Training in the Winter

[Curt Jr]

We pick up our puppy on Dec 14th and since I live in Ohio and there is snow on the ground what would be the best way to start house training him? Should I still take him outside?

Also for exercise can I take in for short walks in the yard even though there is snow on the ground?

Sorry for the newbie questions.

 

[RoxiesEcho]

Definately take him outside because that is where you are going to want him to do his thing in the future. But when there is snow on the ground like today I would shovel off a small area so he doesn't have to walk through anything that might scare him. I've also found that when the weather is really bad that we go out through the garage instead of straight out through the back door. That way they get a chance to see what the weather is like instead of just expecting them to run right into the elements. If worse comes to worse, I have to clean the garage floor. But better than the carpet!

 

[Curt Jr]

If the roads are clear can he go for a small walk even though it is cold outside. I'm not sure how long they can be outside with their short hair.

 

[Slobberkiss]

Definitely take him out to go potty.Otherwise you will have an issue later on. As for walking, depending on his age, just playing out in the yard for a little bit may be enough if its really cold. Very young puppies cant go very far anyways.
Just be sure he doesn't get to wet with the snow and dry him off good when you go back inside.

 

[ELubas]

Congrats!! I too would keep a path clear to the "spot". If it is very cold and nasty I have carried mine to the spot. I would also get pup a little coat for the winter. And if you walk on any streets watch out for salt and sand which is tough on baby pads

 

[RolenKisses]

We got Rolen around this time last year and we did exactly what others have said...we took him outside and just cleared a path in the snow and if he was unsure about walking himself, we carried him. He also had a coat that he would wear if we were outside for more than about 10 minutes.

 

[chrisfsdgfom]

We got Gibson January 5th of last year and we're in Toronto so we have some pretty cold winters. We didn't really give Gibson any special treatment like some others have recommended. We just treated him like a normal dog. When he had to go, we'd take him out to the back yard and let him do his thing. If it were snowing and he didn't want to go on his own, we'd put him on his leash and lead him outside so he could relieve himself. On the really cold days, we didn't take him for walks, but on days where the temperature was warmer than -10 or so, we'd take him for short 5-10 minute walks around the street. If anything, I think he enjoyed the snow and the cold more as a 2 month old than now as a 1 year old - go figure!

 

[Curt Jr]

That is what I'll do, just stay consistent no matter what the weather is outside.

 

[Jan]

We got Moto last year on Dec 31st. It was cold here. Probably quite a bit colder than it is in Ohio. House training was a bit of a challenge, but I did insist that he go outside to potty. Trips outside were pretty short and some days he wanted to go right back inside, but we insisted that he stay out until he went. He always had a coat on when he was outside, in fact he usually wore one inside as well. We would buy him children's size hoodies. I think we started off with size 3. You can see pictures of him wearing his hoodies in my gallery. http://www.boxerworld.com/photo/showphoto.php?photo=67591&cat=500&ppuser=26

Good luck with your pup!

 

[Curt Jr]

I'm going to look for a coat/jacket for him, it sounds like a good idea. I uploaded pics of Maximus (Max for short) in my gallery.