[rbgrn]

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?

 

[rbgrn]

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.

 

[rbgrn]

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!