Tips for Potty Training Your Puppy In Winter – Housebreaking in Snow
When you think about potty training your puppy, you probably start to think what a challenge it can be. Now try to potty train your puppy in the winter, and you have a potential catastrophe on your hands. Now keep in mind that potty training your puppy in the winter is really only a challenge if you live someplace that gets a lot of snow, as opposed to a place where it’s sunny all year long.
If you do live someplace that does get a lot of snow, you may find that your puppy doesn’t like going out in it. There is a good chance that your puppy is not going to be too happy to have to go out in that type of weather, and then trying to pinpoint their regular spot where they relieve themselves may not necessarily be that easy.
This is, unfortunately, going to lead to many more messes being made and you having to clean them up while your puppy is inside the house. But don’t lose hope. Making some adjustments to your current potty training methods for the weather is actually much easier than you would have guessed.
Below are some of the top tips hat will allow you to better potty train your puppy during the winter months, and can even help you turn the poor weather conditions into an advantage for yourself, in terms of potty training that is.
Before you get started with potty training your puppy in the winter, keep in mind that while you will not be able to potty train your puppy outdoors, you can train them on indoor potty training.
When it comes to indoor potty training, it is one of the most neglected things by many dog owners, which leads to countless accidents when your puppy has to stay indoors. On top of that, the coldness from the weather outside is a very good incentive for your puppy to start getting his business done a little bit more quickly.
Unless your puppy goes koo-koo for snow, they should be a little bit more motivated to get done quickly so that they are able to go back inside, just like you.
So know that you have the perfect glass is half full mentality, here are some of the top tips for potty training your puppy in winter.
#1. Teach them how to get their business done quickly and not have to stay in the cold.
To do this successfully, you are going to have to prepare yourself to take your puppy outside on their potty break very quickly. The best way to do this is to plan in advance and have everything that you are going to need ready to go in advance. This means having the leash by the front or back door, any poop bags you may use ready to go, as well as having any extra clothes for yourself or your puppy ready to go.
Getting chores done in the cold can easily seem like they are a huge downer. But when you are prepared for the chores and have everything that you are going to need ready to go in advance, it will help thaw some of that enthusiasm.
Once you get started, be sure that you are not roaming or playing around. You want to stay the course and try to get everything done as quickly as possible. You can even use a special cue, such as ‘go potty’, when your puppy does do their business. This will help them learn what they need to do when you say the cue to them, helping them get the process done quicker.
And don’t forget about your puppy’s favorite part. That being to show them some affection for a quick, successful job that was done on cue. A treat may even be required in the beginning to help with the positive reinforcement of a job well done.
#2. Create a path and mark the regular spot in order to make it even quicker.
When you do need to go out in the winter so your puppy can handle their business, it is best if you already have a clear path their regular potty spot. Not only will it make things easier for them to find, but it will help to speed up the entire process as well.
As for the actual place of business, try to keep it clear of any ice or snow, allowing your puppy some space for them to sniff and turn around. Having the scent of some of your puppy’s past eliminations is one of the greatest cues for your puppy, and when you keep the space around the spot clear, you are going to be helping them out with that.
#3. Adjust your puppy’s schedule during winter to take potty breaks during good weather.
To make potty trips as easy as possible, you can try to adjust their walking and feeding schedules to take advantage of the times during winter when the weather is actually good.
For example, you can easily time more trips during the daytime, especially around the afternoon hours when the day is at it’s warmest, and bump up dinner time so that they eat earlier than they would during the summer.
This does mean that you will have to make adjustments to your puppy’s mealtimes as well, as they usually tend to eliminate very soon after they have eaten. Just remember to keep an extra eye on your puppy while they are getting adjusted to the new schedule. And if you are feeling motivated, you can even teach them a new signal, such as ringing some type of bell that has been placed next to the front door, alerting you that they need to go.
When it comes to potty training your puppy in the wintertime, it can seem like a huge pain. But with the right mindset and when you follow the tips as mentioned above, you will have no problem at all teaching your pup exactly where they should be handling their business.
