Rain and Our Dog

Our dog is afraid of the rain. No, really, she won’t go even go outside to go potty until it has ceased without assistance, which, for a Great Dane, isn’t that easy.

I’m not sure exactly when this phobia of falling water began, but with the nastiness of this morning’s weather here in the Pacific Northwest it was damn near impossible to practically carry her up the steps to the upper portion of our backyard where she goes potty. I’m just thankful she’s only in her 120s and on the smaller side for her breed and not a male in the 180s or heavier. But seriously, I’m sure that her ombrophobia was set in before we got her and knowing our luck before birth, much like most of her other neuroticisms. Okay, that’s a lie. I’m sure we caused it somehow.

Here’s the thing, puppies are inherently curious about everything and afraid of nothing when they are born. Throughout their early development it is recommended that they are exposed to as many different people, objects, scenarios and circumstances as possible to eventually create a well balanced dog. We kind of slacked on the exposure portion of her puppy kindergarten and beginning obedience classes. Instead of a well behaved and obedient Great Dane, we have a spoiled and neurotic Great Dane who begs for food, attention and takes up most of the sofa. Maybe we’ll learn next time, but I doubt it. Oh well, at least she’s adorable.