There are many unpleasant consequences to having a “fussy” eater – you basically have no control over when the dog eats (I’m not hungry right now), what he eats (I don’t like this!), how much he eats (three kernels was plenty, thanks), or when he ate last (an important question when you’re prepping for emergency surgery).
Trust the Force (or, in this case, the lack of it).
Don’t be afraid, just do it.
Don’t be afraid to say NO!
Leading The Dance is a problem-solving tool. Use some of the items for the rest of the dog’s life – particularly the feeding regimen, song, and roadwork. Continue others only until the dog understands that good things come to him through you.
I have several comments on teaching elimination protocols. One is, this is a classic behaviour that requires a “limited hold”. You wait until the dog really SHOULD have to go out and then start talking about it – you have to go out? Are we going out? Oh boy, going outside!