Hi,

First-time poster here, so please be gentle

My wife and I adopted a 9 week old Feist named Fergi (part terrier, part lab it seems) from the local puppy rescue agency. She has taken very well to her crate training, as well as outswide potty training, and has had only 1 "accident" in our kitchen since we got her 2 weeks ago. That is, until today....

We're getting hit by a Nor'easter here, which is giving us cold winds and tremendous rain. In this type of weather, Fergi refuses to go outside and do her business. I've used an umbrella to shield us both from the rain, tried to lead her to the drier areas around our back yard (unfortunately, we don't have any large overhangs or lean-tos). I even bought Fergi thermal underwear, along with little booties and a rain slicker. But still, she just shivers on the outside stoop and won't move from it. We do have those doggie "diapers" that you lay on the floor, and she will go on them, but I keep feeling that the more we use them, the more backwards we move in her outside potty training.

I'm really leary about attaching a collar and leash to her and 'dragging" her around the yard in the pouring rain, but I don't see any other way for her to come with me to do her business outside (she's not collar nor leash trained yet).

She's only 11 lbs., so maybe she's too little young to take this pouring rain? (I'm 160 lbs, and it really bothers me )

Any thoughts or ideas would be greatly appreciated. We really want to bring up our puppy girl the right way.

Thanks....Mike

I would take her into the yard and not let her sit on the porch. If she is good in her crate you can try extending the outside periods until you can tell she "really has to go". Then take her outside.

As far as the puppy pads, I don't know, but I would agree that it stalls outside training.

She is not too young to go out into the weather, just make sure you dry her with a towel when she comes back in.

Also, as long as your not forcibly yanking or pulling her hard (which should never be done to a pup) you should be okay, try coaxing her with some treats (turkey hot dog chunks or something else she really likes) to follow you.

Well, the first thing is to get her used to the collar and leash! You can start with the collar (it bugs them at first, but they quickly get used to it) and then start with the leash. I'd use a small drag leash in the house since she's so small, and let her drag it around the house to get used to it.

And, unfortunately, you have to make her go outside in any weather. The more you allow her to balk, the more she's going to do it. And then you might wind up with a dog who doesn't want to go outside when it's windy. Then she might not want to go outside when it's chilly. Then she might not want to go outside...at all. Until you can train the dog to use the toilet and flush , outside is the only option. I would certainly stay away from the pads!

Good luck.

I got my puppy yesterday...and you are right about the collar...she hates it. I even went and got her a tiny one to work up to the small hemp collar I got her...she just keeps scratching at it. She doesn't mind the drag leash at all...rather enjoys playing with it About how long does it take for them to get used to their collar?

She already knows her crate is "her place" {she had never been in a crate before yesterday) and goes in there after we play to sleep ... Of course...I realize that may change at any moment.

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Carol,

Thanks for the reply. I just melt when she looks at me with those puppy eyes, but I must be stern and get her outside at the last possible moment.

We've got plenty of towels to dry her off when she gets back in. I agree that the potty diapers are not the way and don't want to use them again. I'll be gentle with her on the leash.

Darn, I wish I knew dog language

Amber,

She really doesn't mind a collar and leash, but she won't follow me on the leash. It's the drag-n-pull for us (we've only had her just a little bit over 1 week).

I agree about the pads; I don't want her to get into bad habits. I'm just going to have to take her out when the weather's not nice. I guess it's the only way.

Cool, and remember, the drag leash in the house will help alot also.
Keep us posted on progress.......

You could carry her to the designated spot. :-) I know it is tough! We got our pup on Christmas Day (afternoon) ... and when it started to rain later that week, boy did he hate it. He would cower under the safety of my umbrella. LOL Then there was the snow. He didn't want to get his feet in it.

Now he loves the snow and the water. Thank goodness!

Do you have one of those really BIG GOLF Umbrellas? Just a thought! Good Luck!

Woof Woof

Growl

Whine

Woof Woof

Errrhhhh

:-)

Louanne,

Yes, I do have one of those 60-inch umbrellas, but it doesn't seem to make a difference. I'll just have to give her time to adjust to the cold and rain; she's been in the shelter ever since she arrived at the rescue.

Mike