Yesterday we brought home a 3 month old Anatolian/Pyrenees (He's already knee high!) from a rural farm to the middle of a smallish town. He was mostly outdoors with livestock, but otherwise well socialized and friendly. The 2.5 hour drive home was his first car ride. He was anxious, but calm. He's been pretty anxious since leaving his old home- completely different environment here.
Since we got him home last night I've had to literally carry him through the door inside and out every time. He refuses to do it on his own. Normally I'd think take it slow, let him figure it out on his own, but he's had a couple accidents inside because of it, and has found his way through the fence a couple times too. So can't leave him inside or out unsupervised at all. We do have a cat who's still unhappy about the new family member, and it likes to stand around hissing at him.
As soon as I can figure out where he's getting through I'll mend the fence (supplies on hand already). Accidents, we spot him, and just drag him out the backdoor- kicking and whimpering the whole time- and clean up the mess. This makes him more anxious, and he takes a while to calm down enough to finish.
I'll be feeding him outside morning and afternoon- at least for now- so he learns there's good things about going in and out. We've tried coaxing him with training treats, but he's not interested in them.
I know it takes time- not our first dog- but this is a new problem for me. I'd love to hear what other suggestions folks have. I'm a disabled veteran with PTSD, and was hoping to join a program this summer that'll help me train him as a service dog. He did great when I went to meet him, but now I'm wondering if he's actually a good candidate.
Thanks for any help or support!
submitted by /u/Sorry-Rain-1311
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