Let’s talk about the backyard; some dogs beg to be inside, refuse to toilet in the rain, scratch the back door, whimper and cry “Let me in!”. If this sounds like your dog or puppy, this blog is for you!
Outside should be a fun and safe space for your dog. Spending time with them outside and allowing them to play, romp, chew, zoom should be normalised. This can also assists in calm and relaxing behaviours inside. Here are 6 tips to help your dog love being in the backyard.
Go outside
If you are inside and shut the dog out then they will naturally want to be with you. Take a cuppa and enjoy it outside, do some gardening, reading, resting as well as playing with them; you are teaching the dog that outside is a normal place to be.
Scatter feeding
Throwing food on the grass in the backyard, can assist in getting your dog to enjoy outside time. Likewise you can give a kong or bone or their favourite enrichment food toy. Be with them for the first few weeks, leaving them to their devices too early will teach them scatter feeding means alone time.
Activities
Make outside stimulating and fun by providing sandpits to dig in or pools to splash in!
Consistency
Outside = playtime with your dog. Inside = rest time. Give your dog appropriate play outlets outside, as playing inside can encourage over-excitability in the home.
Toileting
Try taking your dog outside every 2-3 hours rain, hail or shine. Make sure you go out in the rain too! This will teach them toileting in the rain is normal. Also do a little training session or play session in the rain.
Scratching the back door
to come inside, do not let them in! If you do, you teach them that’s appropriate. Ignore this bad behaviour and only let them in when they are quiet. (Trainer’s tip: cover your glass with Perspex to protect your glass!)
Having a safe, secure backyard is a great place to leave your pooch when you need to go out, or if you have guests over. As always if you need further assistance don’t hesitate to call 0403 433 399 or email info@ethicaldogtraining.com.au
Happy Training!
Written by
Emily Roberts
Photo: Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash