 going potty in the cold
Need some feedback on the use of pee-pee pads. I should say, I did use them for many, many years with my 2 Maltese, and did regret it. My boys would run in from outside in order to use the pads. They also thought that any newspaper, magazine, or blanket draped over the couch, but hanging on the floor was a pee pee pad. Couldn't really blame them - it was kind of hard for them to distinguish which was OK.
My boys are no longer with me, but in July, Missy came into my life. She is without a doubt the cutest, sweetest Yorkie on the face of this earth - although I'm sure many of you also have the cutest, sweetest Yorkies on the face of this earth! Missy has always done well with her training, until the last few days. Here in New Jersey, the cold weather has set in, and she absolutely does not like it. Of course she has many sweaters and coats, but they don't seem to be enough for her. From the minute I start to dress her to go out, she starts to shake and tremble - something she only does when cold. I take her out, stay with her, give her the command, and all she does is tremble and look at me like I'm torturing her. She does seem to get the poop & pee out first trip out in the morning, but after that, throughout the day, no matter how many times I take her out, she rarely goes. Last night, long before her last trip out, she did pee on the rug. Wouldn't go again before bedtime, but woke me up at 4:30 this morning to go out - she did pee & poop - I guess because she had been holding it for so long.
So - the question is - do I break down and get some pee pee pads, which if I do, she'll probably use from now till April because I won't have the heart to make her go outside. Should I use them only on snowy, rainy, frigid days? Today is just not that bad out - it's going to get a lot worse! Part of my reluctance is the sight of the things. Missy can't go up or downstairs (she's about 3 lbs. now), so I have no other choice but to put one by the door, which opens directly into the kitchen - something I'm not thrilled with.
Would truly welcome some advise from those of you that might have experienced this. Thanks so much in advance - |