[derekahc]

Hey everyone!

It's been a fair snow in Denver today, and it's our 11-week old puppy Gormley's first time seeing it! However, she's acting a bid oddly. When outside to go potty, she immediately begins softly pawing at, licking, and eating the snow. We live in an urban area with a lot of other dogs around, and she hasn't had all her boosters yet. We don't want her just chowing down on the snow, so we restrain her with leash and harness. She is so distracted by the snow that she won't go potty unless she absolutely has to. After a couple repeats of going out, but not being allowed to eat the snow, she's been acting up a little bit. Trying desperately to get back outside, growling and barking at us if we stop her, biting at our hands if we try to pet her, not eating as much as she normally does. When she's crated she settles in and naps without much fuss, but as soon as she's out she charges towards the door.

Is this normal behavior? I get it, we're keeping her from doing something that's fun to her, but she's never been aggressive about it like this. Normally if kept from what she wants, she'll whine in a sad way, but not an angry way. Any advice would be appreciated!

Thanks,

Derek

 

[Shell]

Snow often makes dogs act silly and energetic the first few times they see it each season. I joke that it has something in common with another white, powdery, "energy inducing" substance....

Even just cold weather can be invigorating to dogs since they have warmer body temps than humans plus fur coats to boot.

Sounds like a normal puppy being mildly bratty because outside is fun and he isn't outside. Probably pent up energy both mental and physical. Try some long lasting chews like a classic Kong stuffed with canned food and frozen or an antler or durable Nylabone. Play brain games like seek and find with scents and treats. Roll a ball around inside if you have flooring the dog won't be slipping around on. Etc.

Check with your vet about location specific health risks. In some areas, 2 combo vaccines are OK for walks whilst in other areas even in the same city, 3 vaccines with the last after 16 weeks is the minimum safe standard