Potty training in winter - YorkieTalk.com Forums

bennettad · 10-05-2016, 03:16 PM

Hello everyone

I am new to this site and this is my first post! I am hoping to get a male puppy in early January. The litter was just born, so he will be ready to go by that time. I am a little nervous about training a new puppy in winter. I took care of my daughter's Yorkie for a long time, but he was already trained. What is the best way to start out in winter, potty pads or crate training? Would sure appreciate some advice and thanks!

lilgidget · 10-15-2016, 03:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bennettad

Hello everyone

I am new to this site and this is my first post! I am hoping to get a male puppy in early January. The litter was just born, so he will be ready to go by that time. I am a little nervous about training a new puppy in winter. I took care of my daughter's Yorkie for a long time, but he was already trained. What is the best way to start out in winter, potty pads or crate training? Would sure appreciate some advice and thanks!

First of all, your baby won't be able to go outside to do his business until after he's had all of his shots. I tried crate training my Gidget and she went ballistic in the crate. So, I switched to the pee pads. When she was able to go outside to do her business, I still used the pee pads for first thing in the morning, before bedtime, etc. Now, she's 8 mos old and still uses the pee pads in her puppy apartment but she still does her business outside when she go for walks. My first Yorkie, Teddy, stayed in his little carrier during the day when I was gone and all night long. Gidget would NOT stay in her carrier even from day one. She slept in bed with me and would wake me up when she needed to use her pee pad. This is my personal choice since I don't want to worry about taking her out in the winter when it's cold, sleeting, icy and slippery. You might have to try several methods before you find the one that meets your little one. Just love and enjoy him. He'll soon be the love of your life.

matese · 10-15-2016, 05:59 AM

Welsome to YT. I agree with lilgidget, your baby cannot go out until he has had all his shots, that is usually at 5 months old, only then can he be taken outdoors. By that time it will be warm enough for him to start doing his business outdoors. You WILL have to train your baby to use the wee-wee pads until he can go out doors. By 5 months old if you are as lucky as I was with ALL my girls, your baby should be 100% pad trained, or at least 75% pad trained. You are going to LOVE being owned by a yorkie lol.

Shicks · 10-15-2016, 05:01 PM

If you want your baby to do business outside, you should start from day 1. He should have his first or second vaccine when you pick him up. That's enough to get by with outside training only in your yard, no Field's, streets, sidewalks, woods, etc. always be with him and watch everything he does. We he does his business praise and treat.
And do walk throughs often in your yard to check for anything different.
So excited for you & baby. January is cold. Your baby will probably go quick so he can go back inside.

Britster · 10-15-2016, 07:36 PM

It's tougher but you'll be fine! I got Jackson in Dec. He had one set of shots and then he got another with me the week I got him. I did not worry about bringing him outside in our yard, at all. Just try to avoid pet stores and dog parks, etc, before vaccines are finished just to be safe. But I've never ever left a dog inside until 5 months old! That just seems.... crazy to me. Imagine a bigger dog and trying to keep them indoors inside. lol. They will be fine, just be precautious of course. Your pup is more likely to pick up diseases at the vet.

But otherwise, good luck! Jackson is a winter baby, he loves the snow etc because I never babied him. Every dog will be different of course but I always find it easy to baby these little pups when they are terriers after all! Let them explore (safely) and learn about the world.

Here he was at 5 months old running in the snow. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SDrJrq0ydRM

Use many treats, toys and encouragement! Consistency is key with potty training.

Pad training can be great but I find almost all dogs I know that are pad trained always make mistakes in the house whether it's on rugs, or just outside the pad, etc. It can be fantastic but I think it's confusing for many pups especially young ones. If I did pad training I would probably make it in a confined location or gated area with fake grass to simulate outdoor or having to go outside or w/e to go potty.

Mercgirl · 10-16-2016, 01:59 AM

Wookie was 8 weeks old when we got her, and had had her first shot that day. From day one we allowed her out into our garden, and within a week she would go out to pee and poop if the door was open. We were lucky that we got her in the summer, so we could leave the door open for her. If the door wasn't open, and we didn't see that she wanted to go out, she would use a rubber-backed mat by the door. We bought several of those, as they were cheap, washable, and kept the floor underneath dry if she did have to pee on them. We tried the pads for a day, but she seemed to think they were just for shredding, so they went in the bin. The mat, however, she would happily use as it was the closest she could get to outside.

