathroom outside now. Still not eating but eats when hand fed. His previous owner treated him like a baby and fed him people food, hence why his weight is extreme. So I may have to teach him to eat out of a bowl. Not really sure how to go about that. The rescue group told me his weight should come down. I have Natures Balance reduced calorie dog food but like I said its just been sitting in his dish. The trainer told me the amount to give him and I have. Just not being eaten.

Quote:

Originally Posted by azg5009

Maybe I should explain...I did not literally rub his nose in it. I put him next to it he already knew what he did, so he looked at it and I said "no we go outside" then took him outside. That is my definition of rubbing nose in it maybe I should not have explained it that way. You think I want a dog with pee on its nose?
Also, my apartment is fairly large so the living situation is not small or cramped for a small dog. There are many apartment renters who own dogs bigger than mine and it works out.

He is going to the bathroom outside now. Still not eating but eats when hand fed. His previous owner treated him like a baby and fed him people food, hence why his weight is extreme. So I may have to teach him to eat out of a bowl. Not really sure how to go about that. The rescue group told me his weight should come down. I have Natures Balance reduced calorie dog food but like I said its just been sitting in his dish. The trainer told me the amount to give him and I have. Just not being eaten.

I don't know if you want a dog with pee on its nose. I simply responded to what you wrote: "I then rubbed his nose and took him outside. " I don't think the comments were out of line after reading that statement because no one knew that isn't what you meant.

As far as getting him to eat - have you tried mixing what he has eaten, what he likes, with Natures Balance and then gradually reducing the proportions?