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My dog refuses to go outside on his own. Any ideas?
My dog Rocket (a rescue mix, likely part Boarder) refuses to go outside without me or my husband going with him. We went through puppy class together, and beginner obedience, and he is very mindful. He will sit, stay, shake, high five and lie down and come when called with no problem and perfect attention -- EXCEPT for when it comes to going outside.
Even if I have a treat he just looks away.
We have a large fenced back yard and he loves to run around back there, but only if I go with him. In the mornings I know he has to "go" but he still refuses to go out on his own unless I "pretend" to be about to make him go out by reaching for his collar.
I know the reaching for his collar thing was a mistake, because it's like now he's waiting for it and won't go if I don't do it. It's just that some mornings I've been late for work and frustrated.
He just turned 1, so I know he can still learn -- but I need help!
I am starting him in Agility next week (he is a busy dog who loves to have stuff to do), and I want to make sure he fully minds me in a room full of other dogs. This not going out thing is bugging me.
I am only looking for tip and ideas from those who have experience training dogs.
Thanks in advance!
Rocket is "fixed" but I still LOL'ed at the person who said he needs female companionship. :-)
Anyway, we don't really have room in our small house at this point to get a second dog (I don't believe in keeping dogs outside all the time). We do have 2 cats, tho, and one is buddies with Rocket. The kitty doesn't go outside tho so that's not helpful in this case.
Thank you to everyone who at least attempted to offer a helpful answer.
7 Answers
- 8 years ago
What you need to do is go out with Rocket and while he is fetching run inside and close the door. Leave him there for a while. If he wines just let him and wait until it stops. I had to leave my dog out for a few hours. Do this a few times so like 2 or 3 times a month but dont make a pattern so he doesn't know when its coming... hope i helped :)
Source(s): Personal Refrence - ?Lv 68 years ago
By "boarder" you mean border collie right? I don't have a border collie, but I know tons of them, and it's really typically for them to just stand and stare at you for instruction rather than just going out and doing something independently. They're great with working closely with a person, and not great at doing things all by themselves.
Maybe start teaching him to be in the yard by himself by making it fun. Hide his favorite toys around the yard, or throw treats all over the grass, then send him out to get them. Hiding toys may only work if he's toy obsessed, but I don't know any dog that wouldn't enjoy scavenging for treats in the grass. If he still doesn't want to go look for the treats by himself, use something extra yummy like cheese or hot dogs and do it when he's hungry. Just sprinkle it all over the grass with him watching you do it, then let him loose. Hopefully, eventually this would make him more comfortable with being out on his own.
This issue is actually a good sign for agility. It means he wants to have fun WITH you rather than alone. It's very important for agility that the dog looks to you for direction and runs with you rather than running crazy making up their own course and ignoring you. So, be glad your dog won't have that issue.
Source(s): I have two mixed breed dogs. One is competing in agility, the other is in training. One of my dogs is really independent and couldn't care less if I'm out in the yard with him. The other one sometimes will stand at the door when I put them out and stare into the house for a minute, but after I don't come out, he'll give up waiting, and he'll go around and do his business without me. - 8 years ago
Do you feed him outside? Try giving him treats. Maybe throw a toy outside that he plays with. Dogs have personality, just like people. Sometimes they train you, instead of you training him.Just try different things. Out smart him. Maybe another dog. He may be bored or lonesome.
- 8 years ago
wen u want to go out sit him at door and give him treat then walk outside sit him give im treat till he does this ev day easily then stop treat at door and only give him one outside so he see s going outside as a good thing doesnt have to be food u could use a ball maybe get up bit earlier and relax if ur late and stressed he wil get stressed even tho he doesnt no wat for he may think its about going outside wich tbh it is so now he thinks thats a bad thing patience and fun change ur pattern touch his collar like u do but dont then put him outside uv got to get rid ov things he thinks are bad and he will forget fast x
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- 8 years ago
Teach him little by little. Go with him but stay farther from him each time. Soon enough you will just be waiting at the door. then wait a little farther from the door. Soon he will braven up and go by himself. Right now he is scared. Don't worry he'll learn.
