FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Tensions are running high in many South Florida families, and it’s all about the dog: She’s not going outside to pee.
What’s a pet lover to do during a hurricane? You don’t want to drag your dog out the door, and even if you did, he probably wouldn’t follow your command to relieve himself.
While many dogs don’t like the feel of wet grass, there are a few ways to get them to take a potty break during bad South Florida weather.
Dawn Hanna, owner of Oh Behave Dog Training in Fort Lauderdale, says the first rule is not to force them outside when it’s too windy or raining heavily, as that’s dangerous and could injure them.
But when the rain is moderate, Hannah recommends a time-tested bait: premium treats like a strip of real chicken breast or steak. Make sure they smell it when you take the treat out the door, and your dog will likely follow, she said.
Jamie Diaz, owner of Dynamite Dog Training, which has facilities in Deerfield Beach, Delray Beach and Jupiter, agreed with the meat treats.
“Make it fun for them,” Diaz said. “Treat them when they come out in the rain. Start playing games with them. Condition them.”
Diaz said part of the problem is that many owners don’t like walking their dogs in the rain, and the dogs understand that.
Other options: Bring an umbrella to protect both of you on your walk, direct your dog to gravel instead of grass, or find an overhang so everyone can stay dry.
“If you have a little dog, you can just take them out the door,” Diaz said.
If the weather gets too dangerous, set up a dog pee station in your home, Hannah said. There are artificial grass products that can be purchased at pet stores or you can make your own with a paddling pool filled with sod from your lawn.
Set up these stations near the door where your dog usually goes for a walk, Hannah said. At some point, your puppy will have to let it all out.
“They’ll head for the door when they have to go,” she said.
https://www.limaohio.com/features/lifestyle/2022/10/01/pets-and-potty-breaks/
