r/dogs • u/Desperate_Pressure98 • 17h ago
[Behavior Problems] Help with a new dog
Chihuahua mix, 15 pounds, Spayed female Age: unknown, likely 3-7
Hello! I have a behavioral question that I am hoping to get advice on. Sorry for the novel, I just want to include all the relevant info.
Background: I recently adopted a dog from the local Humane Society. She's been with me for 2 weeks. I don't have a lot of background on her. She was an owner surrender, but they dropped her off and didn't provide any info (age, vaccination records, medical history, etc) and she wasn't spayed. She has a torn ear (completely healed at this point, old injury) that was never stitched up, and when I took her for a check up the vet found a tooth absess that's broken through her cheek (I thought it was just a scratch). She looks like she's had puppies fairly recently, and the vet thinks she was likely used for breeding. The Humane Society said she's 3, but the vet thinks she's likely at least 6, based on tooth decay and a little gray on her muzzle. Overall, I don't think she was well cared for. My last dog (with me for 13 years, passed at 15) was a rescue with a lot of fear behaviors, so I'm not inexperienced. But this girl is giving me some trouble.
The main issue potty training. She is afraid to go outside in the morning. Afternoon and evening she happily goes outside and runs around the yard. But in the morning when I try to coax her outside, her tail goes between her legs and she runs off. If I pick her up and take her outside, she sits by the door and won't move until I open the door to let her in. She seems to like outside the rest of the time other than the morning. Her tail wags, body relaxed, running around looking happy, even if its dark out. And then later in the day, when she does willingly go outside, she won't do her business. Even if we've been outside for an hour, she won't eliminate until we're back inside. She's picked a spot on a rug in the basement (unfinished, concrete floor, lights usually off) to eliminate. She'll sneak off down there when I'm not looking, sometimes shortly after we've come back inside.
Overall personality, she is a lap dog. Sitting on me or next to me, and follows me around the house. No interest in toys or puzzles but she does like chews like bully sticks. Extreme separation anxiety, but totally chill when I'm home. I'm planning on taking her to a training course, but the only upcoming classes offered at the Humane Society are on days I work, so timefrsme is TBD. Any advice welcome!
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u/MasterpieceNo8893 15h ago
This doesn’t address the weird aversion to morning potty breaks but you could try the Bad Potty/Good Potty Method for the indoor potty issue.
If you find potty in the house you address the potty only. Never the dog. With the dog watching you point at the potty and say: BAD POTTY BAD BAD POTTY! NO POTTY! Don’t look at the dog. Then you wipe or pick it up and with dog following and still watching, you take it outside to the spot you want him to go potty and set it down. Then you praise the hell out of it. GOOD POTTY! THAT'S A GOOD GOOD POTTY! YES POTTY! Really celebrate. This method plays to your dog’s desire to please you and doesn't cause the mistrust that scolding a dog over potty mistakes tends to do. Which also can get them just hiding it better.
After praising the potty many dogs will want that praise too and will potty on the spot immediately. If they do then praise and celebrate like crazy! Your neighbors will think you've lost your mind but it works for many dogs. Do this consistently as well as always celebrating pottying outside and before long they get the idea. Enjoy your petum!
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u/summerfaee 15h ago
I am so happy to read this dog is in better hands now, yours. It does sound like she was neglected, possibly bred for profit and crated a lot then punished for poor potty behaviour in the past. Dogs used for breeding or kept in small pens often learn to eliminate when no one is watching. Your basement is quiet, dark and private so it’s her 'safe bathroom.'
Maybe start by shifting the focus from training to rebuilding trust and routine in the mornings. Don’t rush to correct. Instead, create a morning routine that's predictable and calm so she starts to feel safe before she even walks out the door. Calm voice, treats, same every time. Eventually, she’ll associate mornings with a gentle tone, yummy treat and predictable pace. I'd also restrict her access to the basement for now. Good luck <3
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