Dear Miss Behavin’:
During the recent rain storms, my dog has refused to leave his bed to go outside and potty. I know he has to go, but he just won’t budge. How can I help him overcome this?
Billie the Boston here, filling in for Miss Behavin’ today. I used to be difficult for potties during rainy weather too so I thought I’d share some insights with you.
When it’s raining, especially if it’s cold out, it’s hard to muster up the courage to go outside. Here are a few things that work at my house.
Since I refuse to walk around the backyard or use the dog door when it’s raining, my person figured out she could convince me to go for a walk instead. She knows I get excited when she takes out the leash. This is our approach on wet mornings when I’ve been holding it all night or in the evenings before bed. It takes some planning and a little time management, but it’s well worth it and help to keep me on track.
Before we go outside, she puts on my warm, fleece lined rain coat because let’s be honest – it’s cold and wet out. Then she grabs her big umbrella and puts a few treats in her pocket. If she’s had a cup of coffee in the morning, she remembers to put a towel outside of the door for when we get back.
For optimal productivity, we don’t go far when it’s raining. This isn’t the time for exercise. My person takes me to my favorite spot where she gives me the “go potty” cue. She encourages me with calm words and doesn’t rush me – very well trained. If I don’t go potty right away, she lets me keep moving and sniffing until I find the right spot.
As soon as I’m done, she gives me a cheery “good girl!” and we make a game out of racing back to the front door. She dries me off before we go inside and I get breakfast or treats for being a good girl.