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Three Perks to Getting a Winter Puppy in the Midwest

Kinnickinnic Goldendoodles
Feb 21
3 min read

For many of us in the Midwest, where winters are cold, snowy and long, getting a brand-new puppy can be the last thing on our minds. The biggest reason for this that we hear is "nobody wants to potty train in the snow and cold!" And we can totally sympathize with this. But as breeders, who work with puppies year around, we have a unique perspective, and we'd love to share some thoughts with you on this subject!

Here's some of our top reasons that we think that winter and early spring in the Midwest can be the absolute best time of year to bring your little puppy to their new home!

REASON 1 - Potty Training: Truth be told, your sweet, new little bundle of puppy goodness does not want to be out in the cold any more than you do! Winter and early springtime in the Midwest can actually help expedite the potty-training process. While summertime can lend itself to all kinds of distractions, from a butterfly gliding by, to any number of new smells in the grass, the cold of winter seems to streamline the process. Puppy wants to go out, get business done and get back into the warmth of home just as quickly as you do! (It should also be noted that goldendoodles are extremely intelligent, and no matter the time of year, generally potty train really well with consistent training).

REASON 2 - Immunizations: It is a good rule of thumb that you should not take your new puppy too many places where other unknown dogs frequent until your puppy is fully vaccinated. This can include, but not be limited to, dog parks, puppy training classes, favorite vacation spots, walks, etc. Your puppy will not be considered fully vaccinated until approximately 16 weeks old. At that time all booster shots should have been administered if puppy is on the recommended shot schedule. Puppies are like sweet human babies, with immature immune systems and susceptible to catching bugs floating around. Winter months in the Midwest are a perfect time to get puppy fully immunized, when being outside isn't as fun anyway. Then, by the time the summer months roll around, your puppy will be ready to hit the walking paths, beaches and family vacation spots with you, worry free!!!

REASON 3 - Sleep Helps Physical & Emotional Development: Puppies sleep A LOT when you first bring them to their new homes. In fact, your 3-month-old winter puppy will still be sleeping roughly 16-20 hours every day! Which makes sense when we consider how quickly they grow in their first year of life. Again, the winter months in the MIdwest are a prime time to bring puppies home. After a fun play session in the snow, puppy is ready to come inside, snuggle, and get some much-needed sleep, required for muscle, bone, and brain development. As puppy gets a little older and the spring equinox comes and goes, sleep needs and desires will decrease. Puppy will be physically and emotionally ready to match your enthusiasm for the longer energy filled summer days.