Mill rescue potty when afraid of outdoors

[MaggieMaysMommy]

Hello everyone! This is my first post (I am SO glad I found this great resource!) if I should have put it somewhere else please do let me know I rescued a 4yr female yorkie (Maggie May) from an Amish puppy mill - she is an absolute sweetheart considering her miserable little life till now. I have had her for 5 days and she is eating and drinking water like a champ, loves her crate but does venture out to to explore the room (very cautiously) will take treats from my hand, loves to snuggle on my lap or on the couch, sleeps through the night in her crate, and hasn't made a peep (no barks or growls), doent nip or bite, I am SO proud of her. Her only issue (aside fro being very timid), she is absolutely TERRIFIED to go outside. I dont blame her, i know she lived inside her whole life...but I feel horrible taking her out...she shakes, and pulls hard to go back towards the door. We live in a quiet neighborhood with a fenced lawn...I did buy pee pads, but she has been going outdoors so I hate to not follow through - I know she can do it if we keep at it, but it breaks my hear t to see her so scared. She has only had two accidents so far. I try to keep her out for 5 minutes and if she doesnt go, we go inside. Should I stay out longer/shorter? Do any mill rescuers have tips on how to make her feel better outside? Just keep going out? I speak softly and just say "Maggie potty" a few times...and I always have her on her leash. She prefers to go on the patio - fine with me. I have been feeding her high quailty food each morning (mix of kibble and wet food), and I give her an afternoon snack of organic pumpkin and plain yogert in a kong to aid in digestion. I am trying to be the best mommy to her...what else do you suggest. Sorry for the long post - I just wanted to be detailed in her personailty and what i am already doing

[intilis]

Hi, welcome to YT, this is a great site full of very helpful & caring members! I want to commend you for rescuing a mill pup. They are hard work but sooooo worth the effort! It sounds like you are doing all the right things so far. I'm really surprised she's pottying outside already, many times these pups just freeze in fear outside. Since she enjoys cuddling on your lap, maybe you can sit in a chair outside & pet her on your lap for short sessions to help her get used to the sights & sounds out there. It may help her to realize that good things happen outside. You can try giving her treats at the same time but she will probably be too scared to take them at first. There is a sticky at the top of this page with great tips on helping rehab mill pups, you will probably find some useful advice there. Good luck with your new girl & God bless you for caring enough to work with such a wounded soul.