Sign in or 
Location: Dogs & Dog Rescue Discussion Forum
Discussion: Help! We just moved to the city and my dog refuses to walk or potty
Category:
Discussion Forum /
Dog Training
Share this|
psugirl28 |
Help! We just moved to the city and my dog refuses to walk or potty
Aug 3 2009, 3:24 PM EDT
I just moved to the city from suburban PA and my 10mo. old puppy is absolutley terrified. She begs to go out but as soon as we go outside (that's if we even make it out the door) shes running back up the stairs or sits on the pavement refusing to move. I have tried carrying her to grassy patches but I can't carry her to the park every time she needs to potty. What can I do?
Do you find this valuable?
|
meyati |
1. RE: Help! We just moved to the city and my dog refuses to walk or potty
Aug 4 2009, 10:18 AM EDT
| Post edited: Aug 4 2009, 10:29 AM EDT
Do you walk with traffic coming toward you or approaching from your rear? If you face the traffic, some dogs don't seem so scared-so try finding out which gives your dog less fear. If traffic comes from behind-dogs also get sprayed in the face with dust, rain water-whatever. When working with dogs-I find it beneficial to sit them down and talk to them when busses go by. Another thing is for you to give a quick jerk on the leash to make your dog pay attention to you or to touch it's hindquartes-side with your foot- not a kick-but a soft touch-focus the dog on you. Try to relax as your dog is probably feeling your frustration, which makes it more nervous. Do you have a partner or friend that can help you? On the dog whiperer and me or the dog, in extreme situations they have someone to walk behind the dog-they can sort of poke it so it moves forward. You also can use a treat., then it gets moving-you can hold one in your hand-not letting the dog eat it, but follow it. I know that you might not look dignified, but you might make friends while doing this. You didn't say what type of dog you have-which would help us to give you advice. Do you give it treats-snackies to help it feel it's a good experience? I think that I'd give the dog a Kong- durable rubber with a cavity in it to fill with peanut butter-at home-make sure that your dog likes it. After your dog goes poop-give your dog the kong-the dog will start thinking of the walk and park as a positive place- just relax and let the dog clean the kong out- walk it around the park-give a treat and go home. My hounds were feral and terrified of vehicles. They cried-bayed and tried to drag me into bushes. When we first walked along a main drag-we're 2 blocks away-they had diarherria while moving-I had to keep them moving.
Do you find this valuable?
|
|
meyati |
2. RE: Help! We just moved to the city and my dog refuses to walk or potty
Aug 4 2009, 10:35 AM EDT
There isn't any sense in getting mad or frustrated-little kids can be scared of strange vehicles. My brother froze in the middle of a Los Angeles street, staring at a steam roller that was moving toward us at an eighth of a mile an hour. He was screaming that it was going to get him. A construction worker picked him up and carriied him across the street. everyone was laughing their heads off. He grew up to be a Marine Officer-so there's hope- get back to us and let us know- Since you do carry the dog-maybe you should take it a few blocks away and get it walking from a different way. I'd invest in some private training-one or 2 sessions would probaly do the trick.
1
out of
1 found this valuable.
Do you?
|
|
clarakelp |
3. RE: Help! We just moved to the city and my dog refuses to walk or potty
Aug 4 2009, 11:52 AM EDT
I think Meyati gave you good advice. Can you imagine how your doggie feels? Some animals when they first see snow get stressed. It is new to them. Your dog's world has been changed. if there are grassy patches near the door you need to go with her many times to get her to go thetr. You may not be able to just open the door like you did in the suburbs. Things have changed for you also. It is not the same life in this respect for you both.
1
out of
1 found this valuable.
Do you?
|
afghanhound911 |
4. RE: Help! We just moved to the city and my dog refuses to walk or potty
Aug 4 2009, 12:06 PM EDT
How and where did your puppy relieve herself at your previous residence? Chances are that your puppy needs to relearn or learn how to releive herself while walking on a leash. First of all, remember that she is still a puppy and it will take time & patience from you but this is definately doable. You will need to spend 1 or tow days giving her your undivided attention. The minute she wakes up in the AM (even if it is 2:00 AM) greet her, put on her leash and take her to the quietest place you can find (even if you have to drive to a small grassy area, a business complex, church, etc) and walk her, walk her, walk her all the while giving her the comand, "go potty" (or whatever term you use). Use a calm, upbeat voice. Once she takes care of business, give her a treat & lots of praise and immediately return home. Once she eats and plays, she will nap. Once again, when she wakes up, do the same as the AM. It is Important to take her to the same location so that she will pick up her scent and remark "her territory". If you are leaving her home and crated while you are out, the VERY first thing you do when arriving home is to go to her crate, greet her and take her outside to take care of business. Since she is a puppy this will take a few times. Be patient, she will come around. Remember she no longer has the safety & privacy of her own backyard. I suggest using a "High Value" treat or one that she receives ONLY when she has done what you ask of her during your taining lessons. We use either a freeze dried liver or there is a log made by Natural Balance that the dogs go nuts over. Best of luck! Afghan Hound Rescue of California 2 out of 2 found this valuable. Do you? |
gina1326 |
5. RE: Help! We just moved to the city and my dog refuses to walk or potty
Aug 4 2009, 12:52 PM EDT
Hi, I also think Meyati's advice was great. But in addition, maybe try making a trail of really, really yummy treats to where you want the dog to go. Carry a towel or something to block the dogs view. Or if possible, park your car in front of the building. Also, don't be afraid to get dirty. Get down on the ground with the dog. Get on your hands and knees and play with the dog. Put your face down in your hands and make him find you. If he whines or makes any weird noises, mock him in a playful way, then maybe he'll wonder what the heck is wrong with YOU and not be so aware of his surroundings. I experiment with all kind of crazy methods of training and such. Try making INDOORS (temporarily) more unpleasant than outdoors. How? I dunno, be creative!!
