7 week old jack russell. too young to take outside in winter?

by john
(bath)

it is freezing outside we have just got a 7 week old jack russell terrier, is it too cold to take him outside yet?

as he is literally chewing and biting everything, also he has not yet had his course of injections, should we wait until he has his injections before we take him outside where other dogs have been?

any help would be most grateful thanks



Hi John
If you have a fenced yard, or an area where roaming/stray or unvaccinated dogs are unable to enter, then it's fine to take your puppy outside for his potty break.

Yes, puppies do get cold, but he won't freeze for the length of time it takes for him to sniff, run around and potty. It's better to get him used to doing his business outside from the very beginning. It's less confusing for the pup and means you don't have to retrain him later.

If you're really worried, you can always get him a nice warm sweater or little coat to wear while he's outside. If he gets used to wearing it now while he's small, he shouldn't object.

Puppies are definitely susceptible to illness or disease until they've had all their vaccinations. In the US, three sets of combination vaccine are required, I believe in the UK it is only two, but I could be mistaken. Either way, don't expose him to public areas such as sidewalks, parks, beaches etc. until he's had all the necessary shots.

Best of luck with your puppy.