Why would a house trained dog not want to go outside to use the bathroom after chainging owners?

Question

Could it be nervousness and confusion? What could help to fix the problem?

Answer 1

Time and patience!! It is adapting to a whole new world. Takes weeks for new pet to settle in and learn the routine. It may be afraid you will just put it outside and leave it forever. Doesn't understand why it changed homes!!!

Lots of love and patience. Go out side with the dog to get it use to your yard. Outside play and exercise. Praise when it goes potty.
Don't make the big mistake many make by just putting it out. You have to encourage and show him his yard. Which door to go to for outside, etc.

It will slowly pick up on things there, don't scold. It is absorbing a lot of new info.

Answer 2

this is a new place, new ppl, and new neighborhood;
it could be any of the above.

the WHY is not important; just back-up and give'em time to recover from the sudden change. Moving is very stressful !!

treat the dog like a new pup, put them on a schedule, take them out to potty ON-leash always, and do the 3 AM potty-trip:

set the alarm, go to bed with Ur coat, hat, boots, ready to go by the bed;
gloves in pockets, TREATS in a pocket for rewarding performance outdoors/on the spot.

have the dog in a crate within arm's length of the bed; the leash on the 'roof' of the fiberglass shipping-crate.
alarm goes off: get up, slip feet in boots/coat over PJs, grab leash/collar, open crate, 'dress' dog, and git out there. WAIT at that familiar spot; praise and TREAT on potty-performance.

back in, wipe Ur feet/dog's feet, dog into crate, U go to bed; 10 minutes, tops. makes the dog less anxious, keeps them calmer, helps cement that new bond!

when the dog is home alone, be sure that they have a SET-BACK from doors or windows with a lot of activity; strangers walking/talking, etc, near the house, are very upsetting to a new arrival who's all alone.
a CRATE is a kindness for a home-alone dog who's new to the neighborhood - they can hang out in safety, with a stuffed Kong and a safe chewy to keep them busy, and not have to stress over roadworkers, housepainters, the mail-nik, passing peds or loud school-kids, etc., while they are alone in a strange, new place.

pottying ON-leash only is a good thing: U get to see the state of the dog's health, as well as be abso sure tha they are 'empty' before U leave for work, etc., or crate them for the nite, or take that car-trip.

Answer 3

He is nervous, confused and probably upset. Are there other dogs in the home? Make sure you have lots of together time and assure him that your home is a safe place. He also may not be sure that your yard is a safe space for him to go into. When he goes outside, go with him and talk to him. Give him a little bit and he will settle in.

Answer 4

It could be a little of both. He may be confused because he does not know why the other owners are no longer around. He may also not be sure exactly how to let you know he wants to go out or what door to go to, etc. Just give your dog a little time, lots of affection, be firm with him to let him know who's boss of the house and I'm sure he will come around.

Answer 5

Yes it could it could be nervous to be in a new environment. Also if there are any previous pet accidents in your home the dog may be confused by the scents. Just take them out twice daily and reward them when they go potty. I hope this helps.

Answer 6

A dog we owned, had that problem when we moved to a new home. She wouldn't go in the backyard, she'd actually only go out front. She was terrified of the backyard, and we never figured out why.

Take your dog for short walks, for her/him to do their business. Try to take the dog in the backyard for playing, or just on a leash to walk around, for then he/she can get used to the yard and know that it's safe.

Answer 7

It is afraid the this new owner will "leave" it like the previous owner did. You will have to gain the dog's trust by taking it outside and remaining in view while the dog "uses the bthroom".

Answer 8

The dog probably is confused, maybe scared also. They just need a refresher course on potty training. Then everything will be fine.

Answer 9

it may be nervous of the new soroundings just take it out 4 walks a round where it is suppose to use the restromm at it will slowly come accoutomed 2 it

Answer 10

It's possible that you aren't picking up on his signals that he wants to go outside, like his owners did. Not all dogs go to the door and bark at you when they have to go outside.