1
out of
1 found this valuable.
Do you?
|
|
gina1326 |
6. RE: Help! We just moved to the city and my dog refuses to walk or potty
Aug 4 2009, 12:56 PM EDT
After re-reading your post, I noticed you said she sits on the pavement and won't move. Try wetting the pavement or spraying something(non-toxic , of course) to make the pavement an unpleasant place to be. I also have a great idea for potty training toddlers!
1
out of
1 found this valuable.
Do you?
|
conexxions3 |
7. RE: Help! We just moved to the city and my dog refuses to walk or potty
Aug 4 2009, 2:10 PM EDT
"I just moved to the city from suburban PA and my 10mo. old puppy is absolutley terrified. She begs to go out but as soon as we go outside (that's if we even make it out the door) shes running back up the stairs or sits on the pavement refusing to move. I have tried carrying her to grassy patches but I can't carry her to the park every time she needs to potty. What can I do?"Dogs are creatures of habit and of routines. You have to introduce this new routine to her in a way its not going to scare her. Associating the outide with something good is the key. Right now for her - its loud, disorienting and strange. The treats are a good idea, positive reinforcement works pretty good with puppies. Carrying her part the way and then setting her down and moving her a little by placing your hands on her sides and then saying "GOOD GIRL!" ...give a treat.. and then coax a little more distance if you can. Pretty soon the noise will be normal to her. Just a thought.. hope it helps. God Bless. 1 out of 1 found this valuable. Do you? |
|
snoopybug |
8. RE: Help! We just moved to the city and my dog refuses to walk or potty
Aug 4 2009, 3:24 PM EDT
Hello! I had a similar problem before. I had to have doggie adjust to the noise. What I did was to first entice him to go on peepee pads indoors with those puppy training spray which scents the pad so they know where to go. In the mean time, I have the windows open so he gets used to the noise. Then I would just put peepee pads in the balcony as well so he feels ok to eliminate somewhat outdoors...just slow progression to finally outdoors.I also take him to doggie daycare a couple times a week during the adjustment period. As for exercise, since we have a treadmill at home, I just walk him on the treadmill. Yep, with leash and all on the treadmill! :) Hope this helps. 2 out of 2 found this valuable. Do you? |
|
conexxions3 |
9. RE: Help! We just moved to the city and my dog refuses to walk or potty
Aug 4 2009, 4:05 PM EDT
"Hello! I had a similar problem before. I had to have doggie adjust to the noise. What I did was to first entice him to go on peepee pads indoors with those puppy training spray which scents the pad so they know where to go. In the mean time, I have the windows open so he gets used to the noise. Then I would just put peepee pads in the balcony as well so he feels ok to eliminate somewhat outdoors...just slow progression to finally outdoors.AWESOME Idea! 2 out of 2 found this valuable. Do you? |
Kendee |
10. RE: Help! We just moved to the city and my dog refuses to walk or potty
Aug 4 2009, 6:42 PM EDT
"I just moved to the city from suburban PA and my 10mo. old puppy is absolutley terrified. She begs to go out but as soon as we go outside (that's if we even make it out the door) shes running back up the stairs or sits on the pavement refusing to move. I have tried carrying her to grassy patches but I can't carry her to the park every time she needs to potty. What can I do?"Since yours is still a pup, try giving a stick,with something in the mouth,distraction sometimes works.....then proceed to teach fetch....puppies love to chase....everytime i give my Lily her stick she knows we're playin' or pottying.....she loves that stick and rarely even puts it down to potty.....hope this helps. 2 out of 3 found this valuable. Do you? |
|
meyati |
11. RE: Help! We just moved to the city and my dog refuses to walk or potty
Aug 5 2009, 1:53 PM EDT
| Post edited: Aug 5 2009, 2:02 PM EDT
That's a good idea-does your dog fetch? A method of starting them is chewy tasty something-basted raw hide bone or something-Kongs are hard to get in a dog's mouth too smooth, so they aren't good for fetch- but good for a relaxing treat. Let your pup get attached to the tasty rawhide-whatever. When you go to the park- you can wave it in front of it's face a little and toss it a few inches away from her-say "get it "and let her go to it. With the stress-you just might want to praise her and let her play with it. Don't let it become food aggression. A rawhide bone even gets Missy's attention and she thinks fetch is the stupidest thing in the world-unless she's fetching a mountain lion. Most of all-pick out the advice that seems to suit you and your dog. Whatever advice you choose-and you'll probaly mix and match-give it time to work. I'm presuming that you might not have wheels available-as in some cities-cars are parked a block or so away or have decent city transportation, where wheels aren't neccessary. let us know how it goes-okay? Do you find this valuable? |
