Expert: Breeder - 1/15/2007

Question
I have inherited a brother and sister ages 1 year 4 months from a friend of a friend. I am unsure where they were from and have no papers on them. They were in a crate (together) most of the day. They now are part of a loving family who is home all day and they are let out often. We have had only pooping accidents so far. When we got them, the weather was fair with no rain. Now, it's colder out and raining. I have gotten them jackets to wear for the weather. Problem: they will not go pee or poop outside. Even upon walking, they won't go.  If I let them go outside on a leash on the deck, they will stand by the door until I get them. I then put them a crate if they don't go and try a short time later. Do I need to buy booties? What do I do?  

Answer
Welcome to the owning a bichon.  This is very typical bichon behavior.  I live in Southern California where it hardly ever rains, but when it does I have to push them out the door.  I wind up setting my garage up with papers for them to go on when it rains.