Pottying

[cpatty]

A couple of housebreaking type questions. It's been raining relentlessly here, and the soggy ground and rain seem to be freaking Marissa out. When we go out, she stands still as a mouse and lifts one front leg like "Ewww!!!"

Any suggestions for helping her go in the rain?

Also--is it possible to thoroughly train a pup to potty outside and later introduce puppy pads or a litterbox for emergency use? I sure wouldn't want to confuse her right now. I'm currently in position to let her out a bazillion times a day. But that may not always be the case, and it would be nice to have an indoor option, if needed.

Thanks!!

Cathy

 

[Dana1384]

I feel your pain, It has been snowing here nonstop, and my puppy does the same thing ! I am wondering myself about litterbox trainning.. Someone will help

 

[Doberluv]

Take your pups out at other times for a little walk or some playtime. Take a favorite toy out and don't act like anything is a big deal. Make fun, playful noises and take some yummy treats; hot dog tid bits, mozerella cheese (tiny) fresh meat. Don't give treats while the pups are acting like something horrible is happening. Associate fun with the lousy weather. If you cater to it now, you'll have to cater to it forever. I have little Chihuahuas, a Doberman and another medium sized mix breed (all with short hair) and they all go out whether it's raining, windy or blizzarding. Right now it's 16 degrees F below zero and they go out, it's been 30 below and they still need to go out...they do their business and come right back in. If you want to deal with the pads, you can. Personally, I'd hate that. But it could be confusing to them as to where they're suppose to go, outside or inside. They may think it's ok to go inside sometimes and inside may not mean puppy pads to them necessarily. I know some people do it successfully with both but it does seem that it would be confusing. Maybe once you get a command associated with going potty, you can use the command with the pads or litter box too. You might find something online or maybe someone else here will have some ideas about that.

 

[carlar]

Never a fun thing to do, training a puppy. But hang in there because the rewards are terrific.

 

[bubbatd]

Maybe a couple of puppy pads outside .......not inside .