Cross Breeds

How old should puppies be before you take them outside?

My Siberian Husky had puppies from a Chocolate Lab. The puppies are 2 1/2 weeks old. I live in North Dakota where there is quite a bit of snow. At what age can I take the puppies outside? Is 3 weeks too early or would it be better to wait longer?

Public Comments

1. Considering the weather, I would recommend waiting til 4-5 wks, and just for short periods.
2. Ask your vet - I think it depends on what vaccinations they've had
3. Check with a vet. But make sure that the puppies aren't around other dogs until their second set of shots or they could get sick.
4. I would wait till at least 8 weeks before you take them out in the freezing cold. You have to be careful, puppies shouldn't roam around where other dogs have been until they are up to date on all of their shots, which is around four months of age.
5. I would wait until they are at least 5-6 weeks old - it all depends on the weather. Though they can regulate their temperature they can't reliably keep themselves warm or cool in extreme temps. Also are you just looking to get them outside to potty? If so , then a good alternative is to make a large box that is attached to their puppy area, layer some alfalfa pellets in the bottom and in effect, litter train them. Once you start taking them outside, then take some more pellets out to the area where you want them to relive themselves and you'llbe amazed how quickly that goes. Puppies will naturally try to keep their play and sleeping area clean, so best to give them an area to use and makes it easier for you to clean. Also, I'm hoping that you are planning spaying your girl and when placing these pups, are making sure that the new owners are also altering their pups as soon as possible?
6. I would wait until they are about 4 weeks old. If you are giving/selling the puppies you need to start to get them used to living without their mom at about 6-7 weeks. Then they can go to their new homes at age 10 weeks. If you are keeping them, they are going to need to stop eating their mom's milk around 8 weeks.
7. do you have some place nice and cozy for them and the mommy? make them a little area in your basement or something, place all kinds of newpaper around them and let them fo on there for now. I would think 6 weeks would be good.. when they're up, running around and not really needing their mommy anymore. until them, keep them in a nice secure area and let them go on newpaper or training pads.