my dog has been potty trained for 10 years & is now refusing to go outside. help?

Question

he needs to navigate a doggie door to go to outside.

There are no signs of him being hurt or hurting. He has to navigate a doggie door to get out. When you tell him to go out, he goes out.

Answer 1

Has your dog shown any discomfort walking lately? Hurt the paws of his feet? Legs? Back? is he limping? Does he need to navigate stairs or steps? Maybe arthritis?
If you can't find anything that might be bothering him, I'd ask a vet.

Answer 2

I had this also with my 9 year old spaniel. I had not been taking him for walks anymore like I used to. I started taking him for walks (he would do it then) and the problem ceased. Dogs cannot talk to us and and tell us where it hurts or what's bothering them,... however, being a dog owner, you also know, that they do have their own ways of communicating their wishes. I believe that your dog (like mine) is possibly pissed-off about something that has changed in his life or environment. When you figure out what it is and correct the situation...it usually stops.
By-the-way,...I now pay a neighbour girl to walk him a few times a week.....no more poo poo in the house! The first time was about 3 years after I got him. I had gotten a new girl friend and he started crapping in the house, and I couldn't figure out why. We broke up after a few months and he stopped doing it,.....didn't like the girl friend. He absolutely adores my wife of 5 years and that part of it is not a problem for him now.
Hey....if he does it at Christmas when company is over,.....just tell them they're his YULE LOGS

HOPE THIS HELPS.......GOOD LUCK

Answer 3

Time for a check up - old age takes it toll on dogs

Answer 4

Vet time,it could be arthritis,it hurts to get up and move.Hope he/she gets to feeling better!!

Answer 5

just get paper and puppy pads and train him/her on that