Working with dogs in cold weather
Each dog, by breed and also by where they live, will react differently to working with their owners in the cold. In fact, dogs use their noses much more often in the cold than they do in the heat. Heat tends to partially shut down the sensory perceptions in their noses, but in the cold that nose is working very hard, and you will notice that your dog’s head is to the ground much more often.
Additionally, some short-haired dogs do not do well outside in the cold, particularly dogs like pitties or boxers that have no fat layers. For those dogs, we highly recommend sweaters or jackets in cold weather. If not, you will literally see them shaking. Longer-haired dogs, whether they’re small or large, seem to do much better outside without any jackets. The exception to that is certainly an older dog or a dog that is immune compromised and, in some cases, even puppies that have not yet developed any fat layers for protection.
You may notice that your dogs do not like having their paws and legs put into sweaters. If that is the case, there are Velcro jackets and sweaters where you do not have to manipulate a dog’s body parts in order to keep them warm. They are much easier to put on and take off without annoying them.
If it is very cold out and your dog is subject to walking on ice and snow, which generally is not true down here, then even booties or leggings may be recommended.
You may also find that behaviors, even if your dog is an adult, will now resemble puppy zoomies once they get out in the cold weather and you give them a place to run. They actually like the cold weather and will be less responsive to you if they are enjoying it by running, jumping and doing more movement.
It is perfectly OK to work with your dogs outside in cold weather for short periods of time and, if possible, to stimulate their desire to scent by planting things in your yard or using toys that have a built-in scent. I love to play hide-it games if you have a fenced area outside because your dog’s nose will really enjoy the work and stimulation. Stuffing a Kong or hiding hard biscuits will really get that nose working. Their brain will shut down, and it allows them to truly enjoy being a dog outside.
Allowing a dog to be cold for short periods of time is perfectly OK; however, it is not OK for them to be wet. Please make sure that if they are wearing jackets, the jackets are removed as soon as you come inside, and have a highly absorbent towel to dry them off, whether they’re wearing a jacket or not. Don’t keep dogs inside in the winter just because it’s cold for us. Dress appropriately, bring your dog outside, and let them run around and just be a dog.
Abby Bird is the owner of Alphadog Training Academy. AlphadogTrainingAcademy@gmail.com
