I think you could work on positive association and getting him de-sensitized. It might be something like, first you go onto the elevator, the doors don’t close, he gets a treat and praise, and then you get off without doing anything. Then you do the same thing and let the doors close. Then you ride up or down a floor, get off, get back in. Praise along the way. Similar to how you crate train dogs who aren’t used to crates. You’re already getting in and out, so I think it would just be a question of practicing getting on and off the elevator for a few minutes each day.
The one big difference I find is that young dogs expect to be submissive while older dogs don’t always respond well to that and may require finding new motivations. Usually good attention is enough. Sometimes playing ball or going for a walk might set the stage for training. Once a dog associates training to something positive it gets a lot easier.
Okay, some more advice is requested, please. I got him a little bed, which he took to immediately. However, he started scratching the heck out of it, and trying to bite it, tear it apart, etc. He gets really aggressive with it. Initially I thought it was because he was “playing” with the bed, but then I saw him urinate on the bed on two separate occasions. I think this urination was territory-marking (he had just been out to pee beforehand and only pees on the bed so I don’t think it’s incontinence). But then he’ll happily lay back down on the bed to sleep. Any thoughts as to the cause of this behavior? I think it’s very strange that he’s willing to sleep in his own pee.
I don’t know about the peeing, although it could be a marking behavior like you said. Try to interrupt him with a “no” or “leave it” if you catch him marking. Praise for listening to you.
My dogs do get quite rough with their bedding. They like to arrange them a certain way, and that can mean a lot of digging, grabbing with their teeth, pulling, etc. I wouldn’t worry about that part of things.
I’ve moved to using fleece blankets that they sell at CostCo, rather than a bed. The dogs can haul them anywhere or pile them as they like. Even better, they easily fit in the washing machine when they start getting stinky.
Thanks SunnyDaze. He was neutered about three weeks ago, so I’m crossing my fingers that his “marking” drive will decrease as the testosterone leaves his system.
Otherwise things are going swimmingly. He’s definitely starting to get a bit bolder as he gets more comfortable, which is okay. I just set boundaries for him and so far he’s listened (like no paws on the couch). We will be starting training classes in a week, which I’m looking forward to.
Things are going really well! Sammy has settled in nicely, is no longer afraid of the elevator, and is definitely making progress towards not peeing on his makeshift “bed” (a towel). I’ve ordered a runner rug which will be our next step up to see if he can handle fabric indoors without peeing on it.
He’s super sweet and super laid back without a lot of exercise requirements (four short walks a day is more than enough). He’s still a bit . . . off . . . socially. Like just not as interactive with his environment or people than most dogs. There is a strong suspicion that he’s deaf but other times he does seem to hear some things. Regardless, it’s fairly irrelevant, as his current personality is perfectly fine for me And overall he’s definitely figured out the “routine” in the house and is starting to engage with it and anticipate it.
The vet says he has a food allergy so he’s on a limited ingredient diet. He is however eating a lot more and has gained some weight (which in his case is a good thing).
Thanks again for all your advice and help everyone!
And overall he’s definitely figured out the “routine” in the house and is starting to engage with it and anticipate it.