How to Get Your Dog to go Potty Outside in the Rain

This is the question I’m getting most often at the moment, so I’m going to address it here.

The short answer is: go back to basic potty training, however you did that before.

The long answer is that there are two methods I use. The first is for dogs that are crate trained; the second for dogs that are not.

If your dog is crate trained…

Take them outside to go potty in the morning. Assuming they do, give them several treats one at a time (several treats at once = one treat and isn’t as exciting) and take them back inside. (If they don’t potty, follow the steps outlined below.)

Now you’re going to set an alarm for however long your dog can hold it, minus half an hour to an hour. When the alarm goes off, take them outside to potty again.

Assuming they don’t go potty, take them back inside and put them in their crate. Give them some toys and water so they’re entertained and not dehydrated. In an hour (or two), take them back outside and try again.

Repeat until your dog goes potty outside; then reward with several treats or play time and set your alarm again.

If your dog is not crate trained…

Follow the above steps exactly the same, but instead of crating them put them on a leash and tie them to you. They only get “free” time after they’ve pottied outside.

Troubleshooting:

My dog pees but doesn’t poop. Then they come inside and poop on the floor.

Most dogs poop once to twice a day. (If your dog regularly goes more than that, it’s worth mentioning it to the vet and/or, if they’re on a grain-free food, adding some oats to their diet.) If your dog went out and peed, and you’re pretty sure they have to poop, treat it as if they didn’t go go potty.

My dog hasn’t gone all day and now it’s bedtime.

They need to sleep in their crate or in their bed, preferably tied to something or penned in a small space so they can’t get up, pee beside their bed, and go back to sleep. They might also wake you in the middle of the night to go out and go potty; consider it a small price to pay for not having to clean up messes every time it rains. If they hold it all night long it’s not great for their bladder, but doing that once or twice isn’t going to cause major issues.

I feel super guilty because my dog isn’t getting it and they’ve basically been crated for an entire day.

Yeah, I feel you. Be strong! If you can be really determined, it’ll only last a day or two at most, and your dog will get the idea. (The idea being that when you go out and say “go potty,” it means go potty now, regardless of the rain.)

Cheats for when you feel guilty: your dog can sit in your lap (because they’re not going to pee in your lap) instead of their crate, you can give them ultra good bones in their crate, or you can tie them to you instead (and keep an eye on them).

You can do it! And it’ll fix the problem: I promise.

Jenna