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Originally Posted by DvlshAngel985  I tried putting bits of chicken that lead to the front door and out and smarty pants here went and ate all the chicken and then promptly walked back inside.
OH MY!! I think I figured it out... in the beginning I liked having him close because I wanted to be able to watch him in case he lifted his leg. So he would come out with me even when doing laundry (the washer and dryer are out on the patio). The screen door closed and he got stuck outside while I went to grab something inside. I didn't think it was such a big deal because Danger was outside with him. But he did panic and he peed in his belly band a good big pee. I had to get him cleaned up but I didn't let him inside since he was dripping. Again I thought it was no big deal because Danger was with him basking in the sunlight. I came back with something to clean him up with and let him back inside. I think he has a fear of me leading him out then leaving him... is it a possibility? |
Good detective work, yes, it's very possible, and who knows how long he had to stay outside with previous owner without food or water even. Also, peeing in the belly band probably was very uncomfortable and strange feeling, dogs innately hate to be in the own urine.
Regarding throwing treats on the floor, I think you must not let them know you are out of treats, and the treats come from you, not the floor. I would call him to me, and tell him to sit, and give a treat, I would back up closer to the door, and repeat the procedure, with a treat and praise. I don't believe in giving too much praise, a simple "good boy" will do, otherwise you can over excite them if you do the baby talking, for example, "Ooh baby such a good boy, yes he is, isn't he." If he acts really anxious, that's all the further I would go, and then try again next day, but I don't think the situation was that traumatic for him and you might be able to get him to do it all in one day. I have a little pouch I fill with treats that I use to carry around with me, and that way you can train them that there's always a reason to come to you, and they never know when you are out of treats. Cheerios can work for with this because they have so few calories, and dog usually like them enough to do the behavior. If you use chicken, make sure the pieces are very small, it's not so much the amount that motivates them as the food itself.