First time in snow...potty issue?

[jayme9874]

Ok, usually Stallone goes on the leash to go outside to the bathroom b/c the yard is not yet fenced in. He usually is good about it, does both duties pretty quickly and in roughly the same areas. (Back of yard)

Now we got our first snowfall and its about 15 inches worth. Yard is obviously covered pretty well.

Problem is, he is not really going to the bathroom. I shoveled little paths/areas in the front and side yard to give him some options, tried to walked around driveway and the street even. He has gone pee three times and pooped just a little since late last night, this is not nearly his usual amount, especially the poop? And just a little while ago he pooped in downstairs family room. Not good. (He has not done that in months). He gets outside and is too concerned with the snow and digging through it, eating it, hates the deep parts and has no interest in going to the bathroom. Is it the change in environment? Usual smells not there, ect? Confusing because we are not walking the whole perimeter of yard because of the snow? Any suggestions before he starts soiling everything?

Thanks!

[jakes mom]

He'll get used to it. Jake is almost 3 and the first year it snowed I think he was in shock, but soon realized how fun the snow is and he loves it. I dug paths in the backyard on the grass and that's where he would poop, but he would pee anywhere in the snow. Your guy just has to get used to the snow.

[leeshie45]

I don't have much advice, but good luck. I'm in NJ and we get some pretty bad snowfalls as well. This will be Champ's first winter. He hates the rain already, so I just know the snow is going to be a challenge.

Some dogs love the snow, some hate it. My parent's dogs - one will run around like a maniac in the snow and loves to catch snowballs in her mouth, but the other won't venture a foot out in the snow - he'll poop right next to the back door on the porch.

Good luck - I think the above advice is good and he will get used to it.

[AJsMom]

Good luck - I'm having a hard time getting AJ to go in the rain - much less snow!