I'll be moving from a VERY arid climate to a rather wet and rainy one with my Basenji, Robin. Robin has been a desert dog his entire life (as far as I know… he's a BRAT rescue, and came from a previous home in the desert), so he hasn't really had to deal with rain. We get little rain, so he usually just "holds it" until the weather clears up. In fact, he once urinated on the porch's doormat, rather belligerently, when I insisted that he could not wait another 12 hours. The look he gave me still makes me laugh. Robin will not poo when the ground is too damp, let alone if water is falling from the sky. He once went for two, nearly three days without defecating when we were having a really wet spell, despite regular walks (he considered them forced marches).
So, here's my question - does anyone have tips for encouraging Basenjis to tolerate the rain long enough to do their business? Or any help in acclimating a desert B to life in Western Oregon? Any thoughts on those astro-turf looking dog "restrooms?" Thanks in advance!