You know your dog needs to go outside to use the bathroom. He’s doing the potty dance by the door or he’s whining that he needs to go out, but there is just one problem…it’s raining and your dog refuses to set foot outside. In today’s post we will discuss why dogs don’t like going out in the rain and how we as humans can help them overcome their fear of getting wet.
Reason number one:
We, as humans, hate to get wet. We dread going outside when it’s raining, especially when it’s cold outside. There is nothing more frustrating than needing to leave the comfort of our homes during a thunderstorm. If we don’t like to go out in the rain, why should our dogs? Many, if not all of our dogs, are spoiled and they follow our own train of thought. They get comfortable and warm and all of a sudden feel the need to use the bathroom. As humans, we frown upon our pets going in the house, but sometimes it happens. If you have a porch or a deck, that might be as far as you dog gets when it’s raining outside. Many feel comfortable going potty and then running right back into the house.
Reason number two:
Many dogs have a fear of thunderstorms and they are able to sense when a storm is looming on the horizon. You might see your dog panting or pacing around the house, or even hiding underneath your bed. As the storm gets closer, you may notice greater signs of anxiety in your dog: Your dog might whine, go potty in the house or destroy objects such as pillows or toys in order to relieve his anxiety. It’s not clear what makes our dogs react this way but if your dog senses any change in bariatric pressure, he might start to act a little anxious. Dog breeds, such as Collies and German Shepherds are most prone to thunderstorm anxiety. They are both herding dogs that spend a lot of time outside. Over time this fear builds up inside of them.
Never force your dog to go outside in the rain as this will only make matters worse. It’s important as well, never to punish your dog. He cannot control his fear of thunder anymore than we can control our fear of spiders.
If you suspect your dog might have a fear of thunderstorms, it’s best to consult your veterinarian to see what they recommend you do about your dogs’ anxiety. He or she might suggest you use certain behavior techniques to relieve your dog of his fear. If techniques don’t work, many dogs are put on anti-anxiety medications, similar to what we as humans, might take.
Another option to try would be a thundershirt, or a thundercoat, these are available at any local pet store. Thundershirts and coats work by applying added pressure to your dog. This pressure often helps to relieve anxiety but it’s not guaranteed to work on every dog.
If your dog doesn’t mind the rain, it’s perfectly okay to take him outside in order to allow him to use the bathroom. It’s not a good idea, however, to leave your dog out in the rain or during a thunderstorm. Your dog may become anxious and you may create a problem that never existed in the first place.
Teach your dog to get his paws we by doing one or more of the following:
TAKE A WALK—Walking even a short distance in the rain, under an umbrella will help your dog get accustomed to the elements. He’s also more likely to use the bathroom, outside, if he’s on the leash. He needs the exercise and you get to walk with your favorite canine companion.
REWARD YOUR DOG— When your dog does his business outside, remember to clean it up! Once you return home, make sure you reward him with a treat, giving him lots of praise while he has his snack.
KEEP YOUR DOG DRY—Make sure you carry an umbrella with you in order to assure that you both stay dry.
DOG RAIN GEAR—Yes, there is such a thing on the market for dogs. You can find rain jackets and even rain boots for dogs at your local pet store, or even on-line.
ENCOURAGE YOUR DOG TO GO OUTSIDE— Encourage your dog to go outside, rather than inside the house. While pee pads are inconvenient, allowing your dog to potty in the house, just once, gives him the idea that he can do this all the time. It sends the wrong message. Even if your dog dashes outside just long enough to poop before running back inside, it’s okay. Consider the alternative if you allow him to go poop in the house.
When you encourage your dog to go potty outside, he may learn to like it. Make sure you give him lots of praise, and lots of treats, but no chocolate. Enforce good behavior in your dog and that’s what you’ll receive in return.
Thank you today to http://www.vetstreet.com for helping out with our post. See their website for more information on how to keep your dog happy and healthy.
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