Is it too cold?

[MACKS_MAMA]

I have our first boxer puppy, Mack and he is 11 wks old. I live in Illinois and it is pretty cold here lately so housebreaking is proving tricky. My Mack has been in the garage because he shakes so fiercly outside (even w/ his sweater) that all he does is try to get back in the house instead of doing his business! He is smart enough to sit by the garage door when he has to go, doesn't care if our lab is outside, he preferes to watch him from the window. I'm getting tired of washing the garage floor, any advice from people who brought their pup home in the cold?
Thanks, Macks mom

 

[gmacleod]

Are you taking him out to potty on a leash? If not, I'd suggest that you do. You've got to always go out with him anyway if you expect to teach him that outside is the correct place to go (he cannot learn this if you're not right beside him to praise as he starts to pee/poop), so you might as well be on the other end of a leash.

 

[natesprinces]

My Roscoe, is just shy of 4 months and he doesn't like to get off the porch to go to the restroom, and he will just sit there and shiver and wait at the door outside(no matter how bad he has to go). I have found that if I simply walk down to the yard with him, and praise him every step of the way then praise him as he is going, he does so much better! Since we got him, he has done this, but recently, he has started going some by himself! Your baby will learn! If you have had children, you know that guidance is the way that they learn to do most everything and you have a child that has to learn the proper way of doing things. Enjoy, your baby and good luck to the both of you!!

 

[MACKS_MAMA]

I have brought him on out on a leash and always praise him for his great behavior while by his side. It is pretty cold here currently... could he get sick? Like I had mentioned, he has the concept, just the wrong door. Also, he wakes me up in the middle of the night so he will not go in the crate.
Thanks for the advice, Macks mom

 

[4everdogs]

I'm in IL (7 degrees here right now) and I am currently potty training Abby (16 weeks old). I also have Max (1 year old) that I potty trained last year in the winter. The sweater is a great idea. Shovel a place to go - they don't seem to get as cold if they aren't standing on snow. I do frequent trips instead of trying to wait them out. We would go out - wait 3-5 min - if nothing happens go back inside - but we would go back out again 10 - 15 mins later and try again. Make sure you are giving treats when he does go.

 

[ELubas]

I have brought him on out on a leash and always praise him for his great behavior while by his side. It is pretty cold here currently... could he get sick? Like I had mentioned, he has the concept, just the wrong door. Also, he wakes me up in the middle of the night so he will not go in the crate.
Thanks for the advice, Macks mom

It is GOOD that he wakes you up to go Smart little thing. I would get a coat and when you are out with him sometimes walking them in circles at thier spot "inspires " them. Ever notice how dogs do a few circles right before they eliminate? Good luck and pray for spring!

 

[RMMRKK]

I too live in illinois, and yes it is mighty cold right now. Sarge is a little over 10 weeks old, and although he shivers and shakes when I take him out, which is about 20 times a day, I take him to his spot and stand there with him till he goes. I don't give him too much of a choice. If by chance he doesn't go, when we come in he doesn't get to have run of the house, either his crate or right on the leash right beside me, and I try again in about 10 minutes. I don't think the cold will make him sick, or at least I have never had a dog or a pup get sick from the cold. Just don't keep him out for extended periods of time. Good luck! Sarge is doing awesome! Just be determined, and you will get it. Spring will be here shortly.

 

[maggiesdad]

We live in NYC and recently asked our vet the same question. Dakota is 8 weeks now and today it's about 12 degrees. She said as long as we don't have her out there for a long amount of time she should be fine. Her longest time outside is about 10 minutes. Good luck.

 

[4everdogs]

We live in NYC today it's about 12 degrees.

LOL, right now it is -2 (-11 with the wind chill), I wish it was 12 degrees.

 

[RMMRKK]

I know your feeling! -3 with a windchill of -12 right now! I even thought about not making Sarge go out, but he is progressing so well, I don't want to blow it now