Scared puppy won't pee outside

I’m sorry, I didn’t see this question until today.

The only way to desensitize this pup is to keep taking him outside, over and over and over…It is very important that you stay with him…if he is afraid while out there…DO NOT use a sympathetic voice to reassure him, nor pat him to reassure him (this only makes the problem worse, and gives him a “pay off” for his fear…It’s giving him possitive feedback for being fearful.) Don’t let him go back in because he’s scared…that’s basically “training” him that fear will get him what he wants.

DO use a light HAPPY confident voice…and as strange as it may seem, stand straight, don’t slouch (slouching from a dog’s perspective makes it look like you are afraid, too, like a dog cowering)…

Puppies distract very easily…take a toy, take a treat…keep his focus on you…it won’t take long for him to see outside as a good place to be. In the beginning, as soon as he’s spent say 2 or 3 minutes without showing fear (maybe he’s wanting that treat in your hand, or maybe he’s looking for that toy you brought out…)…take him back in…REWARD him for not showing fear…

All dogs have their own little “thing”…the one that makes us feel like they’ll never get over it…but they always do.

In short…take him out many many times a day…ALWAYS stay with him…Never sympathize, be light, happy, and confident (dogs read body language better than humans read books)…NEVER let him make the decision to go back in, only you the leader, decides that…use treats and toys for distraction, making “outside” a good place…Reward him with a petting and praise (Goooddd boooyyy…(soft and happy, like verbal caress)…for being brave.

p