By 12 weeks she would bark if she wanted to go out and the door was closed, and she has never once since then pee'd or pooped inside unless she has no choice, as when we are at work. We have never punished her for peeing or pooping inside. If she can't get out, that is our fault, not hers. Clever she is, but she can't unlock and open the back door!

This morning, it was torrential rain when she got up. She trotted off outside quite happily. She likes being outside to do her business, and all credit to her for that.

canana · 10-17-2016, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shicks

If you want your baby to do business outside, you should start from day 1. He should have his first or second vaccine when you pick him up. That's enough to get by with outside training only in your yard, no Field's, streets, sidewalks, woods, etc. always be with him and watch everything he does. We he does his business praise and treat.
And do walk throughs often in your yard to check for anything different.
So excited for you & baby. January is cold. Your baby will probably go quick so he can go back inside.

Good advice!

I got Scottie in October. The struggle through the winter was manageable. He definitely didn't like the rain. But he eventually got used to it

Just make sure you get your baby a nice warm coat and a rain coat. Once he's got all his shots and you're taking him out for walks, make sure you avoid the salt on the sidewalks - it is not good for the paws.

flybear · 10-21-2016, 04:53 AM

I am currently potty training and temperatures are getting chilly ... I have trained other puppies in winter and no doubt about it ... not fun ...

My vet believes 2 sets of puppy shots are enough to let them go outside IF you have a fenced in area that no un-vaccinated pets can access ( in our case we can guarantee that - super secure fence - we don't even get bunnies in our yard) - and no cat will venture anywhere close with 4 dogs keeping watch - no taking the puppy out into parks and such yet though ...

I do not like crates - maybe because I foster mill puppies - just doesn't work for me ...
I set up a puppy pen with a piece of linoleum underneath ( see your home improvement store) - I make one corner a soft area with fleece blankets ( very cheap at walmart) and toys , then food dishes in the middle and one area with pee pads ... usually puppies figure out quickly to pee in the right area ... It will preserve your sanity as there is no way you can watch your pooch 100 percent of the time ...
When I start outside training I keep the puppy close to me 100% of the time - and take her outside after they drink, eat, play and otherwise every hour ( you will stretch this time) ... I praise them when they "go" outside and say " go potty" when they eliminate. After a while they will start going on command or know what I want from them when they are out ... The hardest thing is always for them to figure out how to go out by themselves through the doggie door when they need to " go". I always find that one weekend of intense training ( meaning you will be watching your puppy like a hawk and prevent all indoor accidents) is best ... I only use pee pads at night in the doggie room and when we are to home ... And in the puppy pen in the very beginning ...
Small dogs take time to develop " control" and when the weather is cold or wet - or both even the potty trained pooches hate to go outside. There are small dogs that train fast but it can take a year and more to achieve perfection in the potty area ... don't give up- don't think it will never happen ... Get a carpet cleaner with a hand attachment, a good odor eliminator and remember that even human kids take quite a while to be completely potty trained ...
I hate training in the winter because I get cold easily ...But it needs to be done ... sometimes I have to carry our shivering pooch outside and feel mean making them go out but then ... I am cold too ... with my first dog I thought he would never train ... but he is now very reliable. Our little Bella will eventually get the hang of it - we had our first accident free day yesterday woohoo! Today she peed inside already - it is quite amazing how often they can " go" - it is 6.50 am and I have taken her out 3 times already after her breakfast ( she went every time) and here we go ... first accident of the day ... they give you this one look of cuteness and you forget all about winter and the carpet cleaner ... Bella is NOT a fast learner in the potty department but she'll get it ... she makes up for it with her sweet personality lol

flybear · 10-21-2016, 04:59 AM

having a puppy train so easily is wonderful ... I think the breeder makes all the difference starting them early ... I always have a hard time with mill puppies who never learned to stay clean ... Bella was allowed to potty anywhere she liked with her previous owner and that is a hard thing to un-learn !

