We’re on day 4 of a trial adoption with our fist dog. Dot is a very sweet, calm 1.5 year old dog indoors. She's timid and shy but eats, drinks, sleeps well, and is bonding with us.
For context, she was rescued by a foster about three months ago after living in the woods, where she gave birth and raised puppies.
The issue is outside. Our backyard is very open and she’s terrified out there. She shakes, lies down and freezes. She’s only peed outside twice total and has peed/pooped inside multiple times because she seems too scared to go outdoors. A couple of times I had to carry her back inside.
We’ve tried short trips, same spot, no pressure, front vs back yard with no improvement. It feels like she only feels safe enough to potty indoors.
Does this sound like normal decompression that needs more time, or a mismatch where a more enclosed environment might suit her better? I want her to be in an environment where she could thrive and I'm afraid that this isn't it.
submitted by /u/FriscoNellie
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