HelpfulBuckeye |
12. RE: Help! We just moved to the city and my dog refuses to walk or potty
Aug 6 2009, 6:15 AM EDT
Meyati suggested I read your posted question in case I might be able to give you some suggestions. I am a retired veterinarian and I write a weekly blog called Questions On Dogs and Cats. When you say you "just moved" to the city, how long ago was that? Days, weeks, or a couple of months? When you were in suburbia, was your puppy kept indoors or outdoors? If it was outdoors, was it confined or did it run loose? Is this a large breed puppy or a small breed? Are there other pets in the household? Where are you keeping her now that you are in the city? Always indoors or sometimes in a fenced yard? In addition to the change of moving, have there been any other changes for her, such as type of food? Has she been diagnosed recently with any type of medical problem? Until I hear your responses, I can only surmise a few things about your situation. Unless she is a small breed, a 10-month old puppy is still growing and maturing and they will have some adjustments to make even if they stay in one location. You have compounded that by changing her location. If a puppy is healthy, they will usually learn by repetition, repetition, and repetition. You also need to reward the desired behavior, while trying not to show your frustration with the undesirable. Patience on your part is also a big key. Some dogs, like some people, just don't learn very fast. If you post some answers to my questions, perhaps I can offer some advice that will help you.Helpful Buckeye www.questionsondogsandcats.blogspot.com dogcatvethelp@gmail.com 1 out of 1 found this valuable. Do you? |
|
capaccion@state.pa.u |
13. RE: Help! We just moved to the city and my dog refuses to walk or potty
Aug 6 2009, 2:31 PM EDT
Do you have a place that you can actually potty train her again until she will go outside to go potty again? The reason I'm asking this is because we have a little terrier who because we never had her spayed and we have a male who wasn't neutered in the house, she stays in our bedroom (she goes outside in the yard most of the time in a fenced in yard) but when we can't take her outside (like in the middle of the night) I have what is called pee pads put down on a plastic tray in our bedroom where she does her business. She is pretty good about going right on the pad (they have the smell of pee on them from the manufacturer of them). Maybe that would work for a while until she relaxes and will go outside for you.Jerilyn Capaccione 1 out of 1 found this valuable. Do you? |
Nexus_Inferno |
14. RE: Help! We just moved to the city and my dog refuses to walk or potty
Aug 10 2009, 11:54 AM EDT
"I just moved to the city from suburban PA and my 10mo. old puppy is absolutley terrified. She begs to go out but as soon as we go outside (that's if we even make it out the door) shes running back up the stairs or sits on the pavement refusing to move. I have tried carrying her to grassy patches but I can't carry her to the park every time she needs to potty. What can I do?"Sounds like your puppy is terrified of the traffic... Imagine getting to your front door only to find an entirely new world full of noise dust and huge scary things made of shiny metal. My Basset Hound Bailey originally came from the country, and we lived in the country for most of his life. I'm talking wide open fields, grass and rabbits as far as the eye can see, dirt roads and barely any cars. Then I moved out of home and took him with me into the city to get a job, I'm guessing Bailey was thinking he was in a weird remake of the Wizard of Oz because he couldn't even get out the front door. Talk about a culture shock! He'd been used to peeing on grass and trees all his life and then I was expecting him to go potty on cold hard pavement. Luckily being in Australia we're never too far from a tree or nice open grassy park so I was able to carry him to the footpath, block out the traffic by sitting next to him on the pavement and if there was a tuft of grass sticking up or a tree nearby he'd go. It took me alot longer to get him walking again though because he was scared of the cars, buses and trucks. So i used weekends and whatever time i did have like early in the morning when it was nice and quiet to take him for a walk when there weren't many cars or anything noisy around. He seemed to do fine when it was quiet and eventually i was able to leave it later and later until he didn't mind the traffic at all. 1 out of 1 found this valuable. Do you? |
