I picked up an 11-month-old Border Collie from a breeder this Sunday. He’s very nervous, isn't eating much, won't play, and gets really anxious about going through the front door, both when we’re heading out and coming back in. It seems like he’s probably only ever known his kennel run and hasn’t seen much of the outside world. Since he’s been with us, he’s barely been to the toilet at all. Maybe one wee every 24 hours, if that. Even though I take him out often on a long lead (he doesn't try to run off but he has no recall yet) and always to the same spots, he just won’t go. He has plenty of water available and doesn’t seem to be in any discomfort. I’m just at a loss as to how to encourage him. I'm worried he’ll end up with a UTI if he keeps holding it in this long.
Has anyone else experienced this? How did you get things to improve?
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Thanks for your replies. He’s drinking well and ate a bit better today, I’ve been soaking his dry food... Still hasn’t done a wee yet though...
The breeder got him at 3 months old for breeding, but apparently she took one of his sisters too, so there were inbreeding concerns 🤦 and he was being picked on by another adult dog...
Today he had a few minutes of play, walks are going well, he’s sniffing around, we even ran side by side. When I called him back, he came... So whenever there’s a bit of progress, he gets loads of fusses... But he’s still very easily spooked. I know Borders are such sensitive dogs, so we don’t raise our voices. The few times he’s had an accident in the house, we didn't catch him in the act so there was no telling off (I was just happy he’d actually gone). Next Saturday we’ve got a dog trainer coming to the house. I still have to carry him over the doorstep though. I’ll call the vet tomorrow for some advice.
Evening,
He’s not eating much; keep an eye on him to make sure he doesn't lose weight (it’s been nearly a week, so it could be the change... or something else...). Maybe try letting his water sit for a while before giving it to him? Especially if it’s from the tap.
The most important thing is, is he drinking well? You should check if he's drinking a proper amount... for his kidneys. On average, an adult dog will go for a wee 3 to 6 times a day.
A quick trip to the vet would be worth considering (to check for parasites too). A worming treatment...
That can really affect his toilet habits.
+1 for a buddy to play with and get him "cocking his leg".
👌
Hi, I agree with Tania – he just needs time to settle in. He doesn't know anything yet and everything is new... it's all a bit daunting for him. It’ll happen eventually. 11 months is quite old for a dog from a breeder – what happened there? Did a previous buyer return him? He’s probably a bit unsettled, but with patience and a gentle approach, he’ll get used to his new life. Help him see the bright side of things; as @Emla suggested, bribe him with loads of yummy treats! You could also try gently rolling a tennis ball in front of him...
It’s great that he’s meeting a playful dog this weekend. To introduce himself properly, he’ll probably have to **** his leg a bit!
You need to give him some time to settle in and get over the separation, especially at this age. He probably isn’t used to the "outside world" yet, which can be really overwhelming with all the different smells and noises...
It’s very common for a puppy to hold it in; just keep going with the walks and the praise.
The hardest thing is that it feels like nothing makes him happy; he won't take treats (meat, cheese, dry food...). I've tried playing with him, but he seems uninterested, so the only way to praise him when he does something positive is to give him a fuss. In an enclosed park, he just sniffs around, lies down and waits...
I leave the long lead on without holding it; I realise that might be a bit of a hindrance, but I really don't want to be chasing after him if he refuses to come back, as I don't want it to turn into a negative experience. This weekend, I'm going to introduce him to an older, playful dog belonging to my family; maybe that will do him some good... He doesn't seem fearful of other dogs.
In any case, still no wee for over 24 hours, despite an hour in the park... As I said earlier, he just sniffs, lies down, waits, eats grass... I stay near him and give him a pat. I move away, call him back occasionally, and praise him when he comes. I've tried ignoring him; he has access to grass, tarmac, dirt... I just hope it’s not a medical issue, although I doubt it.
I think you might find this post interesting...
https://wamiz.com/chiens/forum/aide-pour-chien-venant-d-un-refuge-102940.html
You’re right, he definitely needs plenty of encouragement.
Try to find a secure area, like a dog park, but during very quiet hours... where you can let him off the lead.
A long lead can be a bit of a hindrance, but the main issue is his fearful nature... sticking to the same familiar spots should help reassure him, but it takes time.
Don't be afraid to use plenty of high-value treats: dried fish (from the pet shop), or even small bits of fresh meat to really build a positive association with being outdoors, and then start working gently on his recall.
Spend some time with him, just sitting in the grass giving him little treats and letting him explore and sniff around... take your time and don't rush him...
