I adopted dog from shelter who is afraid to urinate in yard but will go at dog park or forest. Help?

Question

She cowers when I try to praise her for urinating so was probably hit by previous owner for urinating in wrong location (maybe a lawn).

Answer 1

Um maybe just when she gos in your yarn say good dog and pet her with a smile and guve her a treat! thanks -Brittaney =)

Answer 2

I love it how everyone assumes that every "adopted" dog was abused.

It is MORE likely that your dog is the product of bad breeding, and has weak nerves.  Its genetics.  Leave her out in the yard, she'll eventually have to urinate.

Answer 3

How long have you had her? I just got a new dog from a rescue group and he had the same problem. He was just not used to being in an area where there were trees to pee on. If I took him to work with me and walked him in the tall grass he would pee but would not in the yeard.

Took him about 3 weeks to adjust but is doing great now.

Give her a little time and be very patient with her. When she does go where she is supposed to just give her a gentle pat and calmly tell her she is a good girl.

Answer 4

Dogs pee where they have usually gone before. Take her to the same place she has gone before.  Also you could have another dog pee in your yard. It will make her want to do the same thing to mark her territory. I have also used a spray from petsmart that makes them want to use that area. It is in the same area as the pee pads.Good Luck PS Petsmart has a $20 dollar potty training class.

Answer 5

That's terrible to think she was abused like that.  If you don't take the dog to the park or forest to urinate eventually does she go in the lawn?  You would almost have to keep her away from parks for a while so she is forced to use the lawn and praise her for using the lawn and eventually she should catch on that it is okay to use the lawn