Dog Issues.

I think something scared him outside and that's why he won't go out anymore. Try taking him on a leash so that y'all are together. Talk calmly and make going outside fun. Give him a reason to go outside again. And when he does his business outside praise him lavishly and give him a treat. If you catch him going in the house, immediately say no firmly, put the leash on and take him out. If he goes outside, praise and treat.

Have you discussed this with your veterinarian? First thing would be to rule-out medical reasons, then they may be able to refer you to a behavior specialist who can work with you and your dog as far as getting a diagnosis and a plan in place to turn things around (behavior modification, etc.). Behavior specialists are not just dog trainers - they are veterinarians who have become board-certified in behavior medicine. Sometimes medication can help too, at least temporarily while you are working through the behavior issues, but again, that requires a consult and script from the vet. Judging from your other posts, it sounds like you could have used a referral a long time ago and it is way overdue. Good luck!

If you put a leash on him and take him for a walk, he can't really refuse to go out.

First things first though. He needs to be seen by a vet if he hasn't been seen recently. There are many things that could be going wrong with him... some that have been mentioned here. There are medications for behavioral issues also.

He might have a form of diabetes or other medical resons for not being able to control his bladder. Sometimes high blood calcium can cause urination problems. Try giving him a form of magnesium which would bering calcium levels down, that might help.
The vet actually should have medication for dogs who lose continence. Most of the time these issues are rooted in adrenal malfunction. Adrenal malfuntion in people AND in pets and animals is sharply on the rise.
Do a google search for 'herbs for pet incontinance'

He could have a medical issue... maybe it hurts him to pee or something. I would have a vet check him out...

I don't understand when you say that the dog refuses to go outside? Are you just putting the dog out in a yard, or are you putting it on a leash and taking the dog outside? If you have your dog on a leash, then you are the leader, and he has no choice but to follow you and to go outside. A dog with that particular mix of breed needs lots of excersize, so you really need to be walking him everyday, at least once if not more. Border collies are a "working" breed by nature, and really need a job to do. If the dog isn't getting enough excersize, he will start to have some issues that to a human will seem "neurotic" or anxious. Dogs live in the now, and do not live in the past. Even iof something outside "spooked" this dog, he can get past it by you showing him that there is nothing bad outside and taking him out there to do his business. You just need to do it. Get a leash, put it on the dog, and lead him out the door. If the dog hesitates, do not allow your anxiety about the situation to show. Stay calm and in control, and simply continue to walk forward and give whatever small corrections or quick pulls to the leash that are required to get your dog outside. Chows can be very stubborn by nature, and that is part of this dogs breed too. However, your dog is a dog 1st, and breed second. You really need to take control of the situation and lead him outside to wherever you want him to do his "business" and do it without any verbal or emotional signals to your dog. He will be able to sense if you are at all anxious or excited about the experience yourself. Stay very calm and matter of fact about the whole thing. Once your dog has gone to the bathroom outside, you can praise him then, but I still think you need to walk your dog and get him lots of excersize. Will the dog play with a ball or frisbee outside? Find something active for the dog to do with you OUTSIDE. Make outside a fun place, and make it part of the dog's day that YOU decide when it will happen, and for how long. YOU must be the one in charge, or the dog will feel the need to lead you. All dogs need a leader, and most do not want to lead. They are happy to follow, however, if they do not see and FEEL a confident leader in their home, they will take on the role out of neccesity. I would highly reccomend that you pick up one of Ceasar Millan's books from the local library or even watch one of his shows on tv. He is an amazing dog behavioralist, and you can get a bunch of great tips on how to deal with almost any issue that you are having with your dog. Most times it is the human that is causing the issue and not the animal. I know that seems a little harsh, but the dogs really do need a leader, and we just need to understand how to lead them. I wish you the best of luck, because none of us wants or has time to deal with a pet who is using our floor for a toilet! Keep your chin up and keep trying! You have a great mix of dog there, and I am willing to bet that he will be a wonderful pet once this gets worked out! :)

hon, i think you and this dog are just not a good fit. it happens. i would find him a new home, and take a break. maybe a nice betta.
khairete
S.

I want to second the idea of a behavioral specialist. I adopted a shelter dog that I thought was a corgi mix, which he is, but he also has kelpie (similar in temperment to a border collie. High maintenance dogs and smart. Need lost of exercise and interaction and a job. A good vet/behavior person will help you get to the bottom of this. I am sorry you are having such a hard time. We have been working with an amazing woman and she has really help our whole family help our dog. I wish you the best. I will bet he is a beautiful dog.

I think real medications will work better.

However, I agree with Bobbi. Put him on a leash and force him outside. He will have to get used to it. You can't have him peeing inside forever.

If you hire a dog trainer to come to your home they can teach you how to get rid of the problem. We adopted a beautiful shelter dog who had a similar problem and so we had a trainer come to the house. Of course, you will want to rule out medical problems but it's unlikely the cause in a dog that young, and all of a sudden like that. Besides, incontinence drugs do not work very often for male dogs.
It won't be as hard as you think - professional trainers are AMAZING and not that expensive either! We went with Karma Dog Training but there are many others. Look on Craigs list to find one in your area. It's the only thing that will work, I'd bet my life on it. Take care and good luck.

Hi J., It's probably not separation anxiety, some dogs take longer to house break than others, My lab shephard mix trained herself by us leaving the sliding door open enough for her to get out, my sons little dog took months to understand to go outside, but some mornings when it is so cold neither neither one wants to go out, but the 8 month old can't hold it as well and sometimes has an accident. You can test to see if it is separation anxiety by going out with the dog, and see if the dog will pee then. Hope it all works out. J.

Since the behavior changed suddenly my guess is that it's a medical problem. Go see a vet. Ditto to what Red and DVMMOM said.