House Training in the Rain: How to Potty When the Weather’s Not Perfect
Some dogs take to the wet weather like ducks to water, while others not so much! photo: AdobeStock
Some dogs couldn’t care less about cold, wind, or rain. They’ll dash outside, do their business, shake off a few droplets, and trot right back inside without complaint.
These hardy souls are usually medium or large dogs, often with thick, double coats that keep them warm and dry enough to carry on without fuss. Then there are the others - those smaller, single-coated dogs who take one look at wet grass and decide absolutely not, this is not happening today.
In our household, we’ve hosted quite the canine mix over the years: two Australian Shepherds, a German Shepherd, a Cairn Terrier, a Bull Terrier mix, a Pomeranian mix, and one small but mighty Chihuahua named Flaca. I’ll give you one guess which of them refuses to use the outdoor facilities when the weather turns ugly. If you said the Chihuahua, you win.
Flaca, like many dainty short-coated dogs, would much rather avoid anything resembling roughing it. On nice days, she’s perfectly fine with going outside, and if there’s a walk involved, she miraculously transforms into an adventurous little explorer. But once the sky opens up, it’s a very different story.
We adopted Flaca during a dry summer, and things were going smoothly until the rains came. That first downpour brought out the diva in full force. She would hold it for as long as physically possible, giving us soulful eyes as if to say surely there must be another option, dear humans. And if a bathroom door happened to be left ajar, as far as she was concerned, if it was good enough for us, it was good enough for her. At least it was a tile floor.
Luckily, we didn’t face her rebellion too often during that drought year. But when the next, much rainier season arrived, we had to improvise.
Our grand solution? We pitched a small tent in the yard, which became Flaca’s own private outdoor restroom. Of course, we had to escort her there each time and stand by supportively (read: miserably) in the drizzle until she finished. But it beat cleaning up after her indoor messes.
What’s a Human to Do?
All of which is a long way of saying that understanding your dog’s perspective makes a huge difference. A lot of small or single-coated dogs simply don’t have the insulation to handle cold or wet ground comfortably. It’s easy for us to think, well, dogs go outside in nature all the time. But the truth is, most of our dogs haven’t lived “in nature” for generations.
They sleep on beds, eat premium food, and spend their days lounging indoors. To them, the outdoors is a place for walks, not necessarily for personal business, especially when no human is willing to stand out there in solidarity with them as a cold rain falls.
Tips for Rainy Day House Training
A little empathy - and preparation - goes a long way toward setting your dog up for potty success when the weather’s less than perfect. Try these tips for better cooperation.
Add some cozy gear. Many dogs balk at wearing a coat at first, but most come around. Just make sure the coat fits comfortably and doesn’t interfere with their potty needs. Once your dog accepts dressing up, investing in a few cute raincoats or warm jackets will make outings much easier.
Create a sheltered potty spot. A covered area under an awning, carport, or even a small tent can make a big difference to a persnickety pup. Keep the location consistent so your dog knows exactly where “business” happens.
Stay with your dog. This one’s tough - no one loves standing in cold rain - but your company can make it easier. Reward her afterward by heading right back inside to warmth and treats.
If your schedule or patience doesn’t allow for wet-weather outings, an indoor potty spot might be a reasonable backup. There are plenty of dog-friendly indoor potty systems available now, essentially grass, turf, or pad setups that work much like a cat’s litter box. They’re not perfect, but they’re better than your carpet.
Keeping Spirits Up Indoors
Just as with kids, rainy days can lead to pent-up energy in your dog. When the weather shuts down outdoor playtime, mental games are your best friend. Try nosework games like hide-and-seek, stashing treat-filled toys around the house and letting your dog find them using her nose. You’ll be amazed how much energy scent work uses up. Obedience practice can also help. A few sessions of “Sit,” “Stay,” and “Leave it” provide stimulation on a rainy day and promote better manners.
No matter the weather, your goal through it all is to maintain patience, understanding, and creativity. With the right approach, even the most delicate dogs can learn that rainy days aren’t so bad after all - especially when their favorite humans are right there with them.