A Puppy in Winter?

I really appreciate all the replies. My biggest concern was the fact that it gets so cold it can be painful for the dog. My two adult Shelties would on occasion get stuck in the snow. That is, they would go out and then be unable to walk back in because their feet were so cold and painful. Sometimes they would limp, sometimes they would simply stop and wait until I came to carry them in. So I'm concerned that trying to potty train a puppy when it literally hurts it to go outside may not end well.
 
For me it just took Savannah longer. She wasn't trustworthy like my other shelties. It delayed her potty process. Because she didn't like the cold. I didn't like being out in the cold, ha. It is doable, just depends on how much you choose to deal with the elements. You can always paper train and then come the thaw, train to use outdoors. What really is the issue is YOUR investment. Do you want, will you endure what it takes to get the puppy trained? That is the hurdle only you can weigh. Shelties learn quick, if you are consistent and they understand the expectation.
 
Preacher said:
I really appreciate all the replies. My biggest concern was the fact that it gets so cold it can be painful for the dog. My two adult Shelties would on occasion get stuck in the snow. That is, they would go out and then be unable to walk back in because their feet were so cold and painful. Sometimes they would limp, sometimes they would simply stop and wait until I came to carry them in. So I'm concerned that trying to potty train a puppy when it literally hurts it to go outside may not end well.
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Can you get little boots for the puppy? I've seen them advertised. But I live in Florida, so I've never had the need to try them for Spirit.
 
If you are really worried about taking the puppy outside, try an indoor pet loo. I made one using a large plastic container lid, putting clumping kitty litter in the bottom and then some artificial grass over the top. To clean it out I just scooped the kitty litter, I also had two artificial grass pieces so I could rotate them (easily washed with normal enzymatic clothes detergent). I do recommend using the longer pile grass - Tully wouldn't use the really short fake grass (I guess because it's more like carpet). I kept mine in the garage, Tully used it, though she did prefer going outside. She was very easily toilet trained so it didn't cause any problems.

If you use a pet loo still toilet your pup during the day outside (when it isn't too cold) so it understands about outside toilet, but then you can use the pet loo when it's too cold. You might also want to keep a piece of fake grass near the back door and when you go outside lay it over the snow and get the pup to pee on that. Although I do like the idea of a little pee area with a roof.

Btw - is the breeder local - s/he could tell you what they do to toilet puppies.
 
We live in Canada. Southern BC, but still wintery enough for me. I would recommend using Musher's Secret on puppy and adult paws in the winter. It prevents painful ice balls from forming between pads and protects the pads from burns caused by road salt and ice melt. It also keeps the pads soft and conditions them so they have a greater tolerance for the cold.
 
Honestly.....training a puppy in winter is harder on you than on the puppy! Most Shelties LOVE the snow and the cold. My 16 week old is in heaven bouncing around in the snow these days! He is happy to go outside and just play and dig! Its hard on ME because I have to go outside with him to make sure he does ALL his business before I dare bring him back inside. So I sit there in the dark at 5:30 a.m. in my winter parka, hoping he does it fast. Good news, is that he starting to turn into a pro. Bad news is trying to get him back inside! He's loving the snow just a little too much!

That being said....when we get to extreme cold (-20C, etc) then its more of a challenge. Hopefully by then, you will have had enough weeks under your bet for you dog to get quick in and out.

Booties, coats, etc. I don't personally think they are necessary unless you are going for long walks in only snow. You definitely don't want salt on your dogs paws, so if you are walking city streets then, boots for sure. For wet snow/rain, a poncho would help to keep the worst wet off. Coats....Shelties don't need them...even puppies.

I just towel my dogs off when they come inside. With snow, no mud, so its only wet I'm dealing with.

If you are tempted to using pee pads, please don't. I get that for some really small breeds there is no avoiding it, but for Shelties....Jeez....they were bred to withstand the elements!!!
 
I don't know about freezing temps - but when I went up to Georgia for an agility trial, the weather outside was in the 50s, windy, and rainy - and Spirit ADORED it!!!!!! I was miserable but she was thrilled. And this is the dog who refuses to walk through puddles and get those dainty little white paws wet.
 
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