How to get your dog to "Go" in the snow

2. Why won't my dog go to the bathroom in the snow?

The dog is standing on a deck, with snow all around. The poor guy has his tail wagging, he's ready for his walk, but his owner just can't get him to step out of the warm, dry house and into the cold. I got curious: what the heck is going on here?

If you live in a cold climate, you may have already experienced the struggle of walking your dog in the snow. If your dog is used to going to the bathroom on your front lawn, he may not understand why you have to go so far away to find a spot for him to pee or poop. Making your dog use the bathroom outside in the snow can be a trickier process than you might think.

One reason is that, just like their human counterparts, dogs prefer not to do their business where they eat and sleep. Also, snow can make it harder for dogs to find a suitable spot to urinate—and they may not want to go in the same area where other dogs have left their mark.

3. Is it bad for my dog to "Hold it" too long?

“Holding it”—the action of holding urine or feces in the body—is a natural reaction for dogs in unfamiliar territory, or during stressful situations. However, if your dog holds it too long, it can cause health problems for your pet. Holding urine and feces can lead to abdominal pain, dehydration, urinary tract infections, urolithiasis (formation of stones in the urinary tract), or constipation. You should never punish your pooch for holding it, but there are some ways to encourage him to relieve himself.

It’s not uncommon for dogs to hold their bladder for hours at a time, especially if they’re in pain or sick. But for a dog that’s healthy and isn’t in pain, many pet owners are wondering if holding it in too long is bad for their dog. The short answer is no. Dogs can hold it for 12 to 14 hours at a time—and sometimes even longer. They’re able to do so with a little help from Mother Nature, who has equipped them with a few physiological tricks.

4. How to make sure that your dog will not get lost in the snow

Many dog owners struggle with the fact that their pets tend to run off when they are in the snow. This is a dangerous situation for the dog, as well as for the owner. If you find yourself in such a situation, the best thing is to search for your dog immediately, before it can get hurt or lost. Keep in mind that dogs don't have great navigation skills and while they can smell their way back home, it may take a while to locate them. That is why you should always keep some treats on you when you are out with your dog, so that you can reward them if they get lost. Keep in mind that not all treats are good for dogs.

5. How to make sure that your dog will not get lost in the winter

Many people think that their dog will be fine just running free in the woods or the park during the winter. Unfortunately, that is very often not the case. The cold weather can make your dog slower, more hungry, and sluggish. Your dog may have trouble finding food, and he will more than likely want to come back home earlier, which means he might not make it there before it gets dark. What should you do to make sure your dog stays safe in the winter?

You have probably heard of the famous "Elf on the Shelf" tradition. Parents tell their children that the elves come to visit every night. To make sure the kids really believe, the parents move the elves around every single morning to different spots. The children will be so surprised, that they will keep wondering where the elf will appear the next day. You can do something similar, but with your dog. To make sure he will not get lost when it snows, you need to hide him in the house every night. Place a dog bed in the closet - and move it to the living room the next day.