Is it too cold to go outside to potty?

[AsiaGem]

Hi everyone,

We just brought home our Boxer puppy Asia and she is so good already! She is doing very well with house training, with a couple of accidents but after all she is only 7 and a half weeks old.

I'd like to start taking her outside and start training to potty outside. I have done it a couple of times, but here in Canada, it's freezing cold! I am afraid that she will get ill or something as, you know, it takes time before they potty outside.

In fact, she runs away from the door, once she feels the cold air coming in, and goes to her bed. I don't want her to get used to just being at home and the coldest month - February, is yet to come.

What should we do?

 

[whiskers]

This is why I get my puppies in the spring or summer! . Going outside to potty should be fine but here's the thing... most puppies won't potty right away because they don't know they're supposed to. So if she doesn't potty within 5 minutes I'd go back inside and try again in 15 minutes or so. But keep a CLOSE eye on her in case she shows signs of needing to potty before you go back outside. In warmer weather I'll sit outside as long as it takes but she'll definitely get too cold if you do that. Good luck!

 

[Cami]

You could try putting a little sweater on her as well as making the trips outside very short.

 

[AsiaGem]

Thanks! It's -10 today and it looks like it will be - 20 for the next week. I will try that for sure!

 

[Gatorblu]

I got Arabella in Feb and swore I would never get a puppy in the winter again! And I was much further south than you, in Virginia.

Could you set up a "potty place" in your garage? Kind of like a litter box for a pup? Maybe some plastic sheeting with puppy pads or news paper on top. The plastic would keep the concrete from absorbing the urine. That way your pup still learns to not go in the house but is protected form the elements. As the weather warms up you move it closer to a door until you are outside.

 

[Jan]

I would just get her a nice warm sweater then just pick her up and carry her outside to go potty. Try to take her to a spot sheltered from the wind. If she doesn't go in five minutes, take her back in and try again in ten minutes or so.

House training a pup can be a real challenge in the winter, especially in Manitoba. I got Moto in January and I swore that I would never get a pup in the winter again.

I don't know what part of Canada you are from, but it has been really cold here. It was -35C. yesterday morning and I was surprised that that the dogs willingly went out for about 20 minutes. There was no wind, so that can make a huge difference.

Good luck!

 

[prittiegirl]

Oh Canada!

I agree - get a sweater or coat... I know winter is the worst for going outside (even my 10 month old boxer doesn't like it sometimes), but I think it's important to establish at a young age. I agree with carrying your pup outside - that way it will be keeping her warmer right up to the time that you get out there!

Good luck!

 

[JLinz]

2 coats...Baxter was brought home mid December at 8 weeks and I had 2 coats on him pretty much at all times for the first few weeks...

Now hes bigger and a little more durable outside...I was -5 last week here and lots of quick 1s and 2s were had due to the weather...Not getting any warmer here, but you cant just say that since its cold your going to wait for the weather to break...Could be months...

Gotta find a way to get that pooch outside....

 

[AsiaGem]

Hi everyone, thanks so much!
I am in Toronto, Canada and it has been freezing cold. But we've had a few great days in the low positives so we took advantage and are taking her outside in the backyard after naps and food. She does #1 right away and #2 follows 5 minutes later because I don't give in to her cries to go inside. I just say "Asia, go # 2" and she goes...surprisingly!

I am starting to recognize her whining also, so it's working!

Now if we could only stop the whining at night!
Argggghh, it's so tiring and heartbreaking....but I guess it's worth it.

 

[Jan]

Now if we could only stop the whining at night!
Argggghh, it's so tiring and heartbreaking....but I guess it's worth it.

Where do you have the crate at night? I would put it right beside you bed. She will be able to hear you and smell you and know you are nearby. If she whines, put your had down so that she can sniff it. She will soon settle down and realize that night time is for sleeping.

Good luck!