Doodle Babies and Snow?

[Lindsay n Archie]

Hi All experienced doodle owners! Were picking Archie up tomorrow and well, we live in Chicago with freezing winters and a ton of snow.  Hes only 8 weeks old right now.  How long can they be outside? Is it ok that they play in the snow at this age?  Will their bodies tell us when its time to go in (shiverring, etc) are their immune systems ok being so young? Any advice would be great! Thank you!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Hi Lindsay, I'm also in the Chicago area and personally, if I had a new puppy right now, I would only be taking him/her outside for pottying. I'd limit most of the playing to indoors for now and wouldn't keep the puppy out there for more than 10 or 15 minutes at a time. Limiting outside time to potty business may also help with housebreaking.

[Lindsay n Archie]

Great advice, thanks!

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Bring lots of treats when you go out and as soon as she does her business have a little party and give her a treat.  I swear, Peri pees on command now - 4 years later - since I lived in condo when she was a puppy and we took her out on leash and were diligent about praise and treating.

I agree about it being so cold and keeping outside for business right now.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Sounds about right to me.

[J and Riley (and Luna)]

Sounds good to me too! 

I keep that 10-15 minute rule still with Luna if it's a colder day.

[Ginny Nightingale]

I have had 5 -7 week old pups out in the snow--they loved it and were fine--but I agree that 10-15 minutes should be enough. 

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

You also want to remember to be very careful where you take him outside because of Parvo until he has had his shots.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

I brought Spud home on January 31st of 2009. It was our coldest winter on record with more days under 10 degrees than any other winter.

I thought, potty training was so easy  because of this awful cold weather.   We dug out a play pen in the snow.  About a 10' x 10' area where he went potty.  As soon as he went, we rewarded and scooped him up and came right back inside.

It was cold on this little guy. 

A doctor once told me to take my babies outside at least once  a day as long as it is above 22 degrees. I did the same for my dogs. The pup should be just fine, but he won't want to be out too long anyway. Give him a month.

Then, we can all look forward to MUD!   I'll take this weather any day. I absolutely HATE the mud

[J and Riley (and Luna)]

Yeah - and puppies (and adult dogs) LOVE mud!  :)

Oh well, that's what hoses and bath tubs are for.