animals | Info About Cats & Dogs

by Diane Burket

Winter Weather Pet Safety: Don’t Leave Dogs Outside

in the Cold!

Is it bitterly cold outside where you live? There are many parts of the United States with temperatures that dip below freezing during the winter months, which can contribute to both human and pet bodily harm. Naturally, you would keep yourself safe from the cold temps, so make sure to do the same for your pets and animals.

First and foremost, DO NOT leave your dog outside in freezing cold temperatures. Dogs have been rescued or found dead in yards tied to trees or other stationary objects in icy and snowy elements. One of the most devastating things to come upon is a dog, or another animal, that has been tethered in the backyard during a winter freeze and to learn that the dog has actually frozen to the ground only to die from exposure. Being tied up and helpless to save yourself would be terrifying. Just think how our trusting pets feel when they are left in this state and unable to seek shelter, all while quickly succumbing to freezing temperatures.

Monitor your dog’s time spent outside. This may seem logical, but it’s not an automatic thing that all pet parents do. Play time in cold weather may be limited to inside only, or let dogs romp through the snow if the weather is doable — use your best judgment! If it’s really cold outside, limit the number of times your dog goes out for relieve themselves. Have a potty training puppy? Put a doggie sweater on him, then take him out on a leash for only a few times throughout the day, and then be sure to have an indoor potty training area set up in the garage or bathroom where it is warm.

Tamara Thayne is the Founder of the organization, "Dogs Deserve Better". She's got a blog that outlines what you should do if you see a dog (or pet) that is left outside 24/7 in the cold. Every year, hundred of pets freeze to death outside. Many communities have laws against leaving pets outside. Please read Tamara's post for great advice as to what you can do for freezing pets.

https://ofdogsandchains.wordpress.com/2014/11/13/dog-out-in-the-cold-what-to-do-what-to-do/

Thanks for reading and sharing Tamara's post!

Tamara's Dog, Sloan.
He lived on a chain 24/7 before Tamara rescued him.

Get The Benefit of a

1 Hour Meditation

in Just 12 Minutes!

You Can Have The Life

You Want NOW

See instant results!

by Diane Burket

Armand Cabrera and I rescue animals—so we’ve had a lot of experience with dogs that are not housebroken. If you’ve ruled out health issues and the possibility that your pet is marking….then here are some housebreaking methods that have worked for us.

The next time there’s a poop incident in your house—don’t scold your dog. Pick up the poop with a paper towel, take it outside with your pup and put it on the ground where you want your pup to poop. Then praise your pup profusely and give him/her a treat. It has worked every time for our pups.

Also, we find that pier pressure can work. Bring another dog into the house that is housebroken. Have them both go outside to do their business.
When you first get a dog, be sure to take him/her outside every 1/2 hour. Emotions and fear might be pretty high and can result in accidents. Generally speaking, a puppy can control his bladder one hour for every month of age. Personally, I’d rather take a dog outside more often than have a cleanup to deal with in the house.

If you work outside of your home, you’ll need to hire a dog walker. Period. Doesn’t matter how old your dog is—if you’re gone more than 6 hours, (less for a puppy), you should have a dog walker. Other folks will tell you differently. But think about it—how long do you go before taking a pee? Are you alone all day without interaction with people…not allowed to use the bathroom? Not a good life. Having a pet is a big responsibility that too many people do not take seriously. Lots of sad dogs out there.

Block off areas of the house that are targets for accidents. No doors in that room? Use flattened boxes or house screens. Baby gates or pet gates work.

Pick up the water bowl about 3 hours before you go to bed. Once your dog gets accustomed to NOT peeing in the house, you can leave the water down 24/7.

If your dog wakes you in the middle of the night, take him out quickly, then come in and go back to bed. Don’t get him too excited and don’t play with him.

Reprimanding your dog usually doesn’t work….so try positive methods of discipline. Always reward him when he does his business outside.

Training your dog to use puppy pads or newspapers will only prolong his housebreaking training. It’s best to spend the time in the beginning so you won’t have to worry about it forever.

Cats peeing in the corner? Clean thoroughly and place a water bowl there. They usually won’t pee where they drink.

When all else fails…we use this great carpet cleaner. Very small and easy to use. It’s a lifesaver! Amazon usually has the best price for it.

If You See a Pet Left Out In The Cold—DO SOMETHING!

Housebreaking Problems With Your Dog? Try These Easy Remedies!