I really hate this vet...

[igorsMistress]

Have you looked into clicker training? It's a useful tool for all dogs, but especially rescues who need help adjusting to human life. If it were me, I'd start with clicking + rewarding her for drinking out of the outside bowl, then inch the bowl closer to the door + eventually inside the house. It would split what seems to her as a Big Behavior (being brave enough to drink inside the house) into smaller behaviors.

That's what I was thinking. Treats and gradually move the bowl inside a little at a time.

We were thinking this. She shows signs of abuse. All we know is that she was left outside and the owner moved away. She briefly had problems with incontinence in our care because she was afraid to go out to pee at night. Now she pees and poops outside no problem. She is very wary about jumping on the furniture. Shes afraid of nighttime, hoses, sticks, rolled up newspapers and baths. It's taken a lot of patience and understanding on our parts to help her. I worry she wont get enough to drink during the winter if I dont come up with a solution

Yes I would say there was some abuse. How lucky for her that she has you now!

 

[bluemerle]

Yes! Very lucky indeed.

 

[Folly's place]

One of my dogs prefers the outside water dish, probably because it's 'tastier' water, with leaves and stuff falling into daily. the inside water dish, also stainless steel, same water, just isn't as 'yummy'. He will drink it, but it's not preferred. Our other dog prefers the inside dish. NOBODY gets to drink out of the toilet!!!
They would likely both love water in puddles outside, but no puddles happen in their fenced backyard.
It's about the flavor...
Mary

 

[Ninjasquirrel]

One of my dogs prefers the outside water dish, probably because it's 'tastier' water, with leaves and stuff falling into daily. the inside water dish, also stainless steel, same water, just isn't as 'yummy'. He will drink it, but it's not preferred. Our other dog prefers the inside dish. NOBODY gets to drink out of the toilet!!!
They would likely both love water in puddles outside, but no puddles happen in their fenced backyard.
It's about the flavor...
Mary

Thats what I thought. Thats why I brought the outside water inside to see if she would drink it. She would not. It's very strange. I've never encountered this before. But I've never had a dog that wasnt a puppy before. The whole reason we adopted was because we love animals and dont want to promote puppy mills

 

[Folly's place]

Just keep plugging away at it, you are doing fine. As long as she's drinking it's not a problem. Work on issues that need to be fixed, and let this one coast along. I would keep everyone out of the toilet water!
Mary

 

[Rietta]

maybe add a little stock to the water inside? chicken or beef.. strange but interesting quirk. I am so glad that you are willing to work with her and be so patient. Most people would just move on. Keep us updated!

 

[rosemarythyme]

Thats what I thought. Thats why I brought the outside water inside to see if she would drink it. She would not. It's very strange. I've never encountered this before. But I've never had a dog that wasnt a puppy before. The whole reason we adopted was because we love animals and dont want to promote puppy mills

We've only done a puppy once - she was a spoiled, ungrateful little brat . All our other dogs have been adult rescue/shelter dogs. They're all quirky and a little troublesome, but far more grateful to be with you.

Also I water all my dogs outside now, they're such messy drinkers. The only time I have water inside is when it's cold enough to freeze in winter.

 

[Ninjasquirrel]

maybe add a little stock to the water inside? chicken or beef.. strange but interesting quirk. I am so glad that you are willing to work with her and be so patient. Most people would just move on. Keep us updated!

I'll try this too. Thanks for the tip! She has such a lovable personality so she's worth it. I've put off a lot of her "trick" training so we can focus on the behaviors.

 

[Ninjasquirrel]

We've only done a puppy once - she was a spoiled, ungrateful little brat . All our other dogs have been adult rescue/shelter dogs. They're all quirky and a little troublesome, but far more grateful to be with you.

Also I water all my dogs outside now, they're such messy drinkers. The only time I have water inside is when it's cold enough to freeze in winter.

Shes a pretty messy drinker too and it wouldn't bother me but I worry about winter. The really odd thing is that when we first got her she had NO trouble drinking inside. She will ask to go outside JUST to drink water.

 

[Ninjasquirrel]

Today I found a small clicker toy in my sewing room. Ive been using this with her to good results. Ive been gradually moving the outside bowl closer to the porch door. She doesnt seem to mind it moving. I chucked a beef bouillon cube in her water bowl. When she went to drink to presumably get the cube I clicked and then gave her a treat. I moved the bowl so I can catch her everytime she drinks to give her the click and a reward. The click toy is a little snail toy with just a little metal piece screwed to it to actuate the noise. Its cheap chinese plastic but it probably came from a vending machine. My SO reminded me last night that we might still have it.