Too cold to potty outside??

[RubyDoo]

I feel so bad for Lexi, our 7 week old boxer. It's only 11 degrees outside today and it's freezing...literally. Poor Lexi just shakes and shivers the whole time we're out, which is only maybe a couple minutes. But then she shivers for awhile when we get back inside. My question: Is this too cold for her? I know we're not out long, but it's soooooo cold. I don't want her to get sick. I know a sweater would help her, but first we have to find one small enough to fit her. On these cold days would it be appropriate to let her go on one of those potty pads? I'd hate to confuse her. What do you think?

I'd appreciate any comments.

Thanks!!

 

[Poetic_thing]

My suggestion would be to either get her a sweater (personally too much work for the little time they really are out there) or just take her out and she will be quick about it. The puppy pad will just throw her off and probably will end up taking you longer to train Lexi. I got each of my dogs in Oct and Nov. They are doing just fine. Kirra is 13 weeks and 90% trained, it gets down to -15 at night right now and she has managed. When you bring her back in, just give her a good rub down to warm up quicker. Good Luck.

 

[Jamielyn]

We are currently going thur potty training with our pup Isis. Its in the 40s right now out here. Not to cold but cold. I think the cold weather has helped us some in training Isis. When we got out she goes potty right away and wants right back in. I do keep a blanket by the door so when she comes back in she has something warm to snuggle in to warm up or she runs to Zeus to help her warm up.

 

[Thomas Liggin]

I'd go out with her, carrying a blanket, or wearing a heavy jacket, but leaving it open in the front.

As soon as Lexi completes her "mission", scoop her up in the blanket, or better yet, tuck her inside your heavy jacket.

In a few weeks, when she is too large to fit in your jacket with you, she'll be better able to handle the cold for the brief time it takes to do her business.

Keep in mind that shivering is the body's attempt to generate more heat. While it is a sign that they are cold, it doesn't mean that they will get sick from the brief exposure.


Tom

 

[RubyDoo]

Thanks everyone! I think I knew the answer before asking, but I thought I'd ask, just in case.
It's now 9 degrees outside. It's just too cold! But you are right, she will learn to get her buisness done fast.



Thanks!

 

[xenaprincess]

When I brought Spririt home last January, it was -34 degrees celcius and he was a tiny 8wk old baby. I persisted with going outside as I do think it is confusing for them to be trained to go in one place and then expect them to go somewhere else later. He shivered like crazy...almost vibrating right off the porch, but I never let him go for more than 5min. at a time and I would bring him inside (if he did not do anything outside, I would hold him in my arms inside for a couple of minutes to let him warm a bit, then back outside until he did go! He was house trained in no time...now he is bell trained! :D
Best of luck with your little cutie-pie! She will learn to be quick about her business!

 

[pinkpuppy]

Well, it was -37 with the windchill yesterday here -- and our perfectly house trained, 5 month old puppy - who hasn't had an accident in the house for ages -- peed in the house twice... I couldn't really blame her - it was so cold out... I took her finally to *more than pee* -- I carried her down the stairs, took her to the corner - right up against the wall of the house; she knew what she had to do - and it took her 10 seconds -- and then she made a mad dash for the door....

Tomorrow it's supposed to be warmer...

...poor babies

 

[heartsong12]

Okay, I will not complain that here in Texas it is going to get cold enough at night to snow this week. I will feel sorry for my furbaby for having to go in such cold weather. (you know...below 40). I will be gratefull this is so easy!

 

[heartsong12]

Just a thought. Why not throw a towel in the dryer while you are outside so that when you get back you could rub her down with a warm towel.

 

[pinkpuppy]

yeah... I've done that :D .... have you ever seen a staticky Boxer!

One good thing out of all this: Chloe for one - snuggles like a little baby afterwards