Did They Potty?

I am 30 hours into a house/dog sitting job for a new client. It's a 4-year old Australian Cattle Dog and an 8-year old Labrador Retriever. These dogs never ask to go potty outside and haven't since I got here yesterday evening. And it just so happens to be a monsoon outside this weekend. It's been raining non-stop since I woke up this morning and is supposed to rain into tomorrow/Monday. The owner told me that one of the the dogs would be difficult with rain and to keep an eye on her to not potty in the house. As far as I can tell, she hasn't. But neither one of them will go outside -- even if I try to lead them out on a leash (the one actually wiggled out of her harness!).

They have to be kept in the garage or outside when unsupervised. I left them in the garage when I left for a few hours earlier today (the garage has a dog door to the backyard). When I got back, they were both outside on the back deck waiting for me to bring them in.

Do you think they went potty while I was gone? Since I returned they haven't asked to go back out and they won't go when I open the door. They haven't eaten a whole lot either. I am just concerned that because of the rain, they aren't going to the bathroom. Any advice?

Carly H.

Did they owner have any suggestions on how to encourage them outside in the rain? Maybe they'd go out on a leash if under an umbrella or something? Being able to leave them in the garage with access outside is a great option to have, because even if they go in the garage that should be a much easier clean up than in the house!

But in my experience a lot of dogs 'hold it' for the first day or so of a new situation. Combine that with them not having eaten a lot, I wouldn't worry too much yet. If they're young dogs, they can probably hold it for longer than you'd expect, and when they really do have to go, I'm sure they'll let you know. In the meantime I would keep a close eye on them whenever they're in the house and regularly check for accidents.

Good luck!

Comments

"keep a close eye on them whenever they're in the house and regularly check for accidents." EXACTLY what I was going to say. and if it goes too much longer I'd put them in garage while you are there so you can watch to see if they use the doggie door.

Jill G.

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Did They Potty?

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