My timid dog only potties in the backyard. How to leash train?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Male | neutered | 1 year and 2 months old | 75 lbs
Hello, I have been having problems with my pup Marcus. He just turned a year old and comes from a shelter and is very timid even though we had him for about 6 months. He is approx. 75 lbs and a doberman pincsher mix. The problem is he pees and poops in our fenced in backyard but when taken on the leash only goes when he has held it for 8-10 hours which is his max. I went to my families apartment and took him on 30-45 minute walks but to no avail. I need tips what to do for his situation please!
4 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on January 11th, 2018
This can be a normal reaction to dogs who are used to pottying in the backyard, off leash. When you walk them and they’re on a leash they become anxious and nervous about going to the bathroom out in the open and on the leash. My best advice for you is to try and walk him frequently so he gets used to being on the leash. If he is able to hold his urine and bowel movements then it shouldn’t be a big issue. He will need to lease go to the bathroom every 10 to 12 hours. When you do walk him on the leash and he potties use lots of positive reinforcement like praise and treats to let him know you are proud of him and did a good job. Consistency with walking him will help improve this problem. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on December 14th, 2017
Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! House training an older dog can be hard. Buddy should be crated at night and when you are not home. All rooms should be closed or gated off when he is out. He should be leashed to an adult at all time so he can't sneak off to urinate. Take him outside multiple times per day. When he goes verbally praise him and then play with him for 10 mins before going inside. Clean all soiled areas with an enzymatic pet cleaner like Nature's Miracle. Try not to yell or rub his nose in it, that tends to cause fear. Consider training him how to ring a bell to notify you he needs to go out. If you are still struggling it may not be wrong to rule out medical causes so having a Vet exam and blood work done and his urine checked for infection may be a good idea. The above should happen for 3 months with out accidents before he is allowed off a leash, not crated and free access to the full house. I hope this helps and I wish you the best of luck!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on October 15th, 2018
Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I am not sure what he is still doing but not letting Benji out of your sight is the best thing now. All rooms should be closed, the rooms that do not have doors should have baby gates and he should be leashed to an adult. If he doesn't go when you take him out then he is crated until you can take him out again. He can not have free reign of the house until he has gone 3 months with out an accident. When he goes outside verbally praise him, give him a special yummy treat and play with him for 5 minutes outside. You can also train him to ring a bell to indicate he needs to go outside. I wish you the best!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on May 30th, 2019
I hate to hear that about Benson. I'm sure this situation is very frustrating. I recommend to have him examined by the veterinarian to make sure there is not a bladder infection or something else pathological. If this is deemed to be behavior, go back to crate training. Here is a helpful link in case you need a refresher: https://www.petcoach.co/article/how-to-crate-train-your-dog/ Use a leash or carry him directly from the crate to the yard. You need to avoid the opportunity for him to potty in the house. Give him 15 minutes outside. If nothing happens, use the leash or carry him from the yard and directly into the crate. Keep him in the crate for 30-45 minutes. Then use a leash or carry him directly outside. Repeat this until he eventually potties outside. As soon as he potties, praise and give him treats. Ne needs to be rewarded so that he starts to understand. He can then have freedom in the house until you know he should need to potty again. Also, keep him on a leash in the house as this will prevent him from sneaking away. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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