How to Take Your Dog Out to Potty During a Snowstorm

How to Take Your Dog Out to Potty During a Snowstorm ❄️🐕

Snowstorms can turn a simple potty break into a real challenge — for both dogs and owners. Cold temperatures, wind, snow accumulation, and unfamiliar ground conditions can make dogs anxious, resistant, or even physically uncomfortable. Still, maintaining a routine is essential for your dog’s wellbeing.

Here’s how to safely and effectively take your dog out to potty during a snowstorm.

1. Adjust Expectations (Not the Rules)

Your dog still needs to go outside — but this is not the time for long walks or training sessions.

✔ Keep potty breaks short and purposeful

✔ Focus on function, not exercise

✔ Stick to the same cue words (“go potty”, “do your business”)

Dogs thrive on consistency. Changing the rules during bad weather often creates confusion and future potty problems.

2. Choose the Right Spot

Snowstorms change how dogs perceive their environment.

Best options:

A sheltered area near the house

A spot partially cleared of snow

The same location your dog normally uses

Avoid:

Deep, untouched snow (can cause stress or refusal)

Slippery ice

New areas your dog doesn’t recognize

Familiar scent = faster potty.

3. Gear Matters More Than You Think

Cold exposure isn’t just uncomfortable — it can be painful.

For your dog:

Short-haired or small dogs: coat or jacket

Snow-sensitive paws: booties or paw balm

Keep fur around paws trimmed to avoid ice buildup

For you:

Proper shoes = stability

Gloves = leash control

Hands-free leash if possible (better balance)

If you are tense or rushing, your dog will feel it.

4. Use the Leash — Even in Your Yard

Even well-trained dogs can:

Get disoriented in heavy snowfall

Panic due to wind noise or falling snow

Slip and bolt unexpectedly

A leash:

Keeps your dog safe

Reduces wandering

Helps them focus on the task

Use a short leash and stand still. Movement often distracts dogs in extreme weather.

5. Stay Calm and Neutral

Snowstorms amplify emotions.

If your dog hesitates:

Do not drag

Do not scold

Do not plead excessively

Instead:

Stand quietly

Use your potty cue once

Wait calmly

Your calm presence signals safety and confidence.

6. Reward Immediately — Then Go Back Inside

The moment your dog finishes: ✔ Mark the behavior (“Good potty!”) ✔ Reward with a treat or praise ✔ Go straight back inside

This teaches:

“Potty quickly = warmth + comfort”

Over time, your dog will learn to finish faster even in bad weather.

7. Watch for Stress Signals

Some dogs struggle more than others during snowstorms.

Common signs:

Shivering

Lifting paws repeatedly

Freezing in place

Whining or refusing to move

If this happens:

Shorten the break even more

Increase rewards

Consider multiple very brief potty trips instead of one long one

8. When Accidents Happen (And They Might)

Snowstorms are not the time for punishment.

If your dog has an indoor accident:

Clean thoroughly with enzymatic cleaner

Review your potty schedule

Increase frequency of short outdoor trips

Stress + cold + disrupted routine = accidents. This is normal.

Final Thoughts

Snowstorms are temporary — habits are not.

By keeping potty breaks:

Calm

Consistent

Short

Positive

You protect your dog’s emotional security and maintain good habits, even in extreme conditions.

Your dog doesn’t need perfection — they need clarity, safety, and trust.

How to Choose the Right Crate for Your Dog

 

Choosing the right crate is the first and most important step in successful crate training. The correct crate provides safety, comfort, and predictability for your dog, while the wrong crate can cause stress, accidents, and training setbacks.

This guide explains how to select the perfect crate based on size, type, material, placement, and your dog’s personality and needs.

1. Measure Your Dog Correctly

Measure your dog from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail (length) and from the floor to the top of the head (height). Add 5–10 cm (2–4 in) to each measurement to determine the minimum crate interior dimensions. The dog must be able to stand, turn around, and lie down fully stretched.

