We think bringing home a new puppy is exciting any time of year. However, bringing one home in winter can add some cold complications! Between shorter days and chilly temperatures, it may not seem like the ideal season to become a puppy parent. Still, it can be the most wonderful time of year to enjoy cozy evenings inside, cuddling or playing with a new furry family member.
Let’s look at what to expect in the first 30 days after bringing your pup home!
Introductions: The First 48 Hours
The first two days are all about creating a safe and secure environment. It’s exciting (and scary) for your puppy to take the journey from the only home they’ve known to yours. Though we try to reduce its effects, it still impacts all puppies. No matter the time of year, your pup will likely show some signs of stress once they arrive at your home.
Dogs internalize a lot of their feelings of overwhelm through their digestive system. This means your pup may lose interest in food or water. All the new sights, sounds, smells, and energy can be a lot to process. They may also seem uninterested in going to the bathroom.
Dogs can be somewhat bashful about going potty, especially when not familiar with their surroundings. These stress symptoms typically don’t last beyond the first 48 hours, but you will want to be watchful in case a trip to the vet is necessary. For example, diarrhea is not uncommon, but if it persists, you may want to have their stool tested for parasites.
Settling In: Days 1-10
Before your puppy arrives, prepare a small space for them to hang out, play, and sleep. We recommend limiting access to certain areas of your home. A closed-off room near an outside door is best. A whole house is both intimidating and ideal for sneaking off to find somewhere to potty. With cold weather outside, a warm, out-of-the-way corner is much more appealing! When taking them out, for best results, be sure to bundle up and go with them!
For the first ten days, maintaining these boundaries alongside a potty training routine will give you the results you’re looking for. We recommend creating a schedule that works for you and helps create consistency for your pup. Dogs thrive on consistency, and puppies pick up on your routine quickly.
A basic schedule is: a morning potty break, feeding and water, and another potty break 10 to 15 minutes after feeding. If temperatures are chilly, stay outside for only about 5 minutes. Keep taking them outside until they successfully go. Reward them with play and exploration beyond their designated area when they do. After an hour of being awake, they will need a nap. Puppies that are 8-12 weeks old typically sleep 18-20 hours a day. However, don’t overdo the nap times, or you will have a pup up whining all night.
That is why we highly recommend starting with crate training and not letting your sweet, cuddly pup sleep in bed with you. It gives them a safe space away from the day’s chaos and helps them learn to stay calm when alone. Additionally, canines naturally do not want to potty where they sleep. So they are more likely to alert you at night instead of sneaking off to find a place to go and leaving a mess for you to find in the morning.
Part of the Pack: Days 8-30
As your dog begins to understand the routine, training, and boundaries you’ve set, and becomes familiar with the family, you can start to expand their world. Socialization can be tricky in winter with the short days and everyone staying warm inside. A bit of creativity can help them explore scary new things until they become familiar with them.
Play videos with everyday sights and sounds to start exposing and desensitizing them. Go for short car rides so a trip to the vet won’t be alarming when it’s necessary. Bring towels in case of motion sickness. Play groomer by brushing them, holding their feet, and touching each toe. Invite vaccinated dogs over for playdates. Start short training sessions with basic commands while walking them around the house on a leash to explore.
The great thing about a winter puppy is that, though the potty training is cold, they don’t want to be outside longer than necessary either. So if you stick to your routine and reward their success, they’ll be quick about it in no time. Then you can enjoy the warmth of cuddling and be entertained by their playful antics! Making wonderful memories and building the bonds of friendship.
If you’re still looking for a cozy companion, take a look at our check out our current and upcoming litters. We temperament test all of our puppies to make sure they find the perfect forever family!