Hope I'm putting this in the right place. Anyway, my dog 14 month old husky x has been going out in the backyard to do her business for a year now and suddenly refuses to go out by herself. I live in a rural area, the yard is fenced and I have close neighbours. I'm not sure if something at night scared her. We do have foxes, racoons and supposedly a fisher in the area. Bears have been spotted but I can't be sure what scared her. Anyway I can take her out on the leash but she's very hesitant and as soon as I take the leash off she heads for the porch. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

I'm probably the least knowledgeable person on this board but the first thing that came to mind was fireworks. Were there any firework shows or neighbors with fireworks on the 4th?

No we live far enough away from any towns that there were no fireworks. Sounds don't normally bother her...she sleeps through thunderstorms!

This is one of those situations which you may never know what it is that scared her...much like people who get rescue dogs with issues. IMO, it's important you put all your energy into normalizing the yard for her again and keeping it fun for her. Do not feed into her fear, which by having to walk her out on leash is a bit precarious, grey area for feeding her fear. Maybe see how she does on a short(to ensure safety) tie out with a knuckle bone. ? She'll pull through with persistance and time.

I have ACDs, so weirdness abounds! I agree; provided you've checked the area thoroughly and haven't found anything unusual, you'll probably never know what caused this behavior. (Fireworks were a good suggestion though!) The culprit could be long gone, but the memory still lingers. I have a dog who, as a youngster got stung (once) by a yellow jacket and developed a severe fear of all flying bugs. When the deer flies appear it's almost impossible to get him out the door to do his thing.

Are you sure there isn't an underlying medical issue? My female ACD is prone to UTIs and she can get weird about peeing when she's getting one. Perhaps (like people) it burns? All I know is the minute she's done she scoots right back to the house with a look of alarm on her face! That's one of the ways I know I need to test her again.

Medical stuff aside, I'd also suggest you try to make going out back fun again. I wouldn't play into her fear by avoiding the issue. Get out there and have some fun together when it's not potty time or walk out with her, then do something fun (toss a ball?) right after she does her business!

Cher

You could also try feeding her out there (away from the latrine area of course). Start on the porch if she feels comfortable there and then gradually move out into the yard. You can start by staying with her when she eats and as she gets more comfortable, move away a little bit at a time. Make sure nothing startles her out there or you'll have to start all over!

Take it slowly and eventually the positive associations should outweigh whatever it is that's making her insecure. Playing with her out there is a good idea as well. I agree that you shouldn't play into her fears by avoiding the situation or becoming her crutch, but do it gradually and consistantly, and I'll bet you'll see an improvement.

Good call Amber!

I'd ignore it till the problem goes away.

You might lure him to the back yard with a ball/toy and play with him there. Maybe his desire for the ball/toy will overcome his fear.

Any progress yet? How's she doing?