Will he play or tug with them? When training Molly in agility we've found that if she's ever been hesitant to do something I try to get her really wound up - ex. tug with her around the equipment to get her comfortable.
I'm wondering about getting him excited and tugging if he will, playing chase and running up the steps?
If he won't play reward him for any effort he makes- ex putting one foot up on the steps reward with praise and treats and eventually with time he will get more comfortable with enough reward.

Behavior such as this is common with rescues depending on the situation they came from - where was he rescued from, as Rescue should be providing guidance and assistance on who he is and how to best handle his issues. If not a reputable rescue, I am sorry.

In short, it is CRITICAL to never drag or otherwise force a dog like this - this will only further cement the anxiousness and set the behavior - making it more difficult to break.

Is there any issue or problem with allowing him to stay outside at the times that he is wanting it? Since force should never be used, this may be key to overcoming this and allowing patience with the process. If this is not an option, then it is important not to set him up for failure - in otherwords, don't take him out in the same manner such that he then refuses to go back in. Get creative and go out another door, put him in the car if this is not fearful, find another potty solution for now etc.

The next step is to identify the source of the fear - for some who have never been inside before, it can simply be the house structure itself. For many Berners however, slick tile floors are a serious problem and they develop phobias of these. A dog who is not accustomed to such flooring, and ALL puppies should never be allowed to free access to large amounts of smooth slick flooring. We have this in our house, and many runners go down for every puppy and foster dog. So putting down inexpensive rubber backed (so they can't slide) runners is key. If the issue is any stairs, this should be identified. Dogs who have never done stairs, will be afraid of them.

If the other girl is well adjusted, she will be key to helping this boy. He will follow her cues if she provides them and is allowed access to him for teaching.

Finally, these folks need to think calm, patient, and positive in helping him overcome his insecurities. This comes from positive reinforcement and they need to find what works for him - high value treats is usally key, but some dogs will not take even steak if stressed enough. Using high value foods - steak, liver are tops - and luring him in - just toss the treats in front of him and with the runners down, he may start to overcome this.

Sometimes this can take hours, days, or weeks....patience is key. Showing that only good things happen - great food, calm voice, supportive pets - when faced with the scary issue is key.

Hope that helps!

Behavior such as this is common with rescues depending on the situation they came from - where was he rescued from, as Rescue should be providing guidance and assistance on who he is and how to best handle his issues. If not a reputable rescue, I am sorry.

In short, it is CRITICAL to never drag or otherwise force a dog like this - this will only further cement the anxiousness and set the behavior - making it more difficult to break.

Is there any issue or problem with allowing him to stay outside at the times that he is wanting it? Since force should never be used, this may be key to overcoming this and allowing patience with the process. If this is not an option, then it is important not to set him up for failure - in otherwords, don't take him out in the same manner such that he then refuses to go back in. Get creative and go out another door, put him in the car if this is not fearful, find another potty solution for now etc.

The next step is to identify the source of the fear - for some who have never been inside before, it can simply be the house structure itself. For many Berners however, slick tile floors are a serious problem and they develop phobias of these. A dog who is not accustomed to such flooring, and ALL puppies should never be allowed to free access to large amounts of smooth slick flooring. We have this in our house, and many runners go down for every puppy and foster dog. So putting down inexpensive rubber backed (so they can't slide) runners is key. If the issue is any stairs, this should be identified. Dogs who have never done stairs, will be afraid of them.

If the other girl is well adjusted, she will be key to helping this boy. He will follow her cues if she provides them and is allowed access to him for teaching.

Finally, these folks need to think calm, patient, and positive in helping him overcome his insecurities. This comes from positive reinforcement and they need to find what works for him - high value treats is usally key, but some dogs will not take even steak if stressed enough. Using high value foods - steak, liver are tops - and luring him in - just toss the treats in front of him and with the runners down, he may start to overcome this.

Sometimes this can take hours, days, or weeks....patience is key. Showing that only good things happen - great food, calm voice, supportive pets - when faced with the scary issue is key.

Hope that helps!