THE WORLD IS YOUR PET'S BATHROOM
It sounds crazy, I know. But hear me out. You have a beloved pup and three or four times a day it happens…. The potty train, a poop shift, the sniff-o-rama, if you will. I’m referencing canine bathroom breaks. You’re spoiled. When you have to go it’s always the same scene. Lights on, everything is in its place. No leaves dancing in the wind to distract or scare you. The only thing to go south on your potty break is finding an empty roll of toilet tissue. That’s really not the only thing that could go wrong, but let’s stay on topic.
Our hairy friends, our pup-kids have to face a broad range of elements when their expected to do number one or number two. Rain, sleet, SNOW. Is it really hot outside or does it feel like you stepped into a freezer? Sometimes it’s daylight and then BAM! – the bathroom lights are off and it’s dark. Ugh.
And their naked.
PLAN AHEAD
If your pup is dedicated to taking care of business no matter the weather conditions, the best thing you can do to reward them is to prepare them.
Yes, I said prepare them. I give my dog Bosley a weather report. I’ll tell Bosley, “Ok bud, it’s really cold out there” before I open the door and turn him loose. He understands, especially when that artic air hits his wet nose. Does he appreciate the warning? I really think he does.
But to prepare the dog, first I have to be prepared. And that’s what this article is really about.
BE IN THE KNOW
I downloaded a local weather station’s app. I can check the radar and time potty breaks between scattered showers. This makes the pup’s potty experience more enjoyable, and it benefits me by saving cleanup of muddy paw prints or worse, clean up inside poop or pee-pee. If I do my job to make sure the dog has the best conditions available, he’ll do his job OUTSIDE. Checking the weather is a pre-requisite for puppy potty training.
It’s also extremely helpful in the colder winter months, since I don’t bathe him as often as I do in the summer months. Another added benefit with a weather app is that I can check the weather when it’s convenient for me, plus the app is a streamlined process, no more googling ‘when is it going to rain.’
If you need insight on which weather app to pick, here’s a resource to find one that works for you.
DOG RAIN GEAR - IT'S A THING
There’s also raingear you can purchase for your dog, if you live in a place where it rains often. There’s lots of options for coats and rain shoes (!) to choose. Most are not complicated to put on your pet. Ok, the first time you try to put it on your pet, it will be an adventure. Before you purchase measure your pet’s neck, back and girth for a proper fit. Remember to leave a little wiggle room. Here’s a link my favorite raincoats you can purchase directly from Chewy.com
