I agree that it will probably take time for Beau to adjust.
Quote:
Originally Posted by beau'smom
He is extremely good natured and obediant but somewhat fearful. He doesn't really play and he is not interested in going outside. He just wants to be by me 24/7.
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I am not a dog expert, nor do I claim to play on the interwebs...here are my thoughts.
Lets start with not needing/wanting to go outside. Dogs typically will eliminate on a routine schedule. My dog (5 mo old pup) will typically eliminate about an hour after eating. If you free feed (have a dish out all the time) for your dog, I would suggest meal feeding. Meal feeding is feeding at certain times of the day rather than leaving it out for him to take when he wishes. Morning and evening is fine. He should go an hour or three after he eats.
When you take him outside, do you stay with him? or do you put him on a lead? If you put him on a lead and watch him from inside, it may be he is suffering from separation anxiety. He may be worried you are going to leave him. I suggest walking him more often or staying out with him when you put him out. That way he knows that you aren't going anywhere.
Have a separate play time from time to do his duty. If he has Attention Deficiet like my Sela, she forgets what she is supposed to be doing. She chases the leaf, barks at the geese, watches the traffic and forgets that she should be doing her business. I take Sela to one place to do her duty and to another area in the yard to play.
Be sure to reward him (either praise or treats) for going. Eventually he will associate going with getting rewards and will want to go more often.
More later on how to encourage play.
