Puppy Loves Outside, But Not Inside

Both of you have had big changes in the last week.  Do you know much about what her situation was?  It's possible she's never been "inside" before much ... any time a dog is adopted they have a lot of learning to do.  Because "this" home isn't like where they were before.

Dogs only know what they are exposed to -- and if she's never been inside before she may not know what she can or cannot do.  Not all dogs play with toys -- some have to be taught, some have to get "used" to them.  So essentially they are only comfortable with what they already "know" -- so you have to show her new things -- and be very very patient about it. 

Rather than expecting her to play with toys ... do some of the same things "outside" that you do "inside".  Teach her to "sit" outside AND inside (dogs are very "situational" -- just because they learn something in the living room doesn't mean they can do it outside on the grass or even in the kitchen!).  So take some toys outside ... and let her know it's "ok" to play in both places.  If she still ignores the toys don't worry -- teach her obedience moves so you can tell her how wonderful she is .. both inside and out.  By giving her success inside it will help her be at ease.

In many ways "fun" is either things she knows or things that will please you.  As she learns what is "ok" she'll be fine.

She may also have had someone be rather heavy-handed about house-training -- and she may have decided if she stays "outside" all the time she won't get in trouble for anything INside (dog's don't automatically understand elminate outside NOT inside and they may decide the only place they do anything right is OUT side!).

It's a gradual process -- building the bond with a dog takes time.  There are a lot of good trainers on here -- the more you train with her - both inside and outside -- the easier things will be.

Edited to add:

And it is very very typical for a dog to not "listen" when they don't want to go back inside.  In fact, many a dog owner has had to learn that when you are on a walk, **don't** turn around the instant the dog finally elminates.  YOU have been waiting and waiting for the dog to "do" their business so YOU can go back in.  But they learn very quickly that as soon a they complete the deed you will go home.  So they will put it off longer and longer knowng once they go, you will turn around and head for home!

I'm not sure exactly what you are doing -- but make sure you keep Nina on leash **all the time** outside for now.  You can use a very long long leash (even use a clothesline) if you want to give her room to play.  But you don't want to have her "ignore" you if she doesn't want to do what you ask.  So by leashing her you can ensure she complies. 

Keeping her on leash is for her safety and learning ... and be sure to use the same commands (like "come" and "sit" etc.) inside as you do outside so she can learn she gets rewarded for it in either location.

 Congratulations on adopting a rescue pup!  Well done!

Knowing more about her background would help.  Also, understanding more about her breed will help you.  Collies typically are herding dogs, working outside.  I had a collie growing up, and she loved herding us kids around!  Ha haaa.

Inside, well, think about what things you want her to do.  I have 3 small companion dogs; mostly they just sleep in my lap indoors - yes all 3 try to fit in ONE lap.  Ha haa.

 Some people don't want a puppy dashing about playing with toys indoors, crashing into furniture.  At age 6 months, she may have had some of this in her past.  So, think what you want her to do indoors, and then work on that.  As Callie said, do it both outdoors and indoors.

 Also find some young dogs about her size in your area, and arrange some doggie play dates.  She wants to burn energy with both dogs and humans (you).  And being with a dog or 2, and a toy, she will get the idea of what she can do with a toy.

Give her some time to adjust.  She may never love inside as much as outside if she spent the first of her life outside but she should learn in a few months that where you are is a good place, whether that's outside or inside.  It's easy to sort of get your feelings hurt when a dog you've rescued doesn't seem bonded to you or want to be where you are. Been there and learned not to let it bother me.  She will need time to form a bond with you.  Dogs are social animals and they generally will form an attachment with whoever is feeding them and providing the other resouces dogs value. Do keep in mind that some dogs didn't receive the early socialization they need to become ideal companions but even these dogs usually will make a bond with their owner with patience and understanding of dog behavior.

After a few weeks with you, you might consider a training class of some sort.  I'd wait on this until she's had time to acclimate to your home and her new life.

As a first time dog owner, I suggest you do some reading on dogs and dog behavior.   My favorite authors are Jean Donaldson, Karen Pryor, Patricia McConnell and Sophia Yin. There are other good ones and a few bad ones. Stick with the people who have spent years training dogs and have the education background to back up their advice. Many of these trainers have web sites and blogs with tons of great advice and free videos you can watch online. They are all highly respected professionals in their field.  The more you know the more you'll enjoy your dog.  Best of luck to you and welcome to the forum.

 Wow, thank you all so much for the info! This will definitely come in handy!

