How to handle dogs who are scared of rain
Tabitha Brown's Blackie dog weighed a rainy day versus poop on the floor
When I was hired to walk one particular dog Monday through Friday, it was easy money and great tips for about a year. However, I felt so bad for this curly haired dog on rainy days. She hated getting wet. I understood why. It’s not like she had an umbrella to keep her dry or could drive past puddles. She’d run toward the door, see the rain and dart backward toward home. I mentioned it a few times and even offered to play with the dog in the garage, but both the mother and daughter were adamant that this dog walk in the rain. I shrugged, apologized and off we went.
Recommended Read: “Helping pet owners maintain a clean couch ~ Sweeper Sundays, rainy days and other home improvement tips for pets”
I probably sympathized with this dog more than other dog caregivers, mainly because I remembered how terrified my Lab mix was of rain. He had zero issues with rain until Chicago had a tornado and he was stuck in the basement. Watching water rise high enough to cover the fourth or fifth step, and your water dish go floating by, will leave a lasting impression.
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Even worse, it happened a second time, but he was outside. I was at day camp, and the counselors wouldn’t let me leave to bring my dog inside. The minute they opened the doors, I took off running and didn’t stop for three blocks until I got home to make sure my dog was safe.
Recommended Read: “A natural disaster vs my dog: I chose my dog ~ When a Chicago tornado made me fully understand dog lovers”
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My German Shepherd (second dog I owned) was unphased by rain and thoroughly enjoyed snow. Then here comes my Hound mix (third dog I owned) who acts like she’s made of sugar. So how was I going to deal with this anti-rain stance again?