Rainy Day Toileting...

Did you ever get to that stage in your dogs toilet training where you thought they’d finally got the idea, they were consistently going outside, and accidents inside were a rarity?


And then suddenly the weather turns sour, and it seems all of your training and hard work has gone backwards?
Well we are pleased to inform you, you are NOT the only one!!


It’s a really common theme that dogs don’t want to go outside when it’s wet. Even if your pup likes the water, rain is a very different sensation for them.

• Water trickling down your spine feels very different to wading out into the water.
• Temperature. The drop in temperature from your home to outside can be enough to deter a dog from going outside
• Coat type. Shorter coated breeds, particularly those who are lean dogs, are more likely to be affected by temperature changes and dampness, as it has a more direct effect on their skin.
• Age. It is common for older dogs to be even more reluctant to leave the comfort and warmth of indoors to go to the toilet.

The other thing to consider is that rain often alters your usual routine. For example, you dog may not get their usual morning outing, which then affects their toileting schedule. Similarly, if we are reluctant to go outside in poor weather, this can also translate to our dogs.


Even if the rain pauses for a moment and you make the mad dash outside, they still may not go. Wet grass on the underside of their paws, or prickling their private parts is very unpleasant! If they are used to going on the grass but the grass is wet, option 2 may, as unfortunate as it is, be your carpet.


Once your dog is older, they gain better control of their bladder muscles, and therefore can hold it longer. But that’s no help right now, so what can we do to maintain our pups good toileting habits?

• Go outside with them. This doesn’t always work, but sometimes your hesitancy to go outside makes your pup hesitant to go outside. So give it a go, get your wet weathers on, an umbrella, and show your pup its not that bad!
• If your pup is used to going on grass, consider getting an artificial wee mat and placing it under cover outside for them to aim for.
• Have a designated toileting area. Pop a play pen up and tie a tarp over it to create a sheltered toileting area.
• Condition your dog to wearing a waterproof dog coat. This will minimise that ‘water down the spine’ sensation and keep your dog warm.
• Have a designated pee post.

If you dog does have an accident indoors, here are a few important tips:

• Don’t tell your dog off. Attempting to communicate to them they have done wrong, doesn’t automatically mean they know what is right.
• Don’t clean it up in front of the dog.
• Use non-ammonia based cleaning products.
• Ensure you let the dog out and supervise them at regular intervals, so they have plenty of opportunity to toilet.

If your dog is toileting indoors regardless of the weather (and they have been toilet trained!), please be sure to consult a vet to ensure there are no underlying medical issues.


Authored by Brooke Rapira
Prime Pups Educator & Dog Sport Instructor