 I guess I should provide more detail about Nina's past. She was found when she was 1.5 months old, and she lived in the foster home up until her current age.  In the foster home, there was a man, women, child, and many dogs. Yes, I understand she is a herding dog, but videos of Nina were posted (from when she was in her foster home in Taiwan) and she enjoyed being inside a lot. She would wag her tail, which she hasn't done for me yet :( , play with toys, and jump around. I didn't see any videos of her being outside, so I'm not sure how she acted then. 

So, as mentioned, I think it's best to act as if inside and outside are the same, i.e. command her to sit, come, etc. She is much responsive outside though. Within only a week she knows to eliminate outside, sit, stay, come, and heel.

Also, I understand that it takes time, I just want to figure her out.

Congrats to you and Nina.  The extra info is very helpful.  She was with other dogs, people, and she is not sure why she isnt anymore.  You have gotten some great advice.  The advice I have is very simple.  Love her and tell her what a good girl she is.  She will soon settle in to her new routine.  My Hot Shot was so fearful when he arrive and now he is just a big inside cuddle boy.  Rocky wants to be where I am.  He also was found young and in a foster home for only about 3 mths.  He wants to herd even tho we think he is part lab :).  He has a job in the house and he helps me outside.   She has only been with you a short time.  We find that our boys pick up on daily routine so before you know it, she will too.

Neither of mine like toys really but Rocky does have a stuffed puppy that he carries around.  We call it the Rocky parade.   Our Shadow loved balls and frisbees! 

JackieG

As a first time dog owner, I suggest you do some reading on dogs and dog behavior.

Jackie gave you more great authors, and I already gave you a couple general 'dog' book recommendations.  The training class also -- that's GOLD for you.  A training class is a great suggestion, too ... it will help *you* learn to teach her, and it will help her a lot.  It can be really helpful for someone to say "Aha -- when you just said _____, did you realize you also did this ____________".  In otherwords -- feedback for you from an observer can be so valuable.

It takes time -- ALL of us were, at one time, "first time dog oners" -- some of us were older, some of us were in diapers for that first dog.  But everyone has to learn how to "train" a dog on their own.  Even those who grew up with dogs didn't necessarily grow up with great instruction.  You'll learn -- and you'll fall in love. 

Herders can be the "perfectionists" of the dog world.  They want to do it **right** -- the fact that she hasn't wagged her tail yet means she's working on it.  You'll get there.  As you become more at ease with her, she will become more at ease with you.  The more you smile at her, the more she will relax with you.

I have to say -- it is wonderful to see someone new to dogs looking for help *now* rather than letting frustration simmer and months later being ready to give up.   The fact that you are already looking for answers and asking for help -- that speaks very well of your likely ultimate successj  And don't forget to have fun! 

 Hi everyone,

 I would like to thank you all again for the helpful advice! Also, the authors mentioned are amazing!

 Nina is doing much better now! I brought her toys to play outside for a few days, then she enjoyed playing with them inside the house as well. Also, she doesn't simply sit down in one spot. Now, she likes to run around to get attention and to play. She still has some work to be done, but there has been a definite progression.

-Omeed

Omeed -- I am *so* glad you posted -- I was wondering about you guys!!  I am so glad Nina's doing well. 

Now (this will sound funny but I'm actually serious) -- there is this thing called the "honeymoon period" -- when a dog first comes to live with you -- once they decide this is a GOOD place and they like you -- they try really hard to please.

Then ... after they settle in, you may see a bit of rebellion.  (with some dogs more than just "a bit"!!!) -- all of a sudden she may have accidents, or be too busy playing to want to stop to go outside, suddenly she's no longer reluctant to "punch your buttons" so to speak.

THIS IS NORMAL.  This is part of growth and adapting to your home -- finding her boundnaries ... pushing them a bit ... and then settling in. 

This is one of the reasons the books everyone has given you are so valuable.  Dogs go in phases just like human children.  They can go thru a sweet phase, and then a bratty phase ... later on when they nearly get their growth they can go thru a "rebellious teenager" phase -- but it will all work out if you are consistent and don't let yourself get ruffled.  But don't think she doesn't love you or like you ... these things are just part of normal life.  Just anticipate them --

And any experienced dog person will tell you.  You never "arrive".  You never *ever* stop training and working with them.  That's part of the fun and success ...

Now ... ahem ... we DO love pictures!!!  Pretty please????

samus8576

 Nina is doing much better now!

So glad to hear that you and Nina are settling in :)

In addition to all the great advice you have received I would like to mention a few things.Some homes have fragrances that bother a dog's sensitive nose.In the US many people use scented candles and plug in room deodorizers.I have found through trial and error one of my dogs hates these and will avoid an area where one is in use.He also hates a loud tv or radio and as soon as one is turned up he will ask to go outside. Ceiling fans (when moving} are another thing that may make a dog uncomfortable enough to want to avoid the area.

                                                                Tena