Advice
What to Do When Your Small Dog Won't Go Out in the Rain
Plenty of small dogs refuse to set a paw outside when it rains. Practical ways to make wet-weather trips quicker and less miserable, and when it is a reason to call the vet.
Frank doesn't like going out when it rains. He doesn't want to get wet, and he makes that very clear at the door.
He is in good company. Refusing to go out in the rain is common, especially in small dogs. They are closer to the wet ground, they get cold quickly, and many of them simply don't see the point. The problem is that they still need to go.
Why some dogs hate the rain
There isn't always a deep reason. Wet paws, rain on the head and cold all feel unpleasant, and a dog that has a warm bed inside makes a sensible choice. For a small senior dog, getting wet and cold is also genuinely harder on the body than it is for a young, large dog.
Some dogs have had a bad experience, such as being left out in bad weather in the past. Others are bothered by the sound of rain or by wind.
What actually helps
Go out with them. Don't just open the door and wait. Put on your own raincoat and go out together, on the leash. A big umbrella held over both of you makes a real difference to a small dog.
Keep it short and to the point. Head straight for the usual spot. Some owners teach a cue word, such as "hurry", that means it is time to do business, not to sniff around.
Reward immediately, then go straight in. Praise the moment your dog is done and head for the door. The lesson you want to teach is: the faster it's done, the faster we are back inside.
Find some cover. A spot under a roof overhang, a carport or a tree can be enough to get a reluctant dog to go.
Dry off right away. Have a towel by the door. Small senior dogs should not sit around damp, and a good rub-down makes the whole trip end on a better note.
Consider a raincoat. It keeps the back and chest dry. Some dogs accept it at once, others hate it. Let your dog get used to it indoors first, with rewards. If it is cold as well as wet, see how to keep a small senior dog warm in winter.
About rewards
Most advice says to use treats, and treats work for most dogs. Frank has had stomach problems all his life and eats only a vet-prescribed diet, so treats are out for him. If your dog is on a special diet too, use praise or pieces of their regular food, and ask your vet what is okay.
What not to do
- Don't lock your dog outside until they go. It rarely works, and it teaches them that rain really is something to fear.
- Don't scold a dog that refuses or has an accident indoors afterwards. It makes the next rainy day harder.
- Don't drag them. Patience works better than force, even if it is slower.
When to call the vet
If your dog regularly holds it for very long, seems to strain or have trouble going, or the refusal is new and comes together with other changes in behavior, talk to your vet. A dog that suddenly avoids going out can also be a dog that is uncomfortable for other reasons. If toilet training in bad weather is the issue, a trainer or behaviorist can help.
Questions and answers
- Is it okay to walk a small dog in the rain?
- Yes, as long as the weather is safe and the walk is short. Avoid thunderstorms, and dry your dog off properly when you get home, especially an older dog.
- Does a small dog need a raincoat?
- It isn't necessary, but it helps some dogs. A raincoat keeps the back and chest dry, which matters more for small and senior dogs that get cold quickly. Some dogs hate wearing one, so try it indoors first.
- What if my dog holds it all day when it rains?
- An occasional delay isn't a crisis, but a dog that regularly holds it for very long, or seems to have trouble going, should see a vet.