Like it or not, your dog will have to go to the bathroom outside rain or shine. While she may think she can cross her legs and hold it all winter long, it’s not impossible to train a dog to tolerate inclement weather and maybe even enjoy it.
As with all training, it’s easiest to start when the dog is still a puppy. Puppies are still learning about the world around them and haven’t yet figured out what we mean by bad weather. Given the proper introduction, they never figure out what we mean by bad weather.
Even older dogs can learn. It may take them a little bit longer, but they’re capable of becoming weather-hardy, too. Extra patience is required when trying to change an older dog’s feelings towards a situation. Dogs that have had little experience with being outside, like puppy mill rescues, may have an especially difficult time adjusting. Staying positive throughout the journey will make sure that it’s a pleasant one for both of you.
Make it fun
We naturally have the desire to stay warm and dry when it’s cold and rainy outside. What you don’t want is that feeling rubbing out on your pooch. Unfortunately, it means that you will have to spend some time outside in order to make sure your pup will, too.
Your dog will look to you for the example of how to act. It is amazing what small things they can pick up on without us even realizing. If you hesitate at the door and refuse to go out, your dog will see that something is wrong with being outside. If your dog is a fan of fetch, play a few games while it’s rainy outside. Bundle up and take a long walk together while it’s snowing. Eventually your dog will figure out that it’s not so bad getting its paws wet and you won’t need to spend as much time in the bad weather. You may even find that you don’t mind it as much, either.
Get the Right Gear
It’s important to remember that not every dog is naturally equipped to deal with all weather. Dogs with thick double coats will have a harder time dealing with hot weather and should be carefully watched for signs of overheating. Short-haired breeds will have a harder time in cold weather and may need jackets to be safe and comfortable. Dogs of all coat types will benefit from proper footwear if the weather is icy or too hot to avoid paw injuries.
You may also want weather gear for your own convenience. Many owners of dogs with high-maintenance haircuts choose to use raincoats to keep them from having to bathe and brush the dog as often. Raincoats also keep wet fur from flying everywhere once the dog comes back inside.
If you do choose to use weather gear, make sure that it’s something you don’t mind using frequently. The world is full of dogs that only want to go out in the rain if they are wearing a raincoat. It is possible to train this out, but it may be what your dog needs to feel comfortable in the weather. Gear should be about what your dog needs and what you are both comfortable with.
Make A Potty Spot
One of the most difficult things with dealing with a fair-weather dog is dealing with the bathroom issue. Some dogs refuse to go outside and choose to go inside the house instead. It is possible to teach a dog that this is not an option.
It’s best to have a dedicated potty place in your yard where they are supposed to do their business. Besides just good house-training advice, this also teaches the dog to hurry up and go once he gets to the designated spot. It creates an effect like listening to running water if you have to go; the body naturally starts to release. If your dog tends to refuse to go outside, you may need to put him on a leash and lead him to his potty place. It may take a while, but he will eventually get used to the new routine.
Even if your pup is not a fan of foul weather, that doesn’t mean that he never will.
With consistency and effort, it’s possible to train even the prissiest pup to be outside in bad weather.
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