Getting Rita to do her business outside . . let’s just say it’s a good thing I love her. We have a couple of good weeks and just when I start to trust her, she leaves a surprise. I’m way past the point in my life for putting up with that out of a dog so we’re going to try to put her in the kitchen at night . . more of a confined space, and see how she does and if that doesn’t work, she’s in a crate and if that doesn’t work . . she’s in the chicken coop! Not really. I’m confident we can get to the point where she’s trustworthy.
Rita’s Coat
See the ears? She does not like her coat. Worse, sleet hitting it makes a sound that scares her half to death. She’ll get used to it and hopefully one day she’ll realize it keeps her warm (or warmer) and dry. It’s ok Rita. I don’t like coats either but this time of year, I’m happy to have them!
Sharon says
We have had quite a few chi s over the years and found that they simply do not like rain or cold. We could put them out and they would hold it for 1/2 hour waiting at the door to get in and relieve themselves.
Sue lord says
She is so cute! I had a chihuahua that looked like her. He would cross his front paws and beg to go whenever he saw car keys. His name was Sam. Love your blog. I have been following you for a long time.
Theresa says
It’s been the single digits here for temperature; my old beagle Orson is also wearing a coat full time so he’ll be able to go outside and tolerate the cold long enough to relieve himself. Before I put the coat on him, he was going outside, and coming in shivering so hard that I had to sit and hold him for a long time to get him warmed back up.
Dar in MO says
Poor baby. Do you think you could train her to use a cat litter box when it is really cold or raining? Maybe in the laundry room?
Roxie in NC says
I have made a few coats for my mini dachshund Kuppo. He hates the cold and rain. But he doesnt mind his coats cause he thinks its a blanket. But he still gives us a surprise every so often. We have a hard time telling if he needs to go or not.
Diana says
You may have to get her a Thundershirt. That is what I had to do with my rescue dog. ITs been the best thing for her and me, she knows when its starting thundering, fireworks or really loud noises; the Thundershirt comes out and within 20 minutes she is calm. We keep it very handy for those times.
She looks so cute in her coat!
Deb S says
Maybe you could knit her a little pair of booties to keep her feet warm ? I know I’d have a hard time “going” outside if my feet were freezing to the ground !! I saw the cutest Koala Baby Boys’ Navy Faux Suede Soft Sole Boots with Sherpa Cuff at Toys R Us – only $8 !!
Denise says
I see she’s wearing the official “yellow jacket ranch” coat. 🙂
Glenda says
Pee pads are the answer! I have a little chihuahua and when it’s cold or rainy she just knows better than to go outside. I get the pads from Amazon, very reasonably priced. To get the dog to understand what they’re for, there’s a spray you can use on the pads. I like to keep them down in an out-of-the-way place year round so if ever I can’t take her out when she wants to go, she has a place. The pads are like big Pampers–they are the same as the ones used in nursing homes under patients in case they have an accident, and they absorb smells and liquids. I believe they’re very widely used by dog owners. They’re made in different sizes for different size dogs. Mine are Neat n Dry, but there are several different brands. Also available at Pet Smart if you want to try them before ordering from Amazon, but more expensive. I get large-ish ones even though she’s a small dog, because I want to be sure she hits the mark!
Melinda says
Also, if she has accidents, I highly HIGHLY recommend Nature’s Miracle to help clean up the mess. It’s an enzyme that “eats” the “smelly stuff.” Sorry, that’s the best way I know to describe it. I get it at PetSmart and it’s really effective. And crates are very effective as well.
Hugs,
Melinda