All too often, our pups have gone on bathroom strikes during the winter simply due to inclement weather like snow, sleet and even cold rain. Unfortunately, some pups who go on bathroom strikes refuse to go out until it’s too late, so it’s important for owners to nip this behavior in the bud, so to speak, sooner than later. These three tips for getting your dog to use the bathroom faster in the winter will paws-itively shorten the time you’re spending outdoors pleading with your dog to relieve himself:
At first, it may seem unnatural to dress your dog in a coat since dogs already have a fur coat. However, short-hair dogs and even some long-hair dogs still get cold depending on temperature, precipitation and breed. When owners start dressing their pups from a young age, they become more comfortable with clothing as they age, leading to warmer, quicker bathroom trips for both you and your dog!
Like most animals, dogs don’t enjoy going to the bathroom when they’re cold or squatting in icy conditions. Although it may be impossible to shovel the entire yard, consider shoveling the snow in one designated bathroom area so your pup can go to the bathroom with fewer distractions. It doesn’t have to be perfectly cleared, but it’s always best when your pup can actually see the grass, as this will make your dog more familiar and comfortable with the bathroom spot.
It may sound like common sense, but you’d be surprised how many dog owners forget to use reinforcements to reward positive behaviors like quick bathroom trips! Consider buying special, gourmet treats to use only when your dog relieves himself quickly. Go ahead and take the treat outdoors with you so you’ll be ready to give it to your dog immediately after he quickly uses the bathroom, and he’ll begin to associate the delicious reward with his fast trip out.
If you follow these three easy tips, you should find that you’re spending less time in the cold outdoors when it’s time for your pup to use the bathroom this winter! And when the mess gets to be too much, make sure to call in our Scoop Soldiers for reinforcements with pet waste cleanup! If you live in the Atlanta, Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin, Houston, San Antonio, Oklahoma City, Tulsa, or Phoenix metro areas, call us today at (877) 930-POOP because — let’s be serious — no one likes picking up doggy landmines, especially in the cold!
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