Here is a few tips to potty-train your puppy in the Winter.
Teach Him to Go Quickly on Cue and Not Stay Too Long in the Cold
For this, first you yourself should be prepared to take your puppy out on her potty break quickly. Have everything, including the leash, poop-bags, warm clothing for both of you, ready in advance. Pushing off on chores can seem a real downer in the cold, and being prepared in advance helps thaw enthusiasm a good deal. Don’t play or roam around, and go straight for elimination when you set off. Using a cue like “Go potty” whenever your pup eliminates will also help quicken things eventually. And remember to treat and show affection whenever your pup goes quickly or goes on cue!
Clear a Regular Path, and Possibly Mark His Regular Spot to Make Trips Quicker
Having a regularly cleared and maintained path to your pup’s regular elimination spot will really help speed things along, too. For the spot itself, keep it clear of snow or ice as near the ground as possible, with room for your pup to turn and sniff around. The scent of previous eliminations is perhaps the best cue for dogs, and keeping the spot clear will help with that.
Adjust His Schedule in Winter to Time Potty Breaks for Good Weather
To make trips easier, try to adjust your pup’s feeding and walking schedules for the winter to times when the weather is good. For instance, you can time multiple trips during the day, especially at or near noon when it’s warmer, and make it so that dinner is earlier than in summer. But keep in mind that mealtimes will need to be adjusted too, for puppies eliminate pretty soon after eating. You will also need to keep a close eye on your pup for all the signals during the adjusting period. And teaching her a signal – like ringing a bell near the door when she wants to go – is even better.
Insure Yourself Against Indoor Messes – Use Puppy Pads!
Lastly, indoor messes and accidents are virtually unavoidable – especially if your dog hates to go out in the cold. In these situations, training her to eliminate in designated spots – or on puppy pads only – while indoors is really helpful. And if you’re a dab hand at tools and construction – or have the means to get it done – building a potty shed or potty shelter out in the yard is the next best thing to walks. In any case, a puppy well-trained in eliminating properly indoors can be real blessing in terms of saved cleaning-up time.
Written by Robin Harnett, Site Coordinator
