How to Housebreak a Puppy in the Winter

While it may seem that winter is the worst possible time for house training a puppy, it can be one of the easiest times of year to accomplish the task. Your puppy doesn't want to be outside in the cold, wet weather anymore than you do. It may take the puppy a few days to know what is expected when it goes outside, but once the puppy knows, it will be more likely to get down to business quickly. In other seasons, puppies will often use potty time to play and get distracted from the business they are there to do. It's less likely this will happen in the winter.

Things You'll Need

  • Shovel
  • Umbrella
  • Leash
  • Treats
  • Towels
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Instructions

  1. Preparation

    • 1

      Shovel a patch clear of snow so that the grass is visible, since many dogs are unsure about whether to potty in snow. This will be the spot to which you bring your puppy for every potty break. Having an established area for potty time will help your puppy know what it is supposed to do once it gets outdoors.

    • 2

      Establish a schedule for the puppy. This is key to housebreaking a puppy at any time of the year, but it is especially helpful in the winter. Once the puppy learns the schedule, it will be more likely to get down to business as soon as it gets outdoors. Potty breaks should occur first thing in the morning, immediately following meals, following naps and just before bedtime. Ideally, the puppy will be given a potty break every couple hours during the day.

    • 3

      Place your umbrella by the door that leads outside, an use it to protect the puppy whenever it's raining or snowing. Precipitation may distract a puppy that is being house trained.

    • 4

      Put on your winter clothing and make sure you dress warmly enough that you'll be comfortable outside for as long as 30 to 45 minutes. You must stay out until the puppy does its business. As you establish your puppy's schedule, you will know when to expect that it needs to potty. Do not return to the house until the puppy has gone potty, even if it means you're outside for an hour. Within a few days, the puppy will know what it is going out for and will do its business much more quickly.

    • 5

      Accompany the puppy to its designated potty location each time, even if you have a fenced yard. While house training, you must be there to give the puppy praise and a treat as soon as it has gone potty. If you wait until the puppy returns to the house, potty training will likely take much longer.

    Potty Break

    • 6

      Put a puppy treat in your pocket.

    • 7

      Place the leash on the puppy and take it to its designated potty area.

    • 8

      Give the puppy a treat and lots of praise when it goes potty. Do this outside and do it immediately. Don't wait until you get indoors, no matter how bad the weather.

    • 9

      Dry your puppy's feet and coat with towels once you are back indoors. Puppies are much more prone to hypothermia than adult dogs. It's also important to dry your puppy's paw pads carefully.