What is the secret to housebreaking puppies in the Winter? Though there are some precautions to take due to cold weather, there is not a great deal of difference between housebreaking your dog in the winter and any other time of the year. My wife and I have housebroken our dogs during the winter--and I'm talking about harsh Iowa winters, and we had no problems.

When it comes to housebreaking puppies in the winter, you don't really have anything to worry about, but you do want to pay attention to a few important points.

First, never turn your puppy outside by itself. That is particularly true for a very young puppy, but regardless, never leave your puppy unaccompanied. Stay outside with your pet until it ready to come inside.

Next, keep in mind that puppies are particularly susceptible to extreme weather. It is much easier for a young puppy to succumb to hypothermia and frostbite--and yes, dogs can and do die from hypothermia just as humans. For this reason, you simply cannot and must not leave your puppy in the cold for long periods of time.

Unless there be any misunderstanding, hypothermia means a prolonged condition where the body is under heated. When this occurs beyond a certain point, the body becomes unable to heat itself and dies. In other words, your puppy's body temperature falls too low to recover. When you see your puppy begin to show signs of discomfort, such as shivering, take it inside. Remember, if you are cold and uncomfortable, it is likely that your pet is, as well.

Frostbite is tissue damage to the skin due to cold. You will notice damaged skin turn pale or white. The most vulnerable areas will be the webbing between toes, the ears, and possibly the tail area.

Here are a few fundamentals to keep in mind when housebreaking during the winter:

(1)Most puppies are ready for housebreaking around 8 weeks. (2)Set up a schedule and stick to it. (3)If you see your puppy acting as if it wants to go to the bathroom, take it outside. (4)Expect to take your puppy outside every two hours. (5)Take it outside shortly after feeding. (6)Never leave your puppy outside alone. (7)In harsh weather, keep outside time to a minimum.

If you pay attention to the tips above, you should have no trouble housebreaking your puppy during the winter. Both you and your new pet will make it through just fine, and your puppy will continue to use the lessons it learned in the more agreeable times of the year.