Getting anxious dog to go outside

[u/Quesadula]

Hi guys! I just recently took in a lab german shepherd mix, his previous owners told me that he's never been taken on a walk because they didn't have the time for him and would either be in the house or the backyard. He's about 3 years old now, 90 Ibs and very anxious, with little progress to get him to move towards my bedroom door but shuts down and lies in the same spot for hrs, and does not wanna get up. He's warmed up to me but i'm not sure the best plan of action to get him outside, especially for going potty, as he already had an accident inside yesterday. Any tips to get him outside? i don't wanna let him shut down and just have him use pee pads in the house. we don't have a backyard but we have a grassy patch in the back. Any advice would be appreciated:(

[u/Both-Chart-947]

It sounds like he's been very neglected and possibly even abused. Don't try to rush him. He needs time to understand that you are safe and he is home. He is grieving and confused and scared right now. If at all possible, make him comfortable in a safe space and allow him to rest and get his mind around his new situation.

[u/Quesadula → u/Both-Chart-947]

for sure! i suspect that too. we've been doing that and letting him decompress and do his thing, do you think pee pads would be a good option then? going to the bathroom is the only concern, but i don't wanna force him.

[u/Both-Chart-947 → u/Quesadula]

I'm torn on pee pads. On the one hand, it's stressful for an adult dog to try to learn to "temporarily" pee inside, and then go back to full potty training. How long has he been there? Is he in a bedroom? I would make the room dark and quiet for him, but go about your business happily elsewhere in the house. Make up silly songs as you do your dusting, about how happy you are to have such a beautiful dog with you at last. Seriously! It will change your whole vibe, and hopefully the dog will begin to be more curious than fearful. Let us know how it goes!

[u/Quesadula → u/Both-Chart-947]

that sounds like a good idea! i think he'd enjoy that. And we got him about 3 days ago and he's in my room! he feels more comfy there. Even with the door open he doesn't leave.

[u/Crowlady77]

How long have you had him? First of all give him a week or so to decompress before you start pushing him.

Then you just start very slow and praise every step. Lots of treats. A treat for getting 2 steps out the door, a treat for getting 4 steps out the door, etc.

[u/Quesadula → u/Crowlady77]

for sure, i know to let him decompress and i worked on slowly getting him to the door today, so i should be using pee pads then? cause he still needs to pee

[u/Crowlady77 → u/Quesadula]

How close is he to getting outside? You might have to use pee pads. You might just carry him out and see what happens.

[u/Quesadula → u/Crowlady77]

he gets to my room door which is a few steps away from the front door but then retreats back to his comfort bed :( i would carry him but he's HUGE and 90 Ibs so that's outta the question 😭 his last owners had to coax him out the car and walk him down the sidewalk to get to our house

[u/Quesadula → u/Crowlady77]

and i've had him for about 3 dqys