Cold and Cabin Fever This is Fabian's first winter. We've been keeping him inside because of the snow and chilling weather up here in NH. We tried taking him on a toboggan wrapped in a blanket, but he barked the entire time. We tried taking him outside without booties, but his paws were too cold and he lifted them one at a time and refused to walk. We bought him booties a few weeks ago and despite daily training, it's taking him a while to get comfortable with them: by the time he's crossed the kitchen, he's had enough. So he's inside until it gets a little warmer and he's better with the booties. We'd gotten him pooing and peeing outside at designated times before this winter. However, left inside all the time now, he's relieving himself whenever he feels like it. (Fortunately, at one or two areas all the time.) We try to catch him mid-act and get him back to his pee pad, but boy, is he fast! We've been playing tons of fetch, but it's not close to the exercise he got outside. And he's shredding his toys like crazy -- and eating the poo we don't immediately find -- from boredom. We can't find any indoor dog play areas and have no friends with small dogs for a change of scenery. The saddest thing is seeing him sitting at the slider window, looking outside dolefully and not understanding why he's not out there. Any winter survival tips from more experienced owners? |
It's been extremely cold here too but mine are all outside trained so they go out and do their business and come back in. Mine wear sweaters all the time. When it snows we clear a little area for them and they go potty in it. Luckily my younger two will chase each other around the house and play a lot. They also like the laser pointer and this thing called a flirt stick that has a toy at the end they chase. Mental stimulation is good to. Like doggy puzzles and treat toys. I have never had one eat poo but I heard getting them to eat pineapple is good for that. |
Quote:
|
I sympathize with you about the cold weather. Unfortunately, Gidget doesn't mind getting outside when it's below freezing but I do. I try to get her out mid-morning or mid-afternoon for a 20-25 minute walk. I've gotten her some doggie puzzles from chewy.com and even tried the laser. She's afraid of it and just looks at me and ignores the laser. Just have to wait out this cold weather. Looks like it going to be with us a while. |
2 Attachment(s) Quote:
Through trial and error over Eddie's 13 years, I do feel very comfortable with winter conditions and Yorkies. * I'm a firm believer that simpler is better with booties. If you buy bulky booties with heavy soles or hard leather, it's likely to take longer for them to adjust to them, if ever. They also trip if they're too bulky. I use homemade fleece socks with stretchy Velcro on the ends to keep them snug. All you need is to keep their delicate pads off the icy snow. You don't need to provide support. They are so light and unobtrusive, the dogs quickly forget they have them on. One tip: Don't let them walk around the house long with them on. They're likely to slip on tile floors and get skittish even before they go outside. * To condition them to walk in them, toss a favorite toy or have them walk a couple steps toward a treat. * With coats, I pick out the ones that allow freedom of movement. The secret to staying warm in the winter -- as competitive runners and skiers will attest -- is to keep moving. And a heavy coat with long legs and restrictive hood is no fun to walk in. The booties are going to be the main defense, so pick a light coat that gives them freedom of movement. * On walks, keep them moving. They're not going to generate heat if you carry them around or put them on a sled. (That said, I'll pick them up and put them in my coat if I think they're getting cold). * Ease them into it and make sure they're having fun and you're not having to drag them. If you can keep the walk fun for 5 minutes, that's enough for the first day. Them just build on it. Having grown up in a cold-weather state, mine are good for 30 minutes in temperatures as low as -5. Much colder and I start reducing the walk time. * For potty breaks, consider putting some dry hay or cardboard in a protected area outside that they can get to easily so you don't have to put booties on just for a pee break. |
Quote:
|
The only good thing I can say about the cold Dexter does his business and doesn’t have to sniff every thing out before coming back in |
Quote:
Good boy Dexter! |
Most of my pups are pansies like me. I would DIE in Alaska and so would they. :snowflake::snowman3::snowman2::snow::fainted: I have to say that I LOVE Jillie and Eddie and always love seeing them running in the snow....they are truly having fun and have a wonderful life! BTW I hear it is actually warmer this week in Anchorage than here in the Houston area. :( |
1 Attachment(s) Yeah, we certainly can’t compete with the rest of the country this year! I’ve grown to love the cold, but I certainly wouldn’t expect to find it in Florida! Interestingly, Eddie has never embraced the process of getting ready for a winter walk. He hides when he sees me going for the booties! But since I’ve always felt walks are important, I chase him down and dress him up. Once he has the clothes on, he stops hiding and walks toward the door and has a great time on the walk. I do admit to going easier on him as he’s gotten older. He goes for walks 2-3 times a week at age 13. And the walks aren’t as long if it’s especially cold. Oh, and dressing for the cold is a family affair! I still ride my fat tired bike five miles each way to work! |
Quote:
WOW...five miles each way and in that weather? I am totally impressed!! |
Mike you and your Yorkies are definitely tough! Remarkably my little Cali does not seem to mind the cold much. The biggest problem that brings her back inside is her feet. One thing I have learned is that she will not have anything to do with hoods! Loves the coats but wants nothing to do with hoods! |
Quote:
|
Quote:
|
Quote:
Lola HATES her coat too but she even hates putting a harness on. I can't figure it out because we've always done positive things when these items come on. :rolleyes: |
All times are GMT -8. The time now is 01:02 AM. |
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.9
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Copyright ©2003 - 2018 YorkieTalk.com
Privacy Policy - Terms of Use