Expert: Alan J Turner, SATS LL1 - 5/26/2007

Question
my dog's name is Bruno.  he is a 5 year old german shepherd...all black with a small amount of tan on him.  my husband, our son, and i just got him a week ago from a gentleman who has had him since bruno was 15 1/2 months.i am getting very concerned because when i take him outside, he will not pee or poop in our yard.  he just whines, to go back inside.  if he decides to stay outside, he will try to drag me directly to our car as if he really expects that he is going for a ride.  please help me....this is getting to be very aggrivating!  thank you.

Answer
Dear Naomi,
Thanks for the questions. How does he walk on lead? Nicely - pulls, scared? Did he eliminate on -lead with his previous owner?

Does he readily go outside?

Play some games with him outside to "loosen" him up. Will he chase a ball?

Try attaching a long-line on him and let it drag. Maybe there's something about you holding the leash that distresses him?

The bottom line is that you must change something about the event - experiment - take him for a ride to the park and then see if he'll eliminate there.

I would contact the previous owner if possible. Perhaps he can give you some tips. Why did the previous owner re-home him?

Good Luck!
AT
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