Weather question

[Macy's Mom]

I am a new member and my little Macy is 4-1/2 months old. We just love her and she has added so much to our home (with only one golden retriever and three cats it was way too quiet). I have always had large dogs; this is my first small pooch. I have never had a dog refuse to go outside if it is raining. We have a gravel area for the dogs potty under our deck. You don't actually get rained on but drops come between the slats of the 2x4s. The minute her feet get wet, she turns and runs to the door. Winter is coming and if the rain is having this effect, I worry about the NE Ohio snow (again, only a dusting gets in the enclosure.) Has anyone else had this issue? I would appreciate any suggestions. BTW, running through wet grass does not seem to bother her. Thanks.

[Gracie's Mom]

My Gracie is the same way. The other day it rained for a LONG time, and she refused until it stopped raining! Snow is not a problem for her - she LOVES it. My thought is - try putting a pee pad down when it is raining as an alternative. Not sure if that helps or not. Maybe worth a try???

[Eva]

LOL...sounds familiar.
Todd hates wet feet and will not pee outside if it's wet (or too cold)
I finally bought puppy pads for him and it's made a huge difference (no more wet spots on the carpet). It took a few days for him to figure out that it was okay to pee on the pads and now he rarely misses.
He still likes to pee outside better if it's not too cold and wet for his little footsies...spoiled puppy. :)
I've been taking him for walks when the grass is wet to try to desensitize him. He's getting used to it but it's a slow process for him. Hopefully someday he'll realize that rain isn't that bad...we'll see.

[Gableshavs]

My small dogs, shih tzus before, and now Havs and Poodle hate to get their feet wet. I have them trained to use a potty pad or newspaper. Most of the Havs are really good about using the newspaper in inclement weather. See it's not just feet, but their tummies and legs that get wet. If they really have to go they may also be sneaky and use the bathroom rug, in a corner that won't get discovered too soon and they do get scolded for using the rug. I've been told by my breeder/mentor that my Havs are spoiled, and I guess they are. A little spoiling to me is ok.

[Macy's Mom]

Thank you, I am glad to know it is not uncommon. I will try the pee pads and see what happens. It must be better than the spot on the rug!

[Rikidaisy]

Riki will run out in the rain, run through puddles. He loves it. He doesn't even rush to pee in the yard...he takes his time and then I have to dry him off.

Daisy, on the other hand, hates to be wet...her feet or her bumm. We put out a large wooden ramp and a tarp so she has some cover outside. I even bought her a raincoat. As California's rainy season is just around the corner, I can only hope that the housetraining will stick this winter. I can hope.

Good luck.,

[CapotesMom]

...anyone ever tried booties?? ...I've been thinking of getting Capote some because he's such a lil fart when it comes to going into grass in general.. wet, dry, or cold.. If I got them I'll take video of the first time he walks in them! rofl

[ivyagogo]

Mindy - the booties are really hard to get on. I use them on Gryff in the winter if we are going out to play, but they are so inconvenient that I don't use them just for a potty break.

Around here, the grass is wet every single morning all summer. Sometimes, he balks at going on the grass, but I just force him to do it and then he's fine and takes care of business.

[CapotesMom]

Mindy - the booties are really hard to get on. I use them on Gryff in the winter if we are going out to play, but they are so inconvenient that I don't use them just for a potty break.

Around here, the grass is wet every single morning all summer. Sometimes, he balks at going on the grass, but I just force him to do it and then he's fine and takes care of business.


haha..that doesn't work for me. I'll push him out onto the grass and he'll take 2 bounding leaps to get back to the cement patio because 2 bounds is the least amount of times his feet have to be in the grass..rofl.