We adopted our dog from a rescue at the beginning of June. She has never had a problem with us leaving the house. However, she will not go out into the yard to do her business unless we walk out with her. Standing on the deck doesn't work for her. I have to walk all the way down into the yard and stand with her until she goes. Summer has been easy in this regard, but winter is approaching! Also, this means if I'm in the middle of cooking dinner, etc. she won't go out on her own. We have never left her out in the yard when we aren't home. I've never left her out in the yard when we are home either. Any ideas about how to work on this?? I don't always mind, but at 6 am I don't really want to share my pajamas with the neighbors either.
On the same note... I take her on daily walks and have tried stopping off at a park half-way through so the kids can run around. I've tried tying her up to a tree where I am always in plain site and never more than 50 feet away at most. She can't stand it. I have tried bringing a kong, but she is so focused on us that she ignores it and works herself into a tizzy. I haven't done it in quite some time because it was hard on her. But, it would be nice to be able to take her along with us when we're going to the park. Then, she wouldn't have to be home and could get out for another walk. Is this a situation I should just let go and know that she's not going to be a dog that is okay with being tied up-- even when we're right there? Isn't tying up one of the parts of the CGC test? Thoughts or suggestions? (Also, when speaking about tying her up I am not ever referring to a time when I'm going in a store or out of her sight.)
Oh, and she is either a chocolate lab/pointer mix or a liver colored German Short Haired Pointer-- we're not completely sure.
Thanks!