[Rascalandme]

I apologize in advance if this post is in the wrong section. In the event that it is will a moderator please relocate it?

The situation is this: My Bassett Hound is only 4 months old and he has finally started to really get the hang of potty training. We only have one major set back. He seriously hates the rain and refuses to go outside. I really feel terrible for him because when it is raining he will go pee & poop in the house. It is clear to us that he wants to go outside, but he hates the rain so much...

I'm trying to come up with some ideas to help him go outside and be successful with his training - even in the rain. Has anyone used a doggie rain coat for this purpose and was it successful? This seems like the most cost effective option. I was also considering buying a screen tent so he has a rain free space outside.

Any ideas or tips from other owners who have a rain hating pooch would very much be appreciated. Thank you in advance.

 

[NJRae]

Aww poor guy! When you take him out I would do so on a leash and use a cue such as "go make" or "go potty" and then reward him for doing so. Then in the rain when you go out with him and say the cue he will hopefully understand what is expected. I would also suggest a large umbrella. Large enough to keep both you and him dry. Good luck!!

 

[Kathyy]

I go out with the dogs and watch/praise/reward their amazing bravery from the patio. If Ginger is being particularly twitchy about it I'll leash her and stand outside on the lawn until she goes. If she balked I'd pick her up and put her on the grass as she's mature and will hold it for far longer than is healthy.

Ginger didn't seem to understand the rain thing when she arrived as an adult dog but she got over it and now tolerates it fine if going for an actual walk but doesn't see the point in just peeing in the back yard.

 

[Hiraeth]

My puppy also hated the rain. Grab an umbrella and go out with him! It's cost effective and simple and ensures that you're right there in order to reward and praise.

 

[Jen2010]

Pepper hates the rain too and doesn't like going on wet grass. We took her out with an umbrella and kept it mostly over her so she stayed dry. I also tried to stay along the edge of the house where it's a bit drier.

 

[CptJack]

This is a case where I use -P.

Which is to say I take them out and don't let them in until they've gone. I'll use an umbrella if I can, and I'll certainly try to use the overhang, but mostly it's matter of 'in order to get out of the rain you need to go to the bathroom'. Tends to make it fast. Eventually.

 

[Rascalandme]

I should clarify we do stay with him and act like every bowl movement he makes was the best in the whole wide world. He is never, for a second allowed outside by himself as I've heard too many stories of dogs being stolen in my neighborhood.

In rainy days it is him (on leash) holding an umbrella, but he pulls me straight to the door. He is clearly so uncomfortable and miserable in the rain (good with baths though).

Also on rainy days he will run to the door and pee / and or pooh before I even get his leash clipped. I think if he knew he'd stay dry that he would hold it til he gets outside (like he does on dry days).

 

[MastiffGuy]

Sorry no help here mine will go out in a thunder storm and roll in the mud. He loves the rain.

 

[SnarkHunter66]

Riley likes to go out in thunderstorms, or just sit out in the rain. Murphy sits out in the rain, too, but doesn't like thunder so he hides in the basement. Michaela didn't like rain as a youngster (adopted her at 7 months), and the noise of the rain hitting the umbrella freaked her out, so I had to get soaked with her, waiting for her to potty. (Like CptJack's method, Michaela was stuck outside until she did something). She eventually outgrew her distaste for rain and now we go for walks in the rain (although not in thunderstorms).

 

[hanksimon]

If you're near the coast, I understand your problem. Two potential causes: 1) He may not like getting his feet wet; 2) He doesn't like the feel of the rain pelting him like tiny little pebbles. For the most part, dogs don't mind being wet, and some like the feeling of being cooler. They just may not like the process.

For wet feet, you might take him to the beach and play. Or just play in the backyard on wet grass.

Rain may take a little longer. Maybe start taking him for a short walk in the rain, or soak him down with a wet towel then take him in the rain, to get him used to the feeling.

 

[Rascalandme]

If you're near the coast, I understand your problem. Two potential causes: 1) He may not like getting his feet wet; 2) He doesn't like the feel of the rain pelting him like tiny little pebbles. For the most part, dogs don't mind being wet, and some like the feeling of being cooler. They just may not like the process.

For wet feet, you might take him to the beach and play. Or just play in the backyard on wet grass.

Rain may take a little longer. Maybe start taking him for a short walk in the rain, or soak him down with a wet towel then take him in the rain, to get him used to the feeling.

I think you nailed it! Thank you for the great tips. I've never had this problem with my previous dogs - they loved being outside no matter what the weather was like.

I was focusing on how to keep him dry, but I believe you are right to shift my focus on how to help him adapt to those rainy days (and we've had quite a few lately).

Thanks again!

 

[LorraineJim]

My Al seems to not mind the rain, But she love water though I think she developed the habit of loving it way back when I was taking her to a daycare, its amazin if you think about it now since most of the Dog I know are having problems with water. =)

 

[LittleFr0g]

Kuma, like every other Pug out there, HATES the rain, I think Pugs are just convinced they'll melt if they get wet, lol. I find a raincoat helps a lot for Kuma, it's the only way I can get him to stay out long enough to pee on a rainy day.