Little Icecycles on leashes (home, moving, train) - City-Data Forum

jfizzle · 09-26-2010, 11:32 PM

Ok so I have 2 wicked little wienie dogs that are VERY used to Texas...and well the wife doesn't like to let the little things freeze... problem is how do i get them to go out once it starts to freeze? She has been looking for boots etc. but I cant get inline with them.... any ideas on what to do? jackets help but the concrete to the grass immobilizes them

Bullitt007 · 09-27-2010, 07:45 AM

This will be a challenge for sure. I have a mini-dachshund (5 pounds) and I have to force her out in the winter. She shivers for half an hour in front of the fireplace before she thaws out.

We also use a little jacket for walks...nothing on the feet.

beezle1 · 09-27-2010, 08:48 AM

My 2 dachshunds don't mind going out, but if the snow gets really deep, I have to shovel paths for them. The long haired one gets snowballs stuck in the long hair in his feet between his toes and I have to pull it out or he stands there looking all pitiful holding his foot up. I am not sure why some like to go out in the cold and others not, perhaps mine ignore it because they want to look for squirrels, which overrides the cold in their minds I guess.

vfrpilot · 09-27-2010, 08:59 AM

We had to find a good home for our chiquaqua before moving here from San Diego. She would resist wet grass in 60 degree weather. I used to gently throw her on the grass and then she would only put 2 feet down. There was NO way she would be happy here. After moving here we acquired a Norweigan Buhund and he is great with snow, often laying on top of drifts while icecycles grow on his fur.
You might get a piece of astro turf and put it down in a protected(south facing) area of your yard. I think dogs eventually will do what they need to do even if they don't like it.

snowshine · 09-27-2010, 11:10 AM

There really are some great dog boots and even parkas available these days. I know it seems sort of silly to some to dress your dogs, but keep an open mind. :-) If you make them comfortable enough to go outside when it is cold, then it's all good. You don't want them to do damage to their foot pads or get too cold, right? Hope this helps you.

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Maynerd · 09-27-2010, 11:23 AM

I have a miniature dachshund (about 7 pounds) and he has no problems at all. He seems to enjoy bouncing around the backyard when there's snow on it. [It's kinda fun to watch, because he disappears and then pops up as he wanders around the yard.] I do clear out a pathway for him when it snows, but no jackets or booties or anything. He's got a dog door, and let's himself in and out to go do his thing.

Bullitt007 · 09-27-2010, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maynerd

I have a miniature dachshund (about 7 pounds) and he has no problems at all. He seems to enjoy bouncing around the backyard when there's snow on it. [It's kinda fun to watch, because he disappears and then pops up as he wanders around the yard.] I do clear out a pathway for him when it snows, but no jackets or booties or anything. He's got a dog door, and let's himself in and out to go do his thing.

I need to get a dog door for mine!

Maynerd · 09-27-2010, 02:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bullitt007

I need to get a dog door for mine!

I recommend them highly.

Occassionally, Mrs Maynerd and I will be away from home for a long day/evening, or even overnight. We don't need to worry about finding someone to watch the 'kids.' For brief periods, they can take care of themselves.

We adopted our two current companions in June '09. They were both about a year old. It took only a couple days to train them to use the door. Moose got it pretty quickly, but he's bigger. Squirrel balked at the magnets that hold the door flap in place (he weighed just 5# when we adopted him). It seemed the door was stronger than he was. We just removed a few of the magnets until he got the hang of it, then gradually put them back on.

Makes life much, much easier. For you AND for them.

otowi · 09-27-2010, 04:35 PM

There are lots of chihuahuas here that do just fine.
There are coats and booties made for dogs if you want them. Yes, you may need to shovel snow paths once or twice a year for smaller dogs. But they certainly can go out walking every day - just maybe shorter walks on the coldest winter days.

Bullitt007 · 09-27-2010, 07:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maynerd

I recommend them highly.

Occassionally, Mrs Maynerd and I will be away from home for a long day/evening, or even overnight. We don't need to worry about finding someone to watch the 'kids.' For brief periods, they can take care of themselves.

We adopted our two current companions in June '09. They were both about a year old. It took only a couple days to train them to use the door. Moose got it pretty quickly, but he's bigger. Squirrel balked at the magnets that hold the door flap in place (he weighed just 5# when we adopted him). It seemed the door was stronger than he was. We just removed a few of the magnets until he got the hang of it, then gradually put them back on.

Makes life much, much easier. For you AND for them.

Thanks...you have me sold. Who put in your door? What kind of door is it?