GSP Pup - How Cold Is Too Cold?

[mcdenney]

How cold is too cold for my 7 week old GSP pup to be placed outside during the day while I am at work (8 hours)? She was raised in a heated kennel, then was given access to go outside some during the day in the last week before we got her. She could return to the warmth of the kennel at anytime. So far with us she has spent most of her time inside the house with small trips outside to get used to my other dog and her surroundings. I have a 10x10 puppy proof kennel and a dog house loaded with straw to keep her in. Once big enough she will have access to the 1/2 acre fenced back yard with my setter (who is 7 yrs old). My question is at what temp is it okay/warm enough for her to stay outside during the day for about 8 hours or so? I was thinking anything above 40 degress would be okay until she gets 3-4 months old. I'm pretty sure that is what I did with my setter pups. Any thoughts?

[trust me]

If the pup has access to a straw-filled kennel, and is able to and willing to use it, then she should be fine. Once they are weaned that are basically just small dogs, able to generate and retain their own body temp.

I crate train mine in the house during the day, and go home at lunch and take the pup out for a potty break. They'll hold their bladders and BM's until you can get them outside, and you crate-train and house break them at the same time.

[Kyshorthair]

Congrats on the pup! Where are the pictures? Can't wait to see some.

My GSP is pretty cold natured. She has a pretty thin coat, especially compared to our Golden. She shivers when it 35 or so degrees out. I have no idea about a pup though. Our dogs are both crate trained and do fine in them and have since we brought them home at 6 weeks. The first few days are a little rough and the might mess a few times for the first few weeks. Their bladders are pretty small. They learn quickly and don't like messing in the crate.

Let us know how the training goes with her. GSPs are great dogs, in the field and around the house. Ours is really sweet and loves to be right next to one of us. She should be ready to hunt this coming fall. Mine was born in March and was hunting in September. She's 5 now and I've really enjoyed hunting with her. Good luck!

[mcdenney]

Congrats on the pup! Where are the pictures? Can't wait to see some.

My GSP is pretty cold natured. She has a pretty thin coat, especially compared to our Golden. She shivers when it 35 or so degrees out. I have no idea about a pup though. Our dogs are both crate trained and do fine in them and have since we brought them home at 6 weeks. The first few days are a little rough and the might mess a few times for the first few weeks. Their bladders are pretty small. They learn quickly and don't like messing in the crate.

Let us know how the training goes with her. GSPs are great dogs, in the field and around the house. Ours is really sweet and loves to be right next to one of us. She should be ready to hunt this coming fall. Mine was born in March and was hunting in September. She's 5 now and I've really enjoyed hunting with her. Good luck!

Thanks, she seems to be a smart little thing. Very, very clingy!!! She wants to be right beside you as close as she can get or in your lap if you will let her. Then she curls up and goes to sleep most of the time right now. I suspect that will change though, lol. I am not sure I have ever had a dog want to be that clingy. It seemed to me that most of my setter pups had a mind of their own and spent most of their time investigating or playing. They didn't seem to have too much time where they wanted to get in your lap. Maybe it is the bred or maybe this ones personality. Time will tell.

We have been crating her during the night when we go to bed but she is in the house mostly from the time I get home until bedtime, then again before I head to work in the morning. During the day it has been a few different appoaches either in the crate, the outside 10x10 kennel, or in my heated garage in a 4x6 pen. I'm sure the lack of a consistent routine during the day has her a little confused but she has done really well.

Here is pic.

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n256/mcdenney/Khloe-7WeeksOld.jpg

[killinmammals]

As long as the pup has a good straw filled dog house and doesn't mind going in it, it will do fine now. I always was consistant when training my lab that I had, but you have to do what you can. Dang, I can't wait till my fiance gets a new place this summer and I get "her" GSP:D

[Kyshorthair]

Thanks, she seems to be a smart little thing. Very, very clingy!!! She wants to be right beside you as close as she can get or in your lap if you will let her. Then she curls up and goes to sleep most of the time right now. I suspect that will change though, lol. I am not sure I have ever had a dog want to be that clingy. It seemed to me that most of my setter pups had a mind of their own and spent most of their time investigating or playing. They didn't seem to have too much time where they wanted to get in your lap. Maybe it is the bred or maybe this ones personality. Time will tell.



Here is pic.

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n256/mcdenney/Khloe-7WeeksOld.jpg


Sounds like a GSP alright. Great looking pup! I've heard them called Velcro dogs because they are so clingy. Our other dog is a Golden and while she is really friendly and loves people, she is not near as clingy. Both are great but the hunt drive of the GSP is something I really enjoy. The GSP is just bird crazy. Good luck with her, she sounds like a great dog.