2. Choose the Right Crate Size

Too small causes discomfort and stress; too large reduces the den effect and may encourage toileting inside. For growing puppies, choose a crate with a divider so you can reduce usable space as they grow. Use manufacturer size charts as a starting point and adjust based on your dog’s body shape.

3. Select the Best Crate Type for Your Dog

Wire crates provide ventilation and visibility and are great for most home training situations. Plastic crates create a den‑like environment and are preferred for travel and anxious dogs. Soft crates are lightweight and portable but only suitable for calm, non‑destructive dogs. Match the type to temperament and intended use.

4. Consider Material and Durability

Metal/wire crates are durable and easy to clean but can be noisy. Plastic crates are sturdy and reduce visual stimuli but may trap odors and are harder to clean after accidents. Heavy‑duty steel crates are best for escape artists or destructive chewers. Avoid soft crates for dogs that chew or try to escape.

5. Check Safety Features

Ensure doors and latches close securely and cannot be opened by the dog. Check for sharp edges, stable construction, and proper ventilation. For travel crates, confirm airline or car safety certifications if you plan to fly or use the crate in a vehicle.

6. Think About Portability and Storage

If you travel frequently or need to move the crate between rooms, choose a foldable wire crate or a lightweight plastic model with handles. Soft crates pack down small for storage but are not suitable for all dogs. Consider how often you will move or store the crate.

7. Choose the Right Interior Setup

Use a comfortable bed or blanket that fits the crate without crowding. Add one safe chew toy or a stuffed Kong for enrichment. Avoid loose bowls or many small items that can create clutter or hazards. For puppies, use a washable pad under bedding for easy cleaning.

8. Decide on Location in the Home

Place the crate in a social area where the dog can see family activity (living room or bedroom). Avoid isolating the crate in a garage or hallway. For anxious puppies, keep the crate near your bed at night for the first weeks to reduce stress and facilitate night toilet breaks.

9. Use a Divider for Growing Puppies

A divider lets you buy one appropriately sized crate for a puppy and reduce the usable space as the puppy grows. This prevents the puppy from using one end to sleep and the other to toilet, supporting house training.

10. Match Crate Choice to Training Goals

If the crate is primarily for house training and daily naps, a wire crate with a divider is ideal. For travel and vet visits, a plastic travel crate is safer and more secure. For long‑term confinement (short periods only), choose a durable metal crate with a comfortable bed.

11. Budget vs. Quality

Invest in the best crate you can afford. Cheap crates may warp, have weak latches, or break under stress. Mid‑range wire crates and reputable plastic travel crates offer the best balance of cost, durability, and safety.

12. Special Considerations for Specific Dogs

Rescue dogs or dogs with confinement trauma need a den‑like plastic crate and extra time for positive association. Destructive chewers require heavy‑duty steel crates. Multi‑dog households should provide one crate per dog and avoid crating dogs together.

13. Test Before Full Use

Set up the crate with bedding and treats, leave the door open, and observe how your dog interacts. If the dog avoids the crate, try a different type or location. The crate should invite voluntary entry before you begin closed‑door training.

Choosing the right crate is a practical decision that directly affects your dog’s comfort and the success of crate training. Measure carefully, match type and material to your dog’s temperament and intended use, prioritize safety and durability, and place the crate where your dog feels part of the family. A well‑chosen crate becomes a trusted safe space.

American Kennel Club (AKC) crate sizing and safety guidelines

RSPCA crate and kennel recommendations

Humane Society crate training resources

 

Kerry Blue Terrier: Temperament, Socialization and Evolution in Competitive Dog Shows

The Kerry Blue Terriers are an Irish terrier breed renowned for their strong-minded and highly spirited temperament, blending independence with unwavering loyalty to their owners. Historically affectionate and gentle with children, they were often regarded as hostile to other animals—including dogs—due to their heritage as robust vermin hunters, but proper socialization with other dogs eliminates this entirely. In the early days of competitive dog showing, they faced unique challenges that tested their gameness while paving the way for modern popularity.

