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Post by bbird on Oct 25, 2006 11:47:06 GMT -5
Okay, the puppy is almost 7 weeks old, St. Bernard x, weighs 12 lbs. I've never had a dog this young that was an "outside" breed. So that brings up the question on how cold a temperatures can you safely leave a puppy out in. I shouldn't say out in, because right now we have a insulated crate on a covered porch that we used pieces of plywood to enclose a big area for it. It's right outside our sliding door so the puppy can see us, and of course we spend almost all the puppies awake time out with it. It whines at the door when it wakes up and we take him out to the grass to go potty.
The night before last the temps got down to 38 degree's. The puppy did fine, and slept through the night. We have hay and a big blanket in the crate for him and it's totally draft free, he was buried in the corner snoozin' away. The thing is.....I worried all night that the puppy would get cold and get sick. So last night I thought I would bring the crate in the house. Yi yi yi...puppy whining all night, and we all took shifts staying up and playing with it and running around outside trying to wear the dog out so we could sleep.
To me the dog is happy sleeping outside. I have never seen any shivers, or acting like it was cold. I called my mom to see what we did with the malamutes in Ak, but she said that the dogs were always a year or older when we got them so that didn't help.
So, keeping in mind that this is going to be a outside only dog, what would you do for the puppy? Is it true that as long as they have insulated houses, warm bedding and are draft free they will be okay? What I am reading on the web is that they will be fine down to 10 degree's with the proper housing and protection so around here that will not be a problem because it seldom gets that cold. Right now our temps should be anywhere from 30 degree's to 45 degree's overnight.
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Post by bbird on Oct 25, 2006 13:25:49 GMT -5
Okay, talked to the vet and dh's parents who have had a few St. Bernards. The puppy is perfectly fine outside in what we have him in. Whew... I'm glad since I really think Mojo likes being outside more. We have the woodstove going and the main living room gets pretty warm so last night we put Mojo back in the family room where it stays cool but that is actually farther away from our bedrooms and "seeing" us then the porch with the sliding door.
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Post by Kathy on Oct 25, 2006 13:32:00 GMT -5
I was going to say; a draft free, decently insulated house and available water should be just fine for a heavy coated dog.
I had outside dogs but it was a while ago and we lived in WI. You know it get's really cold up there and they did fine sleeping in the attached but unheated garage.
We only had wood heat and both would start panting if they were in the house more than a 1/2 hr.
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Post by bbird on Oct 25, 2006 13:48:01 GMT -5
I wish I had a attached garage, that would be the ultimate in housing for it. We could use the barn, but the barn is far enough from the house I don't like having a young puppy out of hearing and sight distance. Mojo is much more content this morning being back outside, so I'm sure he will be fine. If he was 3 or 4 months old, I wouldn't question it but since he is so young I worry.
Oh, then last night when we were all running around in the yard trying to exhaust Mojo the coyote's were going crazy. Between the coyote's and the cougars I wouldn't want him in the barn either. I installed a netting over the enclosed section of the porch this morning after hearing all the night sounds last night. A couple years ago we were given netting that golf courses use for their ranges. It's huge and we've used it for so many things...now it's keeping Mojo save until it is bigger. :-)
Thanks!
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Post by starfire on Oct 28, 2006 14:09:36 GMT -5
I am glad you talk to your vet. Have you looked on line for a St. Bernard web site or one that is for St. Bernards only. You might get information that way.
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Post by bbird on Oct 29, 2006 9:09:01 GMT -5
Yep I have, and it seems most of them are geared toward adult St. Bernards and the most they say about a puppy is that it grows very fast, lol. I did find one website that says St. Bernards are the only puppies that would be allowed to fly (in cold weather) before they are 8 weeks old but the airlines won't let them because they require all dogs to be 8 weeks old. That was the closest I got to reading anything about the cold and st. Bernard puppies, lol.
It's gotten really cold here the last few nights, and Mojo is perfectly fine. Growing fast and thinks he wants to spend all his time on this little slope in the woods going up and down or on the three steps leading to the deck. It loves to climb, fall, climb, fall, roll down, climb. He really hasn't learned to bark yet. It still sounds like a whine/growl which is pretty hilarious. Keeps trying to nurse off our other two dogs, which they don't like since his little puppy teeth hurt! The two dogs look at me like "Is this dog crazy?" lol
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Post by bergere on Oct 30, 2006 16:30:07 GMT -5
Sounds like you are enjoying your new puppy Deb!