YB 2 · 10-21-2016, 10:07 AM

Maybe litter box !I hear it's really good! Defiantly crate train and also maybe you can put the pee pad out side that way when it gets hotter he will also know how to go potty out doors

Pup2016 · 10-22-2016, 01:40 PM

This is timely for me, as I will start next week with a 9 week old pup. I wîll be taking him outside to do his business, and it is cold here. I will carry him out, and pick him up fast when it is very cold. I do have an expen set up inside, and crates, and there will be a wee wee pad in the expen area to be safe.

I have had mixed results with the wee wee pads. The smallest dog I had insisted on going outside at about 3 months of age, she refused to use them anymore (she was about 6 pounds then). I was happy about that, but they sure were convenient in winter.

10-05-2016, 03:16 PM	#1
bennettad YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Coeur dalene Posts: 4	Potty training in winter Hello everyone I am new to this site and this is my first post! I am hoping to get a male puppy in early January. The litter was just born, so he will be ready to go by that time. I am a little nervous about training a new puppy in winter. I took care of my daughter's Yorkie for a long time, but he was already trained. What is the best way to start out in winter, potty pads or crate training? Would sure appreciate some advice and thanks!

10-15-2016, 05:59 AM	#3
matese Donating YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: E.Stroudsburg, Pa. Posts: 67,952	Welsome to YT. I agree with lilgidget, your baby cannot go out until he has had all his shots, that is usually at 5 months old, only then can he be taken outdoors. By that time it will be warm enough for him to start doing his business outdoors. You WILL have to train your baby to use the wee-wee pads until he can go out doors. By 5 months old if you are as lucky as I was with ALL my girls, your baby should be 100% pad trained, or at least 75% pad trained. You are going to LOVE being owned by a yorkie lol. __________________ Joan, mom to Cody RIP Matese Schnae Kajon Kia forever in my A House Is Not A Home Without A Dog

10-15-2016, 05:01 PM	#4
Shicks YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Friendsville Tn. Posts: 879 Blog Entries: 1	If you want your baby to do business outside, you should start from day 1. He should have his first or second vaccine when you pick him up. That's enough to get by with outside training only in your yard, no Field's, streets, sidewalks, woods, etc. always be with him and watch everything he does. We he does his business praise and treat. And do walk throughs often in your yard to check for anything different. So excited for you & baby. January is cold. Your baby will probably go quick so he can go back inside. __________________ Yorkies makes us happy

10-15-2016, 07:36 PM	#5
Britster Action Jackson ♥ Donating Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Maryland Posts: 17,814	It's tougher but you'll be fine! I got Jackson in Dec. He had one set of shots and then he got another with me the week I got him. I did not worry about bringing him outside in our yard, at all. Just try to avoid pet stores and dog parks, etc, before vaccines are finished just to be safe. But I've never ever left a dog inside until 5 months old! That just seems.... crazy to me. Imagine a bigger dog and trying to keep them indoors inside. lol. They will be fine, just be precautious of course. Your pup is more likely to pick up diseases at the vet. But otherwise, good luck! Jackson is a winter baby, he loves the snow etc because I never babied him. Every dog will be different of course but I always find it easy to baby these little pups when they are terriers after all! Let them explore (safely) and learn about the world. Here he was at 5 months old running in the snow. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SDrJrq0ydRM Use many treats, toys and encouragement! Consistency is key with potty training. Pad training can be great but I find almost all dogs I know that are pad trained always make mistakes in the house whether it's on rugs, or just outside the pad, etc. It can be fantastic but I think it's confusing for many pups especially young ones. If I did pad training I would probably make it in a confined location or gated area with fake grass to simulate outdoor or having to go outside or w/e to go potty. __________________ ~ Brit & Lights! Camera! Jackson! CGC ETD TKP ~ Follow Jackson on Instagram: https://instagram.com/jacksontheterrier Last edited by Britster; 10-15-2016 at 07:38 PM.

