Pug Puppy Afraid of Dark when outside to eliminate

[lizard]

I have a 4 month old pug puppy who goes #1 and #2 almost every time I take him out during the morning, day, and evening. Once it is completely dark outside he is scared and refuses to go into the grass and hides between my legs. I have tried soothing him coming down to his level to show that it is ok. I also have put more lights out in the area where he eliminates, but he is still jumpy and too anxious to do anything other than to run towards the door to get back inside. Then of course he has accidents on the floor inside shortly after. Does anyone have any advice?

[Todd]

Hi there and thank you for your question.

Wow this is a very interesting problem. I have some ideas that may help build your puppies confidence.

The first idea i have is to try and make some areas darker in your house during times of the day. This will help get your puppy used to the dark. At the same time you can try and feed him in the dark and play with him.
This will help build up his confidence in a controlled environment.

Once he has some more confidence inside you can try him outside.

When he is being scared in the dark do not give him any attention. He must learn what he is doing is wrong. You must completely ignore him which means no eye contact, turning away, not talking to him or giving him attention.

Stay outside and wait for him to come out to you. When he starts to show some confidence then you must reinforce this. Praise him and give him attention. The more confident he is the less scared he will be.

The yard lights are a good idea. Take it slowly, one step at a time and don't give up. Good luck and let me know how things go.

Kind Regards

Todd Field