Advice please

[tanksmom]

Im going to be moving to a cold area and my pups are outside pottiers. Im hoping to train them to pee pads. When they were new puppies I had them on the pads but they liked the outdoors so I just phased out the pads. That was a mistake. I took the pad out that they used in the past and its not working. The only thing they use the pee pad for is SLEEPING. Honestly they think its a bed mat. Is there anything I can do to help them "get it" Thanks

[grandmatoall]

How cold is the area you are moving to? It gets cold here and mine still prefer to potty outside. They go out, potty and dash back in the house.

[kalina82]

Mine goes potty outside no matter what the weather. she is only out long enough to go and she knows that if she goes faster then she comes back in faster.

where are you moving too?

[tanksmom]

Were moving to Colorado springs. I orignally thought that would be warm enough. Then we had a real cold day here in TX. An ice day where even school was delayed and they REFUSED to go outside. They peed on the floor instead when my back was turned. So the need for indoor pottying.

[bildio]

They'll adjust to the cold weather. However, they're smart enough to know if it's exceptionally bad outside, & may be reluctant to go out on their own. So, carry them out to the potty area. They go quickly when it's cold - most times.

[my2boyz]

They should adjust to the cold, especially now that spring is right around the corner. But, if you want to retrain them to use the pads just take one and use it to soak up some of their urine when they go...the pad will have the scent and maybe they'll start using it again. I will tell you though, my babies all love the snow and cold weather...I can't seem to keep them inside when it snows so they might surprise you once you're there.

[lovelylf1]

You may have to go outside with them in the beginning but they will adjust. If they have to go, they will do it and run for the door. Just give them time and they will get it.

Even on the coldest of days (traveling or home), Scooter has gone outside. I put his coat on and carry him outside (if he wont walk). As soon as I set him down, he walks about a foot away and does whatever he needs. Then, he makes a mad dash for the back door with me running in behind him. Don't worry about yours, they will adjust.

[yorkiesmiles]

I think they will adjust to the weather. We had days this winter the windchill was more than 20-below -- my 2 still would prefer to run in & out & go.

I still have a pad down in the kitchen - mainly for my female who is not good at telling me she needs to go out & for just in case use when I am gone. I think sometimes it is finding the right pad to use. Some of them seem to be better with the attractive smell that brings them to the pad

[shawnzeppi]

Originally Posted by yorkiesmiles

... I think sometimes it is finding the right pad to use. Some of them seem to be better with the attractive smell that brings them to the pad

Concur with that advise! Our guys are indoor/outdoor trained and it really comes in handy in heavy rain or when its cold and icy.

We first bought the kind with the attractive chemicals and it worked great! After they got used to that, we were able to switch to the much less expensive disposable kind that is unscented. Just had to get them started; the difference in price at our petsmart was $1 per pad for the scented pads to 30 cents per pad for the cheapest unscented.

[Yorkiekids]

Mine go out not matter how cold it is. I go with them, and as soon as they go I scoop them up, and bring them into the house.

[Karrie]

We potty outside here too - in all weather! Doc said use a coat in the cold weather!

Typically, we use the north door (next to her bell) - but when the north wind is blowing - she'll back up as the door opens - so we then head for the front door (south) or down stairs under the deck where the weather is blocked.

And just as the others said - the colder the weather, the quicker the trip!