Having problems getting your dog to go potty in the rain? You are not alone….some dogs love the rain and just getting wet in general, but in my case with Luna, she would not even step out the door when it is raining to go potty.
Why is that?
Well some dogs, just like us humans, avoid the rain because it is cold, wet, and can be just down right miserable. Think about it for a minute, when it is raining what do you do to go out in the rain? Grab an umbrella? Put on a raincoat or rain boots? Dogs, unlike us, cannot get prepared to go out in the rain. For some dogs it could even be a noise phobia. When it rains the sound of raindrops is loud and is even amplified to our dog’s ears which can make that uncomfortable for them as well. Or perhaps it’s the overwhelming scents that your pup is picking up. Rain intensifies the strength of scents because a scent needs moisture to survive which the rain provides. Whatever your pup’s reason may be, here are 10 ways to get your dog to go potty in the rain.
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WET = FUN
This step should be started from the very beginning while your dog is still in its puppy ages, but it’s never too late to start. Try playing in, and with water in your yard using sprinklers, a bucket of water, a hose, or a pool. However, you should never force a fearful dog to get wet. Work slowly with them and be patient. Show your dog that getting wet is fun and in turn, being in the rain can be fun and not something to be fearful of. Be sure to praise them for getting wet and even reward them. Make it a game of getting wet and something that everyone can enjoy. You can also try feeding your dog in wet grass to get them used to having their paws wet.
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BE A GOOD LEADER
Lead by example. If you don’t want to be out in the rain neither will your dog. Dogs can tune in to our emotions and feed off of us, so if you make it seem like such a horrible feat of going out in the rain your pup is going to feel the same way. So grab your umbrella, a few treats, and make sure to have your dog on a leash and head outside together. Having your dog on a leash is important because the weather is unpredictable. A leash will keep your pup close by in order to keep them safe from falling branches and even if there is a crash of thunder that spooks your pup, you will be able to keep them from darting away from you.
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POSITIVE EXPERIENCE
Create a positive experience outdoors during the rain. Keep calm and patient with your dog. Patience and time is the key here. Spend some time outside when there is a light drizzle and try to play with your dog and make it a little more enjoyable for them. Reward your dog when they do go potty, even if it’s just in the wet grass. Praise them to reinforce their good behavior. Do not yell or scold your pet for not going potty. Keep things light, positive, and even fun.
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COMMAND
Just like in your initial puppy potty training, you will use that same command you used for training your pup to go potty outside. For me, I use the “Go Potty” command. Whatever your command was during that training period you will use that same command now when trying to get your dog to go potty in the rain. But for this explanation of the command, I will use my command of “Go Potty”. Once you get your dog outside in the rain use the command “Go Potty”. Wait until they are done going potty and then reiterate that same command, ”Go Potty”. Reward your pup with a praise and of course a treat.
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QUICK WALK
If your dog is like what mine was like, then you will spend a good 10-15 minutes just staring at each other. He/she is probably nowhere near ready for business because they just want out of the rain. In this case, take him/her for a quick walk. Going for a walk will help to get things going.
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REWARD, REWARD, REWARD!
As with all kinds of training we reward and praise our dogs for good behavior and it’s no different now. You are literally training your dog how to go potty in the rain. A small treat will let your pup know that they did a good job with going potty out in the rain. You don’t have to give your dog a treat to reward them, you can play with them and praise them, but be sure to reward in some way. You will want to reward your dog while they are still outside in the rain, and right after they are done doing their business. In doing so, this will help them to make the connection of Potty when Raining =TREAT!
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QUICKLY DRY
As soon as your dog gets back home be sure to dry them quickly and thoroughly as possible. Don’t forget to wipe the paws, the tail, and head as well. Keep a towel near the door when it is raining so that you won’t have to go running around the house trying to find the dog towel while your dog is in the house shaking and shivering.
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FIND COVER
When you go out in the rain, try to find an area that is covered. An area that would serve as a suitable spot for your dog to do their business at. A few areas to consider would be a covered patio with artificial grass/turf, a balcony with puppy pee pads, under a tree (may not cover completely but lessens the rain some), or use an umbrella and attempt to keep it over your dog.
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DOG RAIN GEAR
If your dog tolerates wearing clothing, you can try out a dog rain coat, rain boots, or a pet umbrella. Dog rain coats will keep your dog drier and warmer. You can choose a raincoat with or without a hood. Doggy rain boots will also help to keep your dog warm and dry; added bonus of no mud on the paws. The pet umbrella is just like our umbrellas, just kind of upside down since our dogs can’t hold them. You will attach the umbrella to the dog’s collar which has a built in lead, so in essence, it becomes an umbrella leash.
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STAND YOUR GROUND
Don’t give in or give up on your training. Given enough time, like all training, you will have your pup going potty in the rain. So when those sad puppy eyes are looking at you just asking to go back in, stand your ground. Even when it starts to rain a little harder, stand your ground. And especially when 15 minutes have gone by and nothing has happened yet, stand your ground.
What are other things you have tried to get your dog to go potty in the rain? Please comment below.
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