Weimaraners (or any dogs) and cold weather?

Question

I have two weimaraners that are just over a year in age each. One is the dark grey color and the other the light color. The dark colored one seem to not be bothered to much by the cold weather but the light now is always shivering and can't stand being outside. Sometimes it could be in the 40's or 50's and he is standing by the door shivering to come in as my other dog is out and about the yard without a care. I wish I could leave them inside when I go to work but they destroy everything in their site outside let alone in. Does anyone have a dog that is like this and do you know why or what you did to help???

Yes, my dogs have access to our garage in case its raining or so forth, and I do put blankets out there for them but they destroy it even though they have other toys. Maybe I could put a little heater in there but I am afraid to leave it on ALL DAY while we are gone.

Answer 1

Get them a doghouse and put straw or hay inside.

Answer 2

I also have a weimaraner who freezes at the slightest drop in temperature. Fortunately I can keep my dog in the house without her tearing things up. It could be because when I first got her she spent a lot of time in a large cage. As far as what to do about the outside thing... get a doghouse... insulate it... and maybe even consider having it heated. My boss actually just did that for his 2 dogs. He bought one of those big shed type things that look like little houses. I think it was a great idea, of course may be a little expensive. Good luck with your dogs.

Answer 3

Hi Angie:
I think this is not a problem you have to solve, but rather your dog does. Dogs are smarted than some give credit for. they know when to show their own emotions to get what they want.
I have a friend who has 3 Weimaraners and i just called and asked her what to do.
She said , as long as they have an area to go to that is sheltered from the cold and rain and snow, the dog will be fine.
Do not try to dress the dog up in cloths to keep it warm as someone suggested!!! The dog could very easily get caught on the clothing and by twisting to get out could cause severe damage or death.
I do not like the thought either of putting a heater in a garage when you are not there. this could also cause a problem that might cause major problems (and being a retired fireman this is not uncommon).
Take it from the owner of the most spoiled Cocker Spaniel in the world!!, dog will be fine just as long as you provide what they need and you have done that my friend.
Anymore questions just ask!!
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Answer 4

My brother in law and wife have 2 of these beautiful gray ghost dogs! They are wonderful, but definitely a challenge. They use crates for their dogs when they are away from the home and at nite time.

I imagine that dogs are very much like people when it comes to getting cold. I'll be freezing and bundled up while my husband sits there in shorts and a t-shirt. Some get colder than others.

Do you have a garage that your pups can stay in safely, or a confined area inside your home where they won't have anything to destroy?

Answer 5

My dogs stay inside, not because of the cold but because of the breed and the stupid things that are going on w. the breed in the ciyt right now. Any way I kennel the one that causes the most trouble and make sure the other one has plenty of thing to keep him busy. There are also heated dog houses and heated water bowls, I would not think it necesary for that yet. There is also doggydaycares in some areas. IF it is to cold @ the one I use the get to stay inside to play.

Answer 6

Your Weims are not going to be happy dogs if left outside.
It is far too cold to be leaving them outside while you work.
I have weims and have for 10 years.
They do not do well as outside dogs or a kennel dogs.
You need to have them in the house and dog proof a room or use and indoor crate for them. Many of them have a huge problem with seperation anxiety.
They are very highly active dogs and need tons of running every day to calm them down. Mine run about 3 sometimes more hours per day. They have a fenced yard and are taken out in the pasture to scent train and run and hunt the tall grass every day.
I hunt with mine and in the very cold months they wear a chest protector that is insulated to protect them from the cold as well as boots for thier feet. They are out in a field and back in the truck after eah field to be dried off and heated up. Warm water and high energy food treats.

Answer 7

first of all, try not to leave them outside. they are not a cold weather dog. second, they are the age equivalent to having 2 two-year olds so OF COURSE they are going to destroy things!!!!!your best option is to crate them in the house when you are gone, and when you are home, take them for nice long walks outside of your yard. just because they have a yard to play in doesn't mean they are getting enough mental stimulation. they are a hunting breed and need a job to do. if this need isn't met, they become destructive. i have 2 dobermans, and one gets colder that the other too. when it's necessary, she gets a warm fleece coat put on her. i never leave these on my dogs unattended, though. dogs should never be left unattended anyway, unless they are crated. give them each their own crates and don't put anything in them they can destroy and get hurt on. please read a basic dog book like dogs for dummies or weimeraners for dummies. ( no put-down intented, sweetie....it's just an easy to read book with TONS of info)
think of your dogs well-being first and foremost. even though they are the same breed, they are individuals. just like we are. you need to find what works for each dog.

Answer 8

1) you're beautiful :-)
2) could you build a little doghouse for them, to shelter them from the cold and maybe keep a few toys out there for them?
3) other option is a huge cage, I've seen them in Petsmart that you can keep inside so they can't rip up your stuff

Answer 9

One word: CRATES! Buy them each one & put them in them in your house. The dogs will be warm, your property will be safe from destruction, everyone wins.

Answer 10

Try putting straw down for them to sleep on .. holds body heat pretty good I use it