Golden Retriever puppy sleeping outside?

[Rodrigo]

Hi, I need to start teaching DIMITRI that he needs to sleep in the yard, in his wood house. He is 10 weeks now and has always slept in the kitchen with no problem. Only his first night with us he cried.

Is he too young for sleeping outside? It's really cold in Argentina these days... He got his 2nd vaccine today and we will start taking him to the streets and parks next weekend.

The thing is he cries a lot when we are in the kitchen and leave him out during the day... We ignore him, then he calms down and then let him in. But I foresee a lot of crying and door scratching when we try to make him sleep outside.

What steps would you recommend for a smooth transition? Thanks a lot!

[MaxHollyNoah]

Hi Rodrigo,

Why does your puppy have to live outside when it is very cold?

If you don't want him to soil your house, can you crate him inside the house during the night?

[KOPcaroline]

Hey there, MaxHollyNoah asks a good question, depending on how cold it is outside I'd tend to hesitate to recommend to leave a puppy out there at night, cold nights can induce immune problems and getting sick, just like in humans.

As far as crying at night and when you're away, start leaving him where you want him for only a short time period, and gradually build it up. Start with an hour or so, and work your way up. It will take patience, and I realize with a busy life schedule it can be hard to do, but gradual aclimatization is a great way to introduce any new concept to a young animal.

[Rodrigo]

Hi, I though he could use his brand new wood house Of course I would wait until spring.

About him getting used to be outside... it's going to be a problem... he can cry hours!

I would eventually like Dimi to be with us during the day but sleep outside. Also, he should be able to play without us watching him, right? Or is it that he is too young? Every time he catches a ball, a leaf or a toy, he comes with it and play at our feet... If we go in, he just goes in!

Thanks

[MaxHollyNoah]

Hi Rodrigo,

I am glad that you decided to wait until spring time. I hope you will change your mind again by that time and keep him inside through the night .

As for Demi's bringing toys to you, that is a GREAT thing! He is still young and he could still have been with his litter mates to learn all kinds of plays and games as well as being socialized to become a confident dog. Now that he does not have any friends to play with, you ARE his friend. Of course you should make yourself as the leader that he would look up at and ask for instructions to, but sometimes you are expected to be his playing buddy.

One thing you want to keep in mind is that all games are always initiated and ended by you. That way, your puppy will soon learn that you are the one who make all decisions that he needs to follow.

Enjoy your puppy. Puppyhood won't be very long...

[kjd]

Rodrigo,

I understand your wanting Dimitri to enjoy his new doghouse. I got one for my first dog. However, it was only a place for her to shack out when she was out during the day -- I didn't expect her to sleep there. When Dimitri is older, there may be times in the winter or summer when he wants to spend time outside. He may need to stop for a bit to warm up or cool off or just rest, when he won't want to come inside. If the doghouse is out there, he will use it. But he'll still prefer to spend most of his time with you.

kjd