Pet Tips | - Part 3

6 Easy Ways to Get your Dog to “Go Potty” Outside in Cold Weather

January 8th, 2010 | Published in Dog Information

With record cold temperatures around the country, your dog may be less than enthusiastic to “go potty” outside. When you get that, “I’m not going out there – are you crazy” look, you know you have to use your powers of persuasion. Think about it, would you want to go outside in the cold and rain?

Do I have to go outside?

The last couple of years of my Nikki dogs life, she would starting urinating closer and closer to the back door and finally started going on the door mat! There really wasn’t anything I could do but move the mat over. She was just too old to learn new tricks.

As a pet sitter, clients tell me that their dog won’t go potty outside in bad weather, and see it first hand when they’re boarding in my home. I know that last potty break is going to be a rough one!

Here’s 6 tips that can help:

Go out with them. Many a night I have been outside in the rain waiting for them to go potty. Give them their special cue to go and wait. If they see you are willing to brave the weather they can too. Besides they will follow you anywhere.
Bundle them up in a dog raincoat, sweater and dog boots especially if you live in snowy areas.
If raincoats and sweaters aren’t their thing, get a huge umbrella and walk with them. Make sure your dog is used to the umbrella before you use it. I’ve known dogs that get very skittish when an umbrella opens up near them.
Construct a covered area that’s sheltered from rain and snow as close to the house as possible. If you live in snowy areas, you may have to dig a trail, but make sure you can fit in the shelter along with your dog.
Put them on a leash. If your dog likes privacy, this may not work. I took care of a dog that wouldn’t go if anyone was in the backyard let alone right next to them on a leash.
Use an indoor dog potty and put it in the garage or under a covered porch. However, you will have to teach them how to use the box before the weather gets too severe. An indoor dog potty with artificial grass may be easier for them to get used to.