After the tragedy of losing Miko we have adopted another dog. I was so grumpy and bitter without one we went back to the same Humane Society on Saturday, talked to the same volunteer and came home with Misty. Misty is a one-year-old female German Shepherd mix, we think the mix is with Whippet as she's very small and has a slender foxy face and ears like a Whippet. She's very sensitive and timid, though, and since I have NO experience in dog training I'd like to ask for pointers on dealing with her. We'd really like to have her stay with us when we're in the living room but she dosen't like that room. There are noisy finches and big rabbits there but I wouldn't think these would scare her. She likes to hang out in the bedroom where it's darker and quieter but will come and sit with us while we eat dinner, watch me if I'm in the kitchen and not a lot else. Our daughter came to see her yesterday and Misty ran from her and didn't want to be petted.
The bigger problem is that she dosen't want to potty on a leash. We can't afford to fence our place (really don't want a fence either) and we're not sure she will stay with us when she's out and loose. Plus she won't be spayed until Friday. She's gone pee for me on the leash when she really, really had to and pooped a couple times but is good at holding it (previous owner left her and her sibling alone in the house for 18 hours at a time). Then yesterday morning she had diahrrea on the carpet. I don't think she even tried to tell me she had to go out but maybe I misunderstood her.
I made a big mistake this morning when we went out and I wanted to see if she would come to me if I let go of the leash. I asked her to sit (she's learned this fast), put down the handle of the retractable leash and walked away, turned and called her. She started to come but the handle bumped along behind her and she was terrified! I had no idea and feel terrrible. She ran to the door to get back in the house and I took it off but the damage was done, now she won't move at all if I put the leash down. I tried using a regular leash but it didn't help.
Anyway, are there any guidelines for dealing with a very shy, timid dog? I know I need to give her time but don't want to make any more mistakes and don't know what to expect.