10-21-2016, 10:07 AM	#10
YB 2 Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Tucson, Az, USA Posts: 84	Maybe litter box !I hear it's really good! Defiantly crate train and also maybe you can put the pee pad out side that way when it gets hotter he will also know how to go potty out doors __________________ Yoshi Bear the second

10-16-2016, 01:59 AM	#6
Mercgirl Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: Rugby UK Posts: 89	Wookie was 8 weeks old when we got her, and had had her first shot that day. From day one we allowed her out into our garden, and within a week she would go out to pee and poop if the door was open. We were lucky that we got her in the summer, so we could leave the door open for her. If the door wasn't open, and we didn't see that she wanted to go out, she would use a rubber-backed mat by the door. We bought several of those, as they were cheap, washable, and kept the floor underneath dry if she did have to pee on them. We tried the pads for a day, but she seemed to think they were just for shredding, so they went in the bin. The mat, however, she would happily use as it was the closest she could get to outside. By 12 weeks she would bark if she wanted to go out and the door was closed, and she has never once since then pee'd or pooped inside unless she has no choice, as when we are at work. We have never punished her for peeing or pooping inside. If she can't get out, that is our fault, not hers. Clever she is, but she can't unlock and open the back door! This morning, it was torrential rain when she got up. She trotted off outside quite happily. She likes being outside to do her business, and all credit to her for that.

10-21-2016, 04:53 AM	#8
flybear Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Colorado Posts: 49	I am currently potty training and temperatures are getting chilly ... I have trained other puppies in winter and no doubt about it ... not fun ... My vet believes 2 sets of puppy shots are enough to let them go outside IF you have a fenced in area that no un-vaccinated pets can access ( in our case we can guarantee that - super secure fence - we don't even get bunnies in our yard) - and no cat will venture anywhere close with 4 dogs keeping watch - no taking the puppy out into parks and such yet though ... I do not like crates - maybe because I foster mill puppies - just doesn't work for me ... I set up a puppy pen with a piece of linoleum underneath ( see your home improvement store) - I make one corner a soft area with fleece blankets ( very cheap at walmart) and toys , then food dishes in the middle and one area with pee pads ... usually puppies figure out quickly to pee in the right area ... It will preserve your sanity as there is no way you can watch your pooch 100 percent of the time ... When I start outside training I keep the puppy close to me 100% of the time - and take her outside after they drink, eat, play and otherwise every hour ( you will stretch this time) ... I praise them when they "go" outside and say " go potty" when they eliminate. After a while they will start going on command or know what I want from them when they are out ... The hardest thing is always for them to figure out how to go out by themselves through the doggie door when they need to " go". I always find that one weekend of intense training ( meaning you will be watching your puppy like a hawk and prevent all indoor accidents) is best ... I only use pee pads at night in the doggie room and when we are to home ... And in the puppy pen in the very beginning ... Small dogs take time to develop " control" and when the weather is cold or wet - or both even the potty trained pooches hate to go outside. There are small dogs that train fast but it can take a year and more to achieve perfection in the potty area ... don't give up- don't think it will never happen ... Get a carpet cleaner with a hand attachment, a good odor eliminator and remember that even human kids take quite a while to be completely potty trained ... I hate training in the winter because I get cold easily ...But it needs to be done ... sometimes I have to carry our shivering pooch outside and feel mean making them go out but then ... I am cold too ... with my first dog I thought he would never train ... but he is now very reliable. Our little Bella will eventually get the hang of it - we had our first accident free day yesterday woohoo! Today she peed inside already - it is quite amazing how often they can " go" - it is 6.50 am and I have taken her out 3 times already after her breakfast ( she went every time) and here we go ... first accident of the day ... they give you this one look of cuteness and you forget all about winter and the carpet cleaner ... Bella is NOT a fast learner in the potty department but she'll get it ... she makes up for it with her sweet personality lol

10-21-2016, 04:59 AM	#9
flybear Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Colorado Posts: 49	having a puppy train so easily is wonderful ... I think the breeder makes all the difference starting them early ... I always have a hard time with mill puppies who never learned to stay clean ... Bella was allowed to potty anywhere she liked with her previous owner and that is a hard thing to un-learn !

10-22-2016, 01:40 PM	#11
Pup2016 Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: USA Posts: 58	This is timely for me, as I will start next week with a 9 week old pup. I wîll be taking him outside to do his business, and it is cold here. I will carry him out, and pick him up fast when it is very cold. I do have an expen set up inside, and crates, and there will be a wee wee pad in the expen area to be safe. I have had mixed results with the wee wee pads. The smallest dog I had insisted on going outside at about 3 months of age, she refused to use them anymore (she was about 6 pounds then). I was happy about that, but they sure were convenient in winter.