The Brief

We know how the saying goes: Everybody poops. Except for some Los Angeles-area dogs that refuse to go outside and do their business when it's raining.

For L.A.'s shorter rain events, this might not be that big of a problem. But big, multi-day rain events are becoming more common with climate change — and they can throw dogs in Southern California for a loop when they're trying to poop.

So we thought we'd put together a guide for the next time a major storm rolls through. (Obviously, this won't apply to dogs that love the rain, though we hope you have some odor remover on standby!)

How long is too long?

If your rain-averse dog didn't poop at all during the latest atmospheric river, a visit to a professional could be in order.

The American Kennel Club advises that it's best to call a veterinarian after 24 to 36 hours with no bowel movements — though before you call anyone, it wouldn't hurt to check if they managed to find a corner of your living space to do their business.

Malibu and Megan were not into the atmospheric river that has slammed the region.

(

Lindsey Wright

/

LAist

)

Puppies tend to go more frequently, generally following meals, so it may be worth checking in on them more frequently.

And be sure to keep a close eye on your dog's behavior: According to the American Kennel Club, dogs could be suffering from health complications like intestinal blockages if they aren't having bowel movements, especially if they're also vomiting or acting lethargic.

Mindset shift

Katya Lidsky, a certified dog trainer and self-described "life coach for dog people," recommended starting from a place of mindfulness when you try to get your dog to go outside. If you're feeling irked, your pooch will likely be able to sense your frustration, which could make it less likely to cooperate.

The Pasadena Humane Society also urges patience, since your dog might just be confused. That means keeping up whatever pre-bathroom routine your dog may be accustomed to.

"Dress like you're taking them for a walk," said Pasadena Humane spokesperson Kevin McManus, who passed along some tips from the organization's behavioral team. "You just have to brave the elements with your dog, because that will increase the chances that they'll actually go before the next rainstorm."

So in brief: Keep your routine, and be patient with your dog for being afraid of what it doesn't know.

Accessories for a fearful Fido

If you don't have time to prepare before the next rainstorm, accessories can be a good place to start. McManus said Pasadena Humane recommends setting out a golf umbrella outside your front door, which may create enough of a dry space for your dog to do their business before heading back inside.

If your dog can tolerate wearing outfits (we assume you've tested this out by now), you could see if it'll go outside wearing a raincoat to protect it from the elements.

Eddie, despite the stylish rain outfit, was not enjoying the rain.

(

Lizzie Steidel

/

LAist

)

And since dogs' paws are highly sensitive, McManus recommended putting boots to protect them from any unpleasant sensations of walking on wet pavement or grass.

As a last resort, you can look into getting a doggy litter box, which McManus recommended putting in a semi-outdoor space like a garage or patio if possible.

Training your dog to face its fears

Getting your rain-averse dog to go outside during a multi-day storm can seem like an unstoppable force meeting an immovable object, especially since dogs can't check the forecast and may not realize the best times to do their business.

But with the right preparation, many dogs can learn that the rain isn't anything to fear.

Lidsky recommended gradually exposing the dog to the rain, which they may be afraid of because they don't know what it is. (It goes without saying that that's especially true in Southern California, particularly for dogs who may have grown up during California's last drought.)

To that end, giving dogs treats — hot dogs, chicken, or whatever their treat of choice may be — before some limited exposure to the rain can help set them on the path to going outside.

"Maybe it's just one paw in the rain while they're getting this chicken," Lidsky said. "And you're basically saying, here's another way to feel about this."

Lidsky also suggested coating a spatula with peanut butter and taking it with you on walks on non-rainy days. Just hold it in front of your dog, give it as a reward every so often — that could help your dog build associations that will get it out of the door when it sees the spatula, even when it's rainy.

If you're looking to build up your pet's tolerance for the rain, Lidsky said it may also be worth taking advantage of misty or drizzly days if your dog's willing to venture outside. Alternatively, the Pasadena Humane Society recommends setting out a damp towel for the dog to walk over so their sensitive paws get used to the feeling of rain.

Another tip from both Lidsky and Pasadena Humane: Give your dog attention and/or treats every time it poops, no matter if it's raining. We know how it goes: You probably don't want to congratulate your dog for pooping when you're the one who has to pick it up. But that feeling of positive reinforcement could help your dog get out of the door on bad weather days.

And if all else fails, Lidsky recommended working with a professional dog trainer who can help your dog face their fear of getting wet.

"A lot of times we put our story on it, like, 'Oh my God, they're depressed, they don't like the rain,'" Lidsky said. "No, they just don't know, and they need your help."

Los Angeles police officers shot and killed a man who appeared to be armed with a rifle outside the California Science Center in Exposition Park on Thursday morning, according to LAPD Deputy Chief Marc Reina.

Reina said police do not yet know the identity of man, who they estimate was about 35 years old.

No police or other community members were injured in the incident, Reina said. The science center was placed briefly on lockdown but reopened. The north side of the museum remains closed, the deputy chief said.

Reina said a motorcycle cop initially spotted the man around 9:30 a.m. carrying what appeared to be a rifle and walking west down State Drive, a small road that runs between the science center and Exposition Park Rose Garden.

Multiple cops responded to the scene and faced off with the man. The subject continued down State Drive, Reina said, before police opened fire.

Los Angeles Fire Department personnel arrived at the scene and pronounced the man dead, Reina said.

The incident will be investigated by department use-of-force investigators, the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office and the LAPD’s inspector general, the deputy chief said.

Investigators have not yet determined what prompted police to open fire, Reina said. Police do not believe the man fired his weapon.

Here's what witnesses saw

Stacey Hutchinson said he was sitting on a bench along State Drive drinking a cup of coffee when the incident unfolded.

He said the man appeared in good spirits and greeted him nonchalantly as he walked up the street before taking a seat. Hutchinson said he saw the man carrying what appeared to be a long gun.

Police initially responded with bean bag guns, Hutchinson said, but drew firearms when the man picked up the weapon.

Police opened fire after the man pointed the apparent rifle in their direction, Hutchinson said.

The man did not appear to be trying to enter the science center, Hutchinson said, and appeared to remain calm until police asked him to drop his weapon.