I have 2 dogs (Terriers), male & a female.

Both are housetrained UNTIL - it rains!.

The female will run outside into the fenced backyard & do her business, but the male just stands by the back door & won't come out.

I know when he wants to go, but he just hates getting wet! (he walks around puddles on walks!).

I could put papers down in the kitchen every time it rains, but I would rather he just went outside.

I have tried putting his leash on, in order to lead him outside, but it turns into a pulling match!. I have even carried him outside, but as soon as I put him down - he runs to the door :rolleyes: .

He is not concerned about thunder or lightening, so it's not fear related.

Any ideas?

I use a number of approaches. 1. Restrict (reduce) fluids, if I know its going to rain. 2. I have a good idea how many hours he can hold, and I wait for the pressure to build up (strong motivator). 3. Most of the times it does not rain continuosly, and I take advantage of short breaks in the rain. 4. Be persistent, you will be surprised.

Hi Yash,

yes, I would normally let them out between downpours on wet days. I know his bladder timer <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> and unfortunately, it sometimes coinsides with heavy rain!.

I just hate seeing a wet spot on my goat-skin rug <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" />

I train peeing on command just like sit and down starting when they are tiny babies. Train it on fair weather days with lots of positive reinforcement (food, ball, small cat <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> . This requires that you go out with your dog every time, for a while anyway. When you are sure he/she is just about to go, say your command word, he pees, and just as he finishes, you tell him how incredible he is, or throw the ball (or the cat), essentially communicating to him that peeing when you tell him to is the greatest thing in the world. If you are vigilant about this (many oppportunities to train this one every day)and choose the right rewards for you dog, it won't be long before he will pee on command - rain or shine.
This has other applications besides housebreaking - if you ever need urine samples at the vet's you'll dazzle everyone!
If my dog didn't pee and I knew he needed to, had an opportunity to but didn't, he would be in the crate so fast! I'd try again every 15 minutes or so until we had success. Peeing on my carpets is not and option.

Hi Victoria,

I agree with you, I will put him in his crate if he won't go outside.

Peeing indoors is not the preferred option (especially if I have put on wet weather gear to accompany them outside in the yard!).

On non rainy days, when I say "Pee pee", they both run to the door - and I still give little treats & say good girl/boy for performing <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

I'll see if I can get them to go on command <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

My 3 year old GSD is also not "crazy" about going potty in the rain, however, if I tell him he does, and if he refuses to go outside, a small push in the back, and a shut dorr, is all that's needed
works every time. There is no question about him going inside the house. No way am i going to allow him to go inside, just because it's raining. He is a dog, and is not made out of sugar: he won't melt!!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />