Rainy Days and Potty Training

Rainy days in Arizona always prompt a multitude of questions regarding unfamiliar behaviors in otherwise calm and well behaved dogs. The biggest question is about potty training or potty accidents in an otherwise consistent and solid dog.  Your dog’s accident may mean nothing more than they have become surface oriented to dry rock and/or grass. The surfaces may smell differently as well as being much wetter than our desert dogs are used to.  These differences can make them generally uncomfortable and unable to concentrate on the task at hand. The solution of course is to go out with them. (An umbrella may help if they are not afraid of it.) Offer praise and a treat reward when and where  they “produce.” If they are hesitant to go, you may have to put them on leash and give them no more than 5 minutes to get the job done. If they don’t go within that time frame, either tether them to your belt loop or put them in a crate.  Watch them closely for a few  minutes and then take them back outside to try again. How does your dog react to the rain…………………………………   If you have other behavior questions please call 480-839-3118.