Toy Poodle's Winter coat

[psuek2007]

We live in central NY where it gets very cold and snowy. Our toy poodle pups are now 5 mths old and were groomed 1.5 mths ago.
I know that everything we've read about toy poodles recommends grooming them every 6-8 weeks. Shouldn't we keep their hair on now that winter is soon to come?
We brush them every day or 2. Some days they get brushed multiple times.

This is new territory for us.

Pam

[mia]

Hi Pam,

I know your winter weather is so brutal as is ours in ND. I have no experience with Poodles except that they are cute. I am keeping my Yorkie natural, she is just 1 year and so tiny, only 2 pounds and my Chihuahua has been going potty outside since she was a baby, my Yorkie learned that also this summer. I have a ton of sweaters and coats that I put on them depending on the weather. I would get your babies used to wearing sweaters and I think I would also let them keep the coat through the winter. My Chi is smooth so doesn't need a lot of brushing but my Yorkie gets brushed so many times a day when I sit in my computer chair she has to be in my lap of course.

I am going to go get my new baby Yorkie on Sunday in Minnesota, can't wait. The Yorkies are so different and nothing but cute, they have a whole different personality. My Yorkie goes up to my Golden and does the kissy face all the time, it is so cute.

Take care,

Mia

[Sarah]

I agree with Mia about lots of sweaters and coats for them. They will need it no matter what you do. I wouldn't care about the usual protocol for grooming in the winter. You can groom them properly in late spring through summer. They will still be adorable.

[psuek2007]

Thanks Mia & Sarah. I have been internet surfing to find some winter clothes for them. I'd like to perhaps get them a parka style coat to cover their little heads as their ears are always flopping backwards (open) and I know poodles are susceptible for getting earaches. I am also going to get them rain coats after Thursdays weather. It poured non-stop all day in to the night. Flooded many rivers & creeks. Neither of the pups wanted to go out (I didn't either ).... We had a few accidents in the house.

Mia, I envy you. So badly I would love a Yorkie. I have always adored the Yorkies. Some day I hope to own one.

Thanks ladies for the advice.
Pam

[psuek2007]

Speaking of winter coats.... For anyone shopping for dog apparel, bookmark the items you like then surf other sites. I have been finding the same exact clothing on so many different sites but the prices can range so drastically. For the raincoats I am buying, they are on clearance on 2 websites at $8.00 and $9.99 however those same exact coats on other sites go as high as $34.97.
So it is really worth shopping around before making your purchase.

Pam

[Sarah]

Pam have you thought of training them to use a cat box, when it's bad weather. Indeed they should walk, but they are so small. I certainly would entertain that thought for the winter months.

Congratulations on your findings for the coats. Some of the sweaters and coats for dogs are as much as they are for children...

[mia]

Hi Pam and Sarah,

Has it stopped raining on the east coast yet? Saw radar and it looked like you were really getting dumped on. My girls don't like to go out in the rain either and me likewise. If it is thundering/lightening that is a whole other problem, like forget it. Not my Yorkie yet, but my Chi and Golden.

I always check different websites also before I order. Like Sarah said too, I would not worry about getting them groomed in the winter, they are cute with the long hair. What color are they?

Get enough clothes to get them through the winter and in the spring go to your local Petco and Petsmart or even online. They put all of their winter clothes on clearance and you can get them sometimes for $3.00 Puppy clothes are very expensive, like Sarah also said, they can range the same as childrens clothes.

Have you tried the puppy pads in the bad weather? My Yorkie was pad trained before I got her at 5 months but now she goes outside. If I get up in the night I take her with and put her on a pad and she goes immediately, actually faster than when we are outside, ( No way am I going out in the dark in the middle of the night) Out there she has to smell every blade of grass and now chase leaves, see if there are any squirrels and whatever before she finally goes. I hope this changes when winter moves in.

Have a great day, I will let you know how my adventure goes tomorrow with my new baby.

Mia

[Sarah]

Looking forward to hearing all about Gidgi Mia...

[mia]

Hi Sarah and all,

You shouldn't say that Sarah because I can go on and on about my dogs and bore you forever. I am now the very happy Mommy of a tiny 1 l lb, 12 oz Yorkie, she was born August 17th. She is just so tiny, adorable and so content to lay in my lap. She has met my other dogs, Holly, my Golden is already loving her. She just smiles and smells her all over while wagging her tail a hundred miles an hour. Mika, my other Yorkie didn't know if she should be afraid or what, she pranced around and barked but I have them both in my chair and they now buddies. It is going to be a fun winter and with all the rain we had this summer, if it continues a very snowy one. If you don't keep it up there Sarah I am going to fwd it all to Pam in NY.

If you go to Midwest Pet Finders. com and scroll down you can see a picture of my baby. She has 2 little girls left in Minnesota. (Pam????)

Have a great day everyone!

Mia