It sounds like he just prefers to take care of 'business' at home, since that's what he's always done (before out of lack of other options) Could you just let him take a tour around your own property where he prefers to go, then head out on your walk after he's finished pottying?

 

We've done that while watching from a distance. Location is random. I'm beginning to wonder if he was punished/mistreated for relieving himself. Today's 9:30am walk (1.5 miles) he did number 1 the moment he stepped in his kennel when we got back. But during our 1:30pm he hung back and began 2 while walking slowly. I stopped and waited for him to finish. He did so but very wearily. He seemed more afraid of something than accepting of treats and praising.

 

It's possible he was punished for toileting accidents (perhaps the reason he was eventually tied up outside?) If so, he may have learned that it's potentially 'dangerous' to relieve himself in proximity to humans & safer to do so when they're not around. Can you try a longer leash to allow him more freedom of movement, away from you, when you know he needs to go? Also, he might be overwhelmed by lavish or loud praise when he does potty. Perhaps just a quiet "Goooood boy" and a super high-value treat given afterwards?

 

I think this is a problem that will go away with time. As suggested, he has no doubt developed such a strong habit of doing his business where he was chained that he simply doesn't see anything else as an option. But he is starting to consider it, since you are reporting his going a bit when you are on walks.

I think that doing a huge song and dance when he does might be overmuch for him, though, and a quieter form of praise, a nice "good dog", a few pets, and a yummy treat, could be more motivating, especially if he was ever punished for pottying some place that his previous owners did not like. Keep walking him, tone down the praise to a softer level, and keep cleaning up the outdoor area where he goes so there's nothing left there to remind him to go there, and I think he will change his habits in time. I wouldn't worry if it takes weeks or even months. Old habits, as we all know, are hard to change.

 

I over exaggerated the song and dance... sorry about that. Because he was rarely walked and they used a choke tight collar on him (I've transitioned him to a martingal) on a 26 foot long leash and give him long but safe distance. But for the most part, he tends to keep rather close to me as we walk as he has learned to walk on a loose leash. He's a smart one ... I guess it'll be lot's of patience, structure and care. BUT that doesn't mean you're off the hook with advice.

 

I guess it'll be lot's of patience, structure and care.

It sounds to me as if you are probably doing fine with this dog. Just let him take the time he needs to take to settle in. Anyone who has been treated abusively over a long period of time will have some form or degree of PTSD, and that includes dogs. How deep that goes and how long it lasts is always a matter of many variables and is very individual. But I have seen many dogs come into their own when just given time, space, and gentle attention. Once he figures out that he's safe now and going to stay with you, I suspect this minor problem will go away.

 

Got him to poop outside on our 5:30pm. This time was better. I noticed that he starts as he's walking and stops when I either notice or stop to just give him a chance to finish. But if I walk a little slower he does better.
Thank you all...
FYI: He's never had a backyard to run around...I know cause the previous owners didn't have one. I also found out how hard he can stomp on my foot as he runs by me in circles.

Once again Thanks... I'll be back with updates if anyone is interested.

 

Yes, please update us.

 

I’m sorry to hear your Malinois is having this issue; I‘ve been having something similar with my small (20lb) terrier.

 

Don't give up!!! Aon is finally crate trained!!! He's better at loose leash walking, working on distractions, leave it, come, sit and kennel all of which are so-so right now. Since he won't consistently do 1 and 2 on walks I have chosen to associate the words pee-pee and poo-poo with the act when he does it in our yard. Hopefully I'll be able to use them on walks.

 

Glad to hear things are improving.

 

Ok...we now get 1 and 2 outside about 80 to 90% of the time. How we got here? Simply by accident. My wife got out of work later than usual and I got caught in traffic. He HAD to wait a little longer and to our surprise he did. So from that point on I've made him wait a little bit longer and it's been working out.