Why is my dog suddenly scared to go outside for potty at night?

It's very possible something scary happened in the yard, or there is an animal under the ground making noises she can hear but you can't. If this is a sudden or new behavior, ruling out any health issues with your vet is also a good step to take. You can try to get Delilah more excited about the back yard in a few ways. If she likes walks, taking a "walk" on leash through your backyard may distract her enough to enjoy her time. Bringing a favorite high-value treat such as pieces of chicken or hotdog and only giving them every time you're in the yard can also help her associate the backyard with good things instead of scary. Checking to make sure there aren't any animals or items that can startle her and getting rid of them may also make the yard more welcoming.

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!

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.

Hello there! Thanks for your question on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Perhaps there is something that has recently frightened her out in the yard or garden. There is also the possibility she is having pain while urinating and/or defecating and therefore may be associating the area she goes wee and poo with the pain she may be experiencing. I think the best thing to do in this situation is encourage to go out (perhaps join or accompany her) or take her for a walkie to see if she goes then. If not and you are still concerned, especially if she hasn't passed urine or stool soon, then I would recommend you see your veterinarian for an exam. A urinary tract infection can cause pain during urination and constipation can cause pain during defecation. I would want to be sure there is nothing more serious going on if this behavior continues. Best of luck to you and Cindy!

Is it possile to go out another door, or to a different part of the yard? If not, you need to teach her, in very small doses, that it is okay to go out. Do not baby her ("Oh, poor puppy! It's going to be all right.), or she will pick up on your tone of voice and be even more scared. Instead, speak to her with confidence (Come on, Lola, let's go out!). If she gets through the door, stop, rward her with a treat, and stop the exercise. Next time, try to get a very little bit farther out the door. Keep inching out in increments until she is comfortable going outside again.

I suspect something may have happened to him in that spot. Possibly a big bite? A loud noise that scared him? Many possibilities. I would walk over to the area and if he follows you give him treats and lots of positive reinforcement. Keep doing this for several weeks and hopefully the “good” memories will outcompete the bad one. Best of luck and thank you for using Pet Coach.

It may be time to speak with a local trainer or animal behaviorist in your area to see if they can observe what is going on in person. This can help them to formulate a plan that may help Peanut regain her confidence outside. Usually, this involves taking small steps by exposing her to being outside for longer periods, and offering treats and praise when she is calm and successful. If she becomes too nervous, taking a break and letting her calm down before trying again can help. If the anxiety continues, it is also a good idea to rule out any health issues with your veterinarian, as some illnesses can cause sudden behavioral changes or anxiety, especially if there is pain. Your vet can also prescribe an anti-anxiety medication if needed during your training plan to help make things a little easier on Peanut.