Dog not peeing/pooping, suddenly scared to go outside. What's wrong?

Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. The behaviour you are describing sounds like Ginger had something happen to her in the yard there that has scared her. The most likely is that she was bit by a bug or stung by a bee in that location. Other possible causes are that another animal got into the yard and got in a fight with her in that location. I would try to encourage her back to that location of the yard gently and with positive reinforcement. Maybe get a chair and sit out there with treats, and show her it's ok, and sit outside and pet her in that spot. Best of luck with Ginger.

I would recommend having a veterinarian take a look at her. There could be a few different things going on with Ruby. She can have full anal glands which can be bothering her when she is trying to defecate. Another thing is her back may be bothering her so when she tries to position she can't. Your veterinarian can evaluate both and either express her anal glands or provide her with medication to help her back. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! She is likely just figuring out how and where to go potty and this is just a behavioral matter. However, this could be pain or discomfort while urinating/defecating. If this continues, it would be best to have her evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Otherwise, it will improve on its own. Best of luck!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Pippin! Sometimes dogs as they reach social and behavioral maturity between 2-3 years old will have changes in behavior and that includes anxiety. Another possibility is that something triggered this fear of being alone outside: fireworks, thunderstorms, etc. I would try to desensitize her so eventually she will go out on her own. I would recommend contacting or seeing your Vet for medications. I would prescribe prozac and a short acting sedative while you help her through this. It hopefully will not be a permanent thing but to be used long enough to hopefully fix the problem. While she is on the medications you will have to go out with her every time she is outside. Start with a leash then get rid of the leash and eventually get further and further away to the point you can maybe stand at the door where she can see you. If that goes well maybe she will go on her own with you inside. It will not be a quick process. It will take time and effort on your part. Good luck!

It's possible there is a scent that he's picking up on, or he may be hearing a strange sound. Critters under the ground such as rodents that are more nocturnal may also be startling him, especially if this is during a nighttime potty break. Bringing him out on a leash so he doesn't chase or get hurt by anything, and bringing a high-value treat out with you may help get him more used to going out and being less afraid. Otherwise, checking for any signs of wildlife may be a good idea (and seeing if you can get the wildlife to move off elsewhere), or fencing an area for him to go in safely may help as well.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sometimes dogs can get scared even when there does not appear to be anything scary in sight. Remember that they can hear and sense much better than us so he may be perceiving something that is near which you may not. This can improve but it can certainly become a bit difficult at times. I recommend that you start taking him out for longer periods but very slowly over the next several weeks. Encourage him to stay out with treats and positive words. Also, in the beginning just take him out without walking initially just to get him used to his surroundings. Eventually little by little he will learn that going outside equals getting treats and attention and will improve with time but it does require time and patience. You can consider using the Thunder shirt for him which you may find online and can help a lot in these cases. Good luck and have a great day!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Since she is so scared and you are on a road trip I don’t think it’s unusual she hasn’t gone. if she really had to go she would. Just keep trying and offering her water. Since she is an otherwise healthy dog I think she will go eventually. Good luck!