Rottweiler puppy does't like the daylight outside?

I have a 12 wk rottweiler that is sensitive to light.

It's hard to take her outside during the day to go to the bathroom but at night she goes right out.

I pick her up to put her outside then she just runs back to the door to go in. Do you have any idea why she does this?

Thanks, lynn





Hi Lynn
This is something I've never heard before, and I'm wondering if it's more that she is afraid of being outside during the day, rather than the actual light that's a problem.

When it's light she can see all around her and it could be that there's something outside, or the scope of the outdoors that is scary to her. In that case she would feel safer at night when she can't see all that open space (or the tree/fence/play-set or whatever it is she's afraid of), which could explain her behavior.

I'm not sure how long you've had this puppy, or what her first weeks have been like, but if she was raised in a very enclosed environment with little exposure to the outdoors that could cause her to act this way. Also, if you've not had her very long she's still adjusting to all the new things and people around her and it could take her some time to feel confident (see my Bringing Home A New Puppy page for more on what to expect during he first week or so).

If it's a behavioral issue rather than a physical one (physical would mean her eyes were hurt by the light, rather than her being scared by the outdoors), then it should take just time and patience to help her overcome it. Go outside with her, and stay with her so she doesn't feel afraid. You could try fencing a small area or putting up a small, chain-link or wire exercise pen, she may feel more secure that way at first.

Be upbeat and cheerful about these outdoor adventures and don't 'baby her' but also don't scold her or get cross with her, that will only make things worse. Puppies are creatures of habit and given time and repetition she should become more confident outdoors and this problem will fade.

However, if things don't improve, or you feel that there may be a physical issue, get her to your veterinarian for an evaluation and for advice. A professional dog trainer may also be able to help if this is purely behavioral and you're not able to overcome it yourselves.

Hope this helps some. As you have a Rottie pup you might also find this website interesting and useful... www.a-love-of-rotweilers.com.

Best of luck with your pup, hope she feels better about things soon.