Afraid of the dark

[gapeach]

Gracie is now fully housetrained and tells me she has to go out by scratching at the door, but at night she will not go out unless I go outside and stand with her! How do I train her to go out at night by herself? I'm really not looking forward to winter!

[Cassiepeia]

Is her eyesight ok? Has it been checked? If she's having trouble seeing at night it might make her more hesitant.
If her sight's fine, you could perhaps put on an outside light to begin with and see if you can get her to go outside in that light.
Has anything happened to her at night? Did she perhaps get a fright or get locked out there on her own at any stage?

Cass.

[gapeach]

She has never been left outside at night and nothing has ever happened to her at least since we've had her (since she was about 3 months) We stayed at my mom's this past week to keep her dog while they went out of town and as long as Angel (mom's dog) went with her she is fine. She always is fine as long as she has company. She was checked by our vet and she seems to be able to see. Personally I think she's just scared, during the day she loves to go out alone and play in the yard.

[Cassiepeia]

Hmmm...perhaps when she was outside with your mother's dog she got spooked, but was ok because she had company at the time?

I was thinking that maybe you could make a game out of it. By throwing a favourite toy out into the yard for her to play with when she doesn't have to pee? Giving her a fun reason to be out there?
Will she chase a torch light? That could be fun for her too and would give her a reason to go out into the yard.

Cass.

EDIT: Whoops...I'm an Aussie, so I think I need to translate....'torch' = 'flashlight'.

[eyescene]

gapeach Windy is doing the same thing! I don;t know what to do.

[gapeach]

Eyescene: At least I know I'm not alone. Cass, thanks I will have to try the flashlight (didn't know that's what it was called there but figured I could use a flashlight lol) or toy. She used to go out by herself at night and not want to come in, I really couldn't say exactly when it started. But I have two lil girls who may wake up and me not hear them because I'm outside with Gracie (then they will freak out) So I'm hoping to resolve this asap.

[oc_spirit]

Being uneasy of the dark is not unheard of especially in young dogs. Night time is when the predators are out and it is harder to see clearly so it is natural for them to be a little more timid and want to stay in the "den". Just be persistant in convincing her that outside time at night is fun and safe! Give her a nice chew outside and then go inside, come back outside, go in and out while she is contently chewing making each trip inside a little longer. As she is finishing the chew (or stuffed kong - use anything that takes her a little bit of time to finish) go inside and leave her out on her own for a couple minutes. If she acts confident, step out and reward her, if she is scared and whining leave her until she settles and the moment she settles, praise her!

Also try taking her for walks after dark with a long leash so she gains the confidence of being a distance from you in the dark and more "on her own" in a way.

[gapeach]

Thanks OC sounds like great advice, we will definitely work on that

[dogma]

To the already great advice I would add that you try walking as late as possible before dark, and for plenty of time for her to empty herself if you haven't tried it. You might try beginning the walk at dusk and into the dark (if it is safe) to see if she gets more comfortable. She could untrain herself and have accidents if you aren't careful. If her food has a lot of moisture try feeding dinner earlier. Good luck.

[gapeach]

Thanks Dogma, yes it is safe. We're in the country with a fenced in yard. I really need to start working on this more with her. Last night I walked around with her and she wouldn't go but my husband took her out and she did. Thanks again for more advice.