While you might enjoy a snow day from the comfort of your home, one downside is figuring out how to get your pup to go to the bathroom in the cold white powder. Some dogs don’t mind pooping in the snow, while others make it clear they would rather go anywhere else.

If you have a dog that doesn’t like going in the snow, it can be a little frustrating. But if you stay patient and follow the tips on our list, you should be able to get them to go to the bathroom out in the snow in no time.

The 7 Tips for Getting Your Dog to Poop in the Snow

There’s really no one-size-fits-all solution to get your dog to poop in the snow, but the more tips you apply from this list, the more likely you’ll have some success. It might seem like a bit of overkill, but when your dog is pooping in the snow instead of in your house, it’ll all be worth it.

1. Put Socks on Your Dog

One of the quickest and easiest things you can do to help encourage your dog to poop in the snow is to put socks or booties on your dog’s paws. This will help keep their paws warm on the cold snow, allowing them to stand in the white stuff a bit longer to find the perfect bathroom spot.

They might not like the feeling of the socks and booties, but it’s better than the snow, and it shouldn’t keep them from relieving themselves.

2. Dig a Spot Out for Them

Digging out a spot for your dog to use the bathroom in the snow is one of the most common, most effective, and simplest ways for you to get your dog to use the bathroom in the snow. Try to stick with the same spot so your dog knows where they should relieve themselves every time.

3. Give Them Some Privacy

Some dogs have shy bladders, and there’s nothing wrong with that. Give your pooch a little privacy and that might be all they need to relieve themselves. Turn around or act like you’re paying attention to something else because too much pressure can make it harder for your pup to use the bathroom.

4. Train Them

Snow could be a new substance for your dog, and they might not realize they’re supposed to go to the bathroom there. Train your dog the same way you would when potty training any other dog, and before long, they should feel comfortable enough to poop in the snow.

5. Wrap Them Up

If your pup is cold, all they can think about when they’re outside is getting back inside where it’s warm. Find an outfit to wrap your dog up in that keeps them a bit warmer but doesn’t cover up any of the bits they need to relieve themselves.

6. Stay Positive

Nobody wants to be out in the snow, but your pet will follow your lead. If you make it fun and positive, your dog will feel like it should be fun and positive to be out in the snow. If they’re enjoying the experience, they’re more likely to want to do their business instead of doing everything they can to get right back inside.

7. Use Petroleum Jelly

If you want to add an extra layer of protection to your pup when you let them out in the snow, consider adding a layer of petroleum jelly, like Vaseline, to their paws and nose. Not only can this help prevent them from cracking, but it can also keep them a bit warmer and make them more comfortable when they’re outside. And the more comfortable they are when they’re outside, the more likely they will be to do their business outside as well!

Summary

When the snow starts falling, your dog still needs to start to use the bathroom outside. While it’s cold, if you sell it as a fun experience, take some extra steps to keep them warm, and then train them to go in the snow, you should be able to put the shy winter bladder of your pup behind you both once and for all!

Featured Image Credit: BushAlex, Shutterstock