The Classic Kerry Blue Temperament: Loyalty vs. Tenacity

Affinity with Family and Child-Friendly Behavior

Kerry Blues form deep bonds with family, exhibiting exceptional patience and gentleness with children when introduced early. The American Kennel Club describes them as "alert, adaptable, and animated" family companions, ideal for active households with daily exercise space. This affectionate nature contrasts with their "Blue Devil" reputation as multifunctional Irish farm dogs used for hunting badgers, rats, and herding cattle in Kerry mountains.

Strong Spirit and Terrier Instincts

With a "lively, bossy, scrappy, clever, independent, stubborn" personality, they respond best to consistent positive training, sensitive to unfair treatment that can amplify reactivity. Experienced owners note their natural prey drive toward small animals if leadership isn't established.

The Issue of Hostility Toward Other Animals

Historical Reputation for Interspecific Aggression

In rural Ireland, Kerry Blues were frequently considered hostile to other dogs and animals, especially intact males, resulting from selection for "gameness"—proven courage in real tests against rabbits and badgers required by the Irish Kennel Club. 1922 records show 257 entries in the first Championship Show, but with reports of ring confrontations due to this combative heritage.

Studies like C-BARQ confirm higher dog-dog aggression propensity in working terriers (20-30% cases without intervention), attributed to genetics and lack of early socialization.

Socialization Transformation: Scientific Evidence

If properly socialized with other dogs, this hostility disappears completely. A 2022 systematic review showed puppies in socialization classes improve family-dog aggression scores by 40-50%, trainability by 35%, and general reactivity by 25%. Controlled exposure between 2-9 months—leashed walks, supervised playdates—produces balanced Kerry Blues competing in agility and obedience without incidents.

Today, temperament-focused breeders produce winners like Pixie (Crufts 2020 Terrier Group), demonstrating breed evolution.

The Early Days of Competitive Dog Showing

In the 1920s showing era, Kerry Blues entered rings with "rough" coats and vigorous behaviors contrasting polished English terriers. The Irish Kennel Club required Teastas Mor (major gameness test) and Teastas Beag (minor test) before judging, proving pest-fighting ability. The first show on March 17, 1922 (St. Patrick's Day) recorded 257 entries—a record—but challenges included missing teeth in older females and "rough" ring manners. Pioneers like Midland Beauty (first English champion of Irish origin) and Belle of Munster set standards, transitioning from farm dog to show competitor.

This phase shaped the breed, balancing combat spirit with modern elegance while maintaining low but high-quality Kennel Club registrations.

Practical Tips for Modern Kerry Blue Owners

• Socialization: Start at 8 weeks with puppy classes; maintain positive interactions through year 1.

• Training: Positive reinforcement only; avoid punishment that increases stubbornness.

• Exercise: 60+ minutes daily to channel energy.

• Grooming: Every 6 weeks; monitor common hip dysplasia.

With these practices, Kerry Blues become loyal, intelligent, fun companions for active families.

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References

Wikipedia: Kerry Blue Terrier - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kerry_Blue_Terrier (accessed 2026-01-22)

American Kennel Club: Kerry Blue Terrier - https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/kerry-blue-terrier/ (2021-09-03)

Houndsy: Understanding Kerry Blue Terrier Temperament - https://www.houndsy.com/blogs/modern-tails/understanding-kerry-blue-terrier-temperament-a-comprehensive-guide (2025-06-02)

Loukerry Kennels: Rasse - http://www.loukerry.de/deu/rasse-deu.html (accessed 2026-01-22)

Wag!: Kerry Blue Terrier - https://wagwalking.com/breed/kerry-blue-terrier (accessed 2026-01-22)

VCA Animal Hospitals: Kerry Blue Terrier - https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/kerry-blue-terrier (accessed 2026-01-22)

AKC: Kerry Blue Terrier History - https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/kerry-blue-terrier-history/ (accessed 2026-01-22)

