I’ve had labs (Labrador retriever’s) for over 40 years. They are water dogs, well typically they are. One of my labs was a beautiful 100 lb female. When it rained, she would not go out until the rain stopped. She would also avoid puddles. That was hilarious to watch her tip toe through the yard, stepping around the puddles.

I had another lab who also didn’t like stepping in anything wet. When we’d go for walks he would refuse to step in any wet grass because he didn’t like his ankles getting wet. If it was raining outside and I’d open the door to let him into the back yard, he wouldn’t go. If I went out with him and made him go out, he’d rush to go potty and then back to the door to get back inside. He didn’t like it if I let the grass get to his ankle height either.

Our newest rescue dog is similar. If it’s raining outside, she does not want to go out. I have to coerce her into the yard by pretending like I’m going to run out there. She start to run into the yard and of course she goes potty and rushes back.

What is it about me that my dogs don’t like being in the rain or getting wet?