[kisses3283]

I have a 9 month old apbt. Ever since I got her she's been afraid to go outside. When I put on her harness and leash she shakes. I read ignoring that lets her know its not acceptable to be scared to go out, so that's what I do. I don't have a problem with her peeing. Just pooping outside. Either if its during the day she is to worried about everything else going on or at night time she just wants to go back inside. Nothing I am doing to train her is working. She don't poop inside the house though. She waits and waits until she can't anymore. And I have to make her go outside to go cause I know she has to. I give her treats and more love then I can tell you lol but she's being really stubborn. She just started holding it in the last two weeks. So I know her schedule... she's just not going. Any suggestions

[Lucky098]

She hasn't pooped in two weeks? If so, she needs to see the vet.. That's not normal.

As far as her fear, you're just going to have to take her EVERYWHERE.. Take her to the store, gas station, drive around, walk around.. If she bawks, or doesn't want to, MAKE HER! She needs to get over her shyness.. and sometimes the suttle ways don't work. Do you have other dogs? Or friends with dogs? If so, include her in these "pack" outtings.

Do you know her history? She sounds traumatized. Give her a boost of confidence by finding something she is somewhat interested in and reward her for it. If she doesn't like treats, reward with your voice and your upbeat attitude. If you act like you need to feel sorry for this dog for whatever reason, she is going to pick up on that and act the way she is. Treat her like any other dog. Pet her, give her food, if your household is loud, continue to be loud. Ignore her shy behavior and reward her when she comes out of her shell.

Its not going to happen over night, it could take months to a year for her to turn around.

Put her outside if you can, alone. She will have no choice but to snoop around. If you have kids, have your kids go out and play, ignoring her. She will naturally want to participate. If you don't have kids, go outside and work in the yard, or hang out in the yard. Same results, she will want to naturally participate with her packs activities.

[southamerica]

My pup has anxiety issues as well when it comes to pooping. He hasn't ever gone two weeks without pooping though, and I agree with Lucky that you need to get to a vet if that's the case.

One thing that's really helped me is feeding my dog before I take him out. Before I would take him out right when I woke up and right when I got home from work and it would take him forever to go if he went at all. When I feed him before going out he goes #1 and #2 right away. Maybe that will help you.

[Cat1864]

It sounds like the pup has not been holding it in for two weeks. Just that she doesn't go until she can't hold it any more.

Remember that anything you try or do to get her to change starts with you. You have to confident in what you want her to do. If she picks up that you are nervous or scared, she will be too.

Um, I am going to have to disagree with Lucky a little bit.

Be very careful that you don't allow her to become so scared she strikes out in fear. A dog who growls or snaps out of fear is a major disaster waiting to happen.

Forcing her to 'face her fear' may have very unintended consequences.

Also, do not take her anywhere that you cannot take her inside with you. No matter how nice you think the weather is the inside of a car or being tied out front of a store are not safe places for her.

DO NOT allow children to play or work with her unsupervised inside the house or outside. If there are children, DO NOT allow them to crowd her and make her more apprehensive. It won't help her and it might end up with damage to someone.

Do you have a yard or does she have to go on walks to use the bathroom?

*Does she react to the harness or the leash or both together?
*Have you tried putting it on her in the house when you aren't planning to take her outside so that she learns that the harness and leash aren't negative things?
*Have you been working with her on obedience commands-sit, lay, down, off, leave it, etc. If you have then use them to get her attention on you and not her surroundings.
*Don't walk in a straight line. Every little bit turn around or change direction so that she has to pay attention to you.
*When she is doing what you want give her praise and treats.
*If she likes squeaky toys, use one to get her attention as you walk.

How public is the area where she is allowed to potty? Is there a more secluded area that she might feel more secure defecating in? Think about it, would you want to go to the bathroom where you think everyone can see what you are doing?

It sounds like you care a lot about her already. Be patient and understanding and she will respond.

Good luck with and Congratulations on the new family member.