Housebreaking in cold weather

[LoveMySarge]

Sarge, my 10 week old boy seems to hate the cold! And it really hasn't been cold yet, just quite cool in the morning. He was doing very well being put outside to do his business. But now that its cooler out, the second the door shuts, he yelps and starts scratching at the screen door to come in. He does better later in the day when it warms up. But he's had an increase of accidents in the house due to not wanting to be outside. I'm sorta dreading the winter when it gets really cold! This is all pretty new to me. We have a 4 year old poodle that took a long time to housebreak, mainly from lack of experience on our part. I don't want to take that long with Sarge. How does one discipline these pups when they are so dang cute and look up at you with those big brown sad eyes? People tell me to smack him on the nose or with a newspaper, but that I can't bring myself to do that, it just feels cruel. I'm afraid he's already quite spoiled. We are getting new carpets in March...help!!

Thanks,
Donna

Sarge (Sgt. Wrinkles)... born 8/24/01..fawn with white on chest and black over each eye. Tail docked, ears natural.
Bailey...4 year old poodle mix...slowly getting used to his annoying new little brother

 

[Tulsa-Dan]

Put on your coat and go outside with the dog until he does his business. Stay outside with him until he does his business. Praise and reward him mightily when he does his business.

Don't just let the dog out and expect him to know what to do. You have to show him that even if it is cold or raining, he has to do business and that's that. Do not give in on this or you'll always have problems.

I also recommend "The Culture Clash" by Jean Donaldson available at your local bookstore and internet booksellers. This will help you NOT make those mistakes you are afraid to make.

Good luck.

 

[Kristen/John]

I agree you need to go outside w/Sarge. Phoenix is now 10 1/2 months old , we got her in February of this year, and as everyone knows we had quite a bit of snow this winter in NJ. We got her a sweater put it on before we went out. Also bring your other dog out at the same time.

 

[nanabear]

Agreed. You have to go outside as well. Keep moving, walk in circles if you have to. Keep your umbrella handy! Good luck.

 

[Jan]

I afraid everyone is right. You need to go outside with your puppy so that you know whether he has gone or not. 10 weeks is still very young and you can't expect him to be house trained yet. Remember lots and lots and lots of praise. Ignore the mistakes and don't let your puppy see you clean them up. Hitting your puppy on the nose with a newspaper is the last thing that you should do. All that will do is make Sarge afraid of newspapers and you! If you want to hit something, hit yourself, afterall you weren't watching carefully enough.

Dan's suggestion of the Culture Clash is an excellent one. It is a really great book and should be required reading for all puppy owners. Most major bookstores carry it or you can buy it online at www.dogwise.com . It is not expensive.

Good luck with Sarge