Why is my dog scared to poop outside and holds it until we get home?

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!

Poor little Pixie. If she is truly scared to be outside one option may be to train her to a doggie litter box. If you go this route, be aware that it may become a permanent preference for her elimination habits. The other option is gradual work with herto overcome her fear. This may require adjusting your trip to stop at quieter locations and taking plenty of time outside the RV to play, feed and make it a good experience for her. If you are stressed and rushed she will sense it and that may add to her anxiety. There are some wood articles here about housebreaking and overcoming anxiety. Also, make sure there is not a medical cause for her to be obstipated (unable to poop). http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=SRC&S=1&SourceID=47

Your dog may have a problem with constipation, her anal glands may be inflamed or infected which can be very painful, there are a number of possibilities. I recommend getting her checked by your vet. If it is anal glands your vet can show you how to express the material from them so it doesn't build up and get painful, or if you take her to a groomer, they can do it when she gets a bath.

Your dog could have hip or back problems that make it painful to posture to defecate and would also make it hurt when her tail is manipulated. It could also be infected or inflamed anal glands. This condition is very painful and makes it difficult to defecate or even move. Without treatment, the gland may rupture, causing a open wound on your pet's rear that will require wound care and antibiotics as well as some pain relief. I recommend getting your pet seen by your vet. They will examine your pet, possibly do some x-rays and labwork and be able to give you a better idea of what is going on and how best to treat it.

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'm sorry to hear that you're having this problem with Soska. This is a common issue for dogs who have been punished for having housetraining accidents - they become afraid to pee or poop in front of the owner, which then makes it extremely difficult to teach them where to go. I would recommend going back to basics with Soska and starting over with her housetraining as if she were a puppy. This means taking her out frequently for potty breaks, and rewarding with praise and a treat as soon as she poops outside. Inside, she needs to be supervised at all times to prevent any opportunity for accidents. You may need to be very patient at first, since if she is afraid to "go" in front of you, it will take her a long time to trust you again. See our article on housetraining for more information on how to teach her where to potty: https://www.petcoach.co/article/7-rules-for-effective-housetraining

Thank you for submitting your question Haily. I recommend that she sees her veterinarian. She could have a sore anal gland due to an infection or impaction. If this is not the case, she could be constipated or even have arthritis in her hips or lower back making it painful to defecate. Her veterinarian will carefully examine her and determine the source of he problem. From there, treatment can be started to make her more comfortable. I hope this information helps!