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Post by bbird on Oct 30, 2006 18:30:33 GMT -5
We really are!  You'll need to get a puppy, so we can gush over them. I always feel silly gushing over a animal, but at least here everyone seems to understand. Or are just too kind to say anything.  I have an Uncle that calls from AK, and when he does he makes his dog bark hello on the phone. I always roll my eyes because I have never even seen the dog, don't know the dog but it is important to my Uncle so I say Hello to the dog and hope no one can overhear my conversation.  It's been 9 years since we had a puppy this young. Abby was 3 1/2 months when we got her and she seemed so mature. This one is silly! Has to bite everything with his baby teeth, bites on our pant leg when we are outside and has to play tug of war. Can't even make a regular bark, it's more a yip, lol. Okay, enough!!!!! |
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Post by bergere on Oct 31, 2006 11:10:02 GMT -5
Yes, we are sort'a puppy shopping. I figure when the right one comes along we will know. Keep flipping back and forth.... kind'a want a Cairn, or Corgi,,,or that type and size. With a mellow temperament. And at times I wish we had a big outside dog. Like the idea of smaller land minds, smaller food bill, and can pick a smaller one up if they are being silly. Smaller one can be in the house and outside. However the inside of my house is not kept clean enough for a puppy. Have saddles and tack all over because we have no barn. Big one would have to be outside only. We have chickens running around the house during the day. Possible problem? Big one has big land minds...and I would be the one picking that stuff up...even if I train it to go in one area. Food bill bigger and the like. Pluses...more likely to keep the coyotes at bay...at least around the house at night. So...still haven't totally made up my mind yet. I have lots of cute horses I can always gush about!! Soon I will be known as that "crazy horse Lady". |
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Post by bbird on Oct 31, 2006 14:35:04 GMT -5
You could always get a inside and a outside dog. ;D
I wonder if Llama's would be good for you. I've heard they are very protective of their field. Of course, probably a sitting duck for a yote if all they do is make noise. If they charged, that might be a good thing, but I don't know if they do.
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Post by Kathy on Oct 31, 2006 14:45:32 GMT -5
Bergere, can you resist this face??  This is a Cardigan Corgi pup. They're precious aren't they?  Plus Corgi's are a herding breed so you might be able to train him/her to round up the horses for you once your son is an adult & no longer living at home.  Deb, I think Llama's kill their aggressors with a strong kick reflex. I've heard of farmers going out in the morning and finding 4-5 dead coyotes along the fenceline where coyotes tried to sneak in the pastures. The llama's just kept killing them as they came in! |
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Post by bbird on Oct 31, 2006 14:53:50 GMT -5
That is the most adorable pup!!
Totally fascinating about llama's. Boy that is too cool that they actually attack coyote's.
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Post by bergere on Nov 1, 2006 10:12:45 GMT -5
Now Kathy....that is just cheating. ;DThat puppy is adorable. Now if she was to go poof and end up at my door step for $100.00..... I would give it a go.  How would they be as outside dogs? Was thinking about that. Will need help bringing the horses in a times. Some days they are good about it and others.  Have thought about Llama's. Only problem is how many coyotes we have and not all Llama's will guard. I know someone a little south of here that has Fixed Llama's for sale (since I would not want to breed). Only problem is you have to shear them. While I would love the fleece to play with. Just don't think my body is up to it. Really want a Poitou donkey but they are very rare. Would want a Jenny since all I have is mares here. |
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Post by starfire on Nov 3, 2006 15:02:07 GMT -5
That puppy is to cute!
Hey, Bbird - if you can't find any info on websites about the puppies maybe you could start one to help other people. You know there has got to be other with puppies also. Call it Mojo's St Bernerd puppy club, and post photos of Mojo growing up. Maybe other people will also give their tips. Hey, it is just a thought.
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Post by bbird on Nov 4, 2006 12:47:47 GMT -5
I did find one group that has a lot of talk about Saints. It was one of Crickets links she posted. BigPawsonly.com It's fun reading!
I would start my own group, but I don't know anyone else. ;D
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Post by bergere on Nov 5, 2006 15:06:27 GMT -5
Deb,
Just start your own forum and they will come!
I have had a Donkey forum for awhile and just moved it to Proboards.
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