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 Pet Central
Q&A
Q: My 4-year-old
German shepherd dog hates rain. When it rains, she goes on the rug in
the room next to the doggy door. I’ve tried going out in the rain with
her but she refuses to accommodate. I’ve tried tying her next to her messes,
but that doesn’t help. Any ideas? -- S.B., Cyberspace
A: Move to the desert,
or do what Brian Kilcommons, host of "Pet News" on the Fox New
Channel, recommends, "Wait until a light rain, and go outside with
your dog and play. Offers lots of treats; play fetch, do whatever your
dog likes. Have fun!" That’s until it’s time to clean muddy paws.
Next, wait until
there’s a harder rain, and go out again for playtime. In fact, every time
it rains, be ready to party. It won’t take long for your pooch to change
her foul mood when the weather is foul.
Kilcommons adds,
"Meanwhile, don’t even think about tying her next to her messes.
She doesn’t learn a thing from that." Until, her fear of the rain
subsides, remove the rug she soils. When it rains, take her out -- like
you’ve apparently tried to do. But this time, if she doesn’t perform,
return in the house after three or four minutes. Tether the dog to you
by tying the leash around your waist or attaching it to a belt buckle.
If you see her begin to squat, say "no" and high-tail it outdoors.
Otherwise, wait about 20 to 30 minutes, and take her outside again and
again. Eventually she’ll have to go.
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