As we transition to fall and winter, the more rain, wind, snow, and other inclement weather is going to impact your dog’s bodily functions.
If you have a dog that refuses to go outside in bad weather to relieve themselves, do not fret. The American Kennel Club offers tips on how to make your dog a little more comfortable doing their business in bad weather.
- Create positive associations with bad weather. To help your dog build positive associations with going potty in bad weather, you want to pair the experience with rewards, treats, and praise. You can also make rainy days fun with experiential rewards, like playing fetch, taking spontaneous walks, or tossing treats or kibble out in the yard while it’s raining for them to sniff and find. By pairing time outside in the rain with things your dog finds enjoyable, you can shift their emotional response to being outside in the rain.
- Supervise and Provide Opportunity. Going back to potty training basics can help when building your dog’s confidence to go in the rain. This is going to look like a lot of supervision and then big rewards.
- Rain Gear. Proper rain gear including jackets and boots is especially important for dogs who get cold easily. Putting rain gear on a dog who doesn’t like the sensation of rain or snow falling on them can help alleviate some of the sensory discomfort.
- Make or find shelter. While your dog is learning to be more comfortable in the rain, it is a good idea to seek opportunities for shelter. Scaffoldings or big trees can be good places to find a moment of relief from the rain or snow. The goal is to create opportunities for your dog to be a bit more comfortable going outside.
- Teach Potty on Cue. Start this training during weather your dog is comfortable in. Once your dog has mastered going on cue, you can ask your dog to relieve themselves during wet or cold weather. Remember to always give your dog a lot of praise and have high value rewards ready for when they successfully go on cue.
For more tips on responsible dog ownership, visit the AKC at www.akc.org.