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! :)