Just adopted a timid border collie - she doesn't want to go potty outside...

2655 Views 5 Replies 3 Participants Last post by TxRider, May 20, 2009

rbgrn

Discussion Starter · May 20, 2009

Yesterday I adopted Belle, a small (28 pounds), 15 month old, loving purebred border collie who was raised on a farm and possibly treated poorly. She's very timid and seems to be afraid of doing anything at all in front of people. I think she's gotten used to the idea that if she wants to do something (chew on a toy, go potty, etc) she has to sneak it.

I'm trying to give her tons of encouragement to play, chew on toys and run around in the back yard but she mostly wants to stick close by me and lay down.

I got her home yesterday and immediately let her out, but she didn't go. She went once on the rug quickly last night when I couldn't see her. Of course I didn't scold or do anything but try to clean it up quick and descent the spot. I caught her squatting this morning so I quickly scooped her up and brought her outside. She simply wouldn't go. Later she looked like she was getting poised to poop on the floor, so again I quickly scooped her up, set her out in the back yard and let her know that I totally approve of whatever she is doing. She wouldn't go.

I then took her and my other dog on a long walk, thinking that the walk outta get things moving and then she can go during or after. Still nothing.

I think she's afraid to go outside because I'm standing there. She seems sneaky so I'm afraid that if I'm not out with her in the back yard, she may find a way to escape. Does anyone have any advice?

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FourIsCompany

· #2 · May 20, 2009

Do you have her on a lead outside or is it a fenced yard? If you have a fence, leave her out there for a while and watch her through the window. If there isn't a fence, put her on a long lead (or rope) and let her find some privacy behind a bush or something when you take her out.

Sometimes it takes a few days for dogs to get comfortable enough to go potty. I wouldn't worry about playing games or anything yet. Let her get a little more at ease. In any case, give her some time.

Sounds like she wasn't house trained before? Does she have a crate? Sometimes a dog sill feel safer in a crate.

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rbgrn

Discussion Starter · #3 · May 20, 2009

It is a fenced yard but being the border collie that she is, I'm worried she may try to jump it as it's only 4 feet high. I suppose I could let her out and try to watch through the screen door. I do feel bad for her because she went from being on a farm to being fostered to being with me. I'm glad that she will have someone reliable to depend on from now on, though.

I'll try giving her a little "privacy" to see if that helps her along. I also picked up an appropriate sized crate for her today and will be setting that up for bed time tonight so that she doesn't have any more night time accidents. She slept well for most of the night but was restless for about an hour last night when it happened.

The foster family said that they were "working" on house training her. I'm not sure how close she is yet.

Thanks for your advice.

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FourIsCompany

· #4 · May 20, 2009

rbgrn said:
I'm glad that she will have someone reliable to depend on from now on, though.

Me, too.

IT may take time for this girl to get to know that she can rely on you, though. I think patience and time might be the only answer here.

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rbgrn

Discussion Starter · #5 · May 20, 2009

FourIsCompany said:
Me, too. IT may take time for this girl to get to know that she can rely on you, though. I think patience and time might be the only answer here.

Those are wise words. I'm glad I have an ample supply of both!

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TxRider

· #6 · May 20, 2009

First thing I would do is just go out and sit with her, for an hour or three if that's what it takes. Give her some treats, pet, and just sit and hang out and see what she does in time. Sounds like she's still pretty stressed out and needs to relax outside.

My rescue GSD won't stay outside without me there, much less potty if I'm not out there yet with her and it's been a month and a half. I just go sit in a lawn chair and wait her out, and repeat what I want to be her cue to go potty when she finally goes to start circling for a spot.

I picked her up early AM and she didnt go the first day either, luckily I'm a light sleeper and woke up at 4am when she got restless and was able to go out with her and she went on the morning of day 2.

Sounds like you just need patience.

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