Animals Journal: Canine Socialisation Review - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9655304/ (2022-10-21, DOI: 10.3390/ani12212874)

Psychology Today: Dog Aggression - https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/canine-corner/201403/dog-aggression-is-predicted-training-methods-and-breed (2014-03-17)

The Training of Dogs: Kerry Blue Training - https://www.thetrainingofdogs.com/post/the-training-of-kerry-blue-terriers-what-to-know (2025-09-11)

The Kennel Club: Crufts 2020 - https://www.royalkennelclub.com/about-us/resources/media-centre/2020/march/a-kerry-blue-terrier-from-swansea-wins-place-in-cruft... (2020-03-14)

7 Animals That Look Friendly but Are Surprisingly Dangerous

Some animals look harmless — even cute — but can be shockingly dangerous when threatened, stressed, or simply misunderstood.

This list reveals 7 friendly‑looking animals that can cause serious harm, even though they appear gentle at first glance.

1. Hippopotamus — The Smiling Killer

Hippos look like giant, goofy water cows, but they are responsible for more human deaths in Africa than lions or crocodiles. They can run 30 km/h and have jaws strong enough to crush a canoe.

2. Koala — Cute, Grumpy, and Aggressive

Koalas look like plush toys, but they can become extremely aggressive when stressed. Their claws are razor‑sharp, and they carry bacteria that can cause serious infections.

3. Dolphin — Friendly… Until They’re Not

Dolphins are intelligent and playful, but they can also be violent. They have been documented attacking sharks, other dolphins, and even humans.

4. Giant Anteater — Calm but Deadly

They look slow and harmless, but their claws are powerful enough to kill a jaguar. One swipe can open a human torso.

5. Mute Swan — Elegant but Territorial

Swans appear graceful, but they defend their nests with brutal force. A swan can break a person’s arm with a wing strike.

6. Slow Loris — Adorable Venom

With big eyes and soft fur, the slow loris looks like a living plush toy. But it is one of the only venomous mammals on Earth — its bite can cause anaphylactic shock.

7. African Buffalo — The “Black Death”

They look like oversized cows, but they are unpredictable and extremely aggressive. They have killed more big‑game hunters than any other African animal.

10 Cute Animals That Are Shockingly Dangerous

They look adorable. They look harmless.
But some of the cutest animals on Earth can be surprisingly dangerous — and in ways most people never expect.
From tiny frogs that can kill with a touch to fluffy creatures carrying venom, this list will change the way you look at “cute.”

Let’s dive into the 10 cutest animals that are shockingly dangerous.

1. Red Panda — Cute Face, Sharp Claws

Red pandas look like plush toys, but they defend themselves with sharp claws and strong bites.  Smithsonian National Zoo

2. Barn Owl — Silent Hunter With Crushing Talons

Their heart‑shaped face hides a lethal hunting system. 

Reference: National Geographic

3. Blue‑Ringed Octopus — Tiny, Beautiful, Deadly

Only 5–8 cm long, but carries a neurotoxin that can stop breathing in minutes. 

Reference: LiveScience

4. Swan — Elegant but Aggressive

Swans can break a human arm with a wing strike when defending their nests. 

Reference: BBC Earth

5. Pufferfish — The Cute Balloon of Death

Contains tetrodotoxin, 1,200× stronger than cyanide. 

Reference: National Geographic

6. Moose — The Misleading Gentle Giant

Moose injure more people annually than bears. Reference: Alaska Department of Fish and Game

7. Poison Dart Frog — Tiny but Lethal

Some species carry enough toxin to kill 10+ humans. 

Reference: Scientific American

8. Skunk — Not Deadly, But Dangerous

Their spray can cause temporary blindness and severe irritation. 

Reference: CDC

9. Wild Boar — Cute Piglet, Dangerous Adult

Fast, armored, and unpredictable. 

Reference: National Geographic

10. Otter — Surprisingly Aggressive

Otters look adorable but can attack humans and pets when threatened. 

Reference: BBC Wildlife