While there are certainly some breeds of dogs that treat winter like it is the best time of the year to be outside, many dog breeds hate the cold just as much as we do. This means that not only do they spend a lot more time indoors, but you may also find that indoor accidents increase as well because they simply don’t want to endure the cold in order to use the bathroom.
Tips For Getting a Dog to Use the Bathroom Outside in The Winter
If your dog is particularly sensitive to cold temperatures, you will likely find that they simply refuse to go outside when offered and won’t ask when they need to go either. Like us, they will opt to stay where it is warm. If you are having trouble getting them to go out, try these tips.
Clear a Patch of Ground
If a dog has to wade through snow when they already don’t want to be out, they won’t feel comfortable using the bathroom. Furthermore, some dogs may only be used to going on grass, and when they can’t see or smell it, they may not think the snow is an appropriate place to go.
Clear a patch of grass in an area where they usually do their business. You may also wish to clear a path to that area as well so they can easily access it, do their business, and get back inside.
Bundle Up Your Dog
Dogs with thinner fur are often most sensitive to the snow. As such, they may need extra protection against the cold much like we do. Dog clothes aren’t just cute, in the winter they can serve an important purpose. If your dog has protection for their skin and feet, they may feel more comfortable going outdoors to use the bathroom.
Encourage Them Frequently
Sometimes getting a dog to use the bathroom outside in the winter is just like potty training them all over again. As such, you need to break out the treats and the praise when they do go to the bathroom outside in the winter. This will teach them it is okay to go on the snow and give them solid motivation to do it again.
Use Leashed Walking
This might be a sort of last resort if you also don’t want to be out in the cold, but it can be an effective method to prevent indoor accidents. Not only does the physical act of walking keep pets warmer, but the movement will also encourage bowel movements as well.
While getting a pet to use the bathroom outside in the winter is an achievement, the snowy season makes pet waste even more obvious in your yard. If you don’t want to look at poop all winter long or find it with your foot in the spring, contact us today to see what the Department of Doody can do to keep your yard doody-free.