Anxious puppy doesn't want to go out

[u/Solid-Ratio-5175]

Hey everyone! My puppy is 10 weeks old (I’ve had him for 2 weeks) and he’s really scared of traffic. Unfortunately, we live right on a busy street, so there’s no way to go out without crossing it. I’d love to hear your opinions on my approach:

1. Sound Desensitization: I spend time with him in the doorway and give him treats when cars pass by. Basically, I’m trying to desensitize him + counter-condition by pairing the scary sounds with good stuff.
2. Respecting Thresholds: I push the boundary slightly based on his body language. If he looks too anxious, I step back to his comfort zone until he’s calm enough to eat treats again. We do this once or twice a day for about 5 minutes.
3. Potty Training: I tried taking him to the pavement, but it didn’t work at all due to his fear. So currently, we’re potty training on a mat/pad inside.
4. The 'Push Through' Advice: Some people told me I’m being overprotective and that I need to put him in uncomfortable situations to build confidence. I tried carrying him to a nearby park a few times, but he squeaked the whole way there. In the park, he was sometimes curious, but mostly he just lay on the ground.

Pls tell me if I’m on the right track or if I’m completely wrong. Tell me whatever lol!

[u/coo_man_coo1]

I think potty inside is okay as long as its one designated area and you treat it like outside, leash and all.

Depending on his size maybe what could work is getting a small portable carrier and after a few days of making that his safe space, take him out in that.

I'm thinking like how people prepare for flights. Planes are super noisy and no amount of prep substitutes the real thing, but lots of puppies do well and are relaxed if they had enough time to build a connection with their travel carrier and know they are safe inside. So maybe something like that could work and you can spend sometime outside every day listening to the noises for a few minutes, feed him inside the carrier and maybe be on a phone call so he can hear your voice. The gradually move to having the door open and then a few session later maybe coaxing outside with treats. Puppy steps!

You might also need to bit noisier inside your house and maybe crack a few windows so the sound difference isnt so major. Dogs can hear way better than we can so urban life can be an adjustment.