[gumby]

I adopted a 7 year old mutt (looks like a small Golden Ret/Lab mix) from the humane society about 10 days ago. I was told she had terrible Separation Anxiety. For the most part she is terrific. She is sweet and loving and gets along well with our cat, and not at all destructive. She understands a lot of commands, and is able successfully be left alone with the run of the house with no problems. She is shy and cowers if you even raise your voice, but doing great in general. My problem is she won't go outside to pee or poop without me. If I put her out the door, she just sadly sits on the front steps until I let her back in the house. If I come out, she will happily go to the side of the house, where she knows I want her to go, and do her business. The weather is nice now, but I'm dreading having to go outside in the winter every time she has to go. She seems very smart, but I can't seem to help her feel safe enough to go out alone. Any suggestions?

[cigwyllt]

Well done for taking on an older rescue dog. Sounds like she has a lovely home with you. Because she is doing so well in other areas there is a risk that you could ask too much too soon. So many dogs have been so traumatised that they don't want to defecate in front of their owners. In some ways you are lucky that she wants you close by! Just be patient with her for a while longer - perhaps in a few weeks you could start putting her outside while you put your coat on then go out with her and come in before her and take your coat off before letting her back? But you may have to do things very slowly to avoid stressing her too much.

[gumby]

Thanks so much for your reply. She really is a wonderful dog, and it was very helpful to me for you to remind me to be patient! She seems so smart, I want to teach her everything at once I have never adopted an adult dog before. My last dog was a golden retriever who I raised from a puppy. She died in March at age 15. The house has felt so empty since then. I actually went to the humane society to look at a puppy, but this dog absolutely stole my heart! She is such a sweet dog...I'm really lucky!!! I'll try your suggestions...thanks again!