Taking Home a Puppy in Winter: Cream Puff Labradoodles Tips and Guide

What to Expect When Taking Home a Puppy in Winter

There’s a special kind of magic that comes with taking home a puppy in winter. The cold weather, cozy blankets, and early sunsets create the perfect backdrop for bonding with your new Australian Labradoodle. While the season adds a sprinkle of holiday charm, it also brings unique considerations to help ensure your Cream Puff puppy feels safe, warm, and welcomed.

As an Australian Labradoodle breeder near NYC, we support families across New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and beyond every year who are taking home a puppy in winter. We’ve put together everything you need to know for a smooth, heartwarming transition from our home to yours.

Create a Warm, Draft-Free Puppy Zone

When taking home a puppy in winter, warmth is everything. Your new arrival has a developing immune system and can lose heat quickly, so create a cozy environment that offers comfort and security:

• A crate or playpen away from drafts

• Soft blankets and washable bedding

• A warm room (not directly next to heaters)

• A snuggle toy for reassurance

A warm, consistent space helps your puppy settle in and feel protected from the chilly winter air.

Keep Outdoor Time Short and Safe

One of the biggest adjustments when taking home a puppy in winter is outdoor time. Young puppies can’t regulate their body temperature as well as adult dogs, so potty breaks should be:

• Short and supervised

• Done on safe, non-icy surfaces

• Followed by a quick warm-up indoors

If your hands are cold, your puppy is cold, this is the best rule to follow.

Stock Up on Winter Puppy Essentials

Before taking home a puppy in winter, make sure your home is stocked with the right gear. These essentials make outings safer and more comfortable:

• Puppy jackets or sweaters

• Paw-protecting booties

• Pet-safe de-icer

• Absorbent towels for slushy days

• A harness that works over winter layers

Winter has its quirks, especially in NYC and the surrounding areas, but the right essentials make all the difference.

Winter Potty Training Tips

Potty training can look a little different when you’re taking home a puppy in winter. The cold weather can make puppies hesitant to go outside, so consistency and speed are key:

• Use the same potty spot each time

• Keep treats ready at the door

• Have your coat and boots ready for quick exits

• Consider a covered or artificial turf area for snowy days

Australian Labradoodles are fast learners, and winter puppies often become incredibly consistent thanks to early routines.

Focus on Indoor Enrichment

Because outside time can be limited, taking home a puppy in winter means leaning into indoor stimulation. Try:

• Short training sessions throughout the day

• Scent games and hide-and-seek

• Enrichment mats

• Puzzle toys

• Fetch in a safe non-slippery indoor space such as on a rug backed with grippers, or a carpet

This keeps your puppy mentally engaged and helps burn off energy even on the chilliest days. For more ideas read our Indoor Exercise Ideas for Your Dog blog.

Be Aware of Holiday Hazards

For many families taking home a puppy in winter, holiday decor is part of the backdrop (and the magic). But it does mean a few extra precautions:

• Keep ornaments and garlands out of reach

• Watch for dropped holiday foods that aren’t safe for puppies to eat

• Secure cords and lights

• Provide a quiet space during gatherings

• Ensure fireguards are secured and candles are out of reach (even better - use faux candles)

A safe environment helps your puppy adjust without overwhelm.

Enjoy Every Magical Winter Moment

One of the best parts of taking home a puppy in winter is watching your new Australian Labradoodle experience everything for the first time - snowflakes, crackling fireplaces, cozy evenings, and the soft glow of winter lights. These early months are filled with closeness, cuddles, and memory making, and winter has a way of making everything just that little bit more magical, so enjoy every moment!

Winter Is a Wonderful Time to Welcome a Puppy

Cold weather might mean cozier days at home, but that only strengthens the bond you get to create with your new puppy. Winter puppies quickly grow into remarkably connected, confident dogs because these first months are filled with closeness, structure, and calm.

If you’re preparing to bring home your own Cream Puff Labradoodle, whether this winter or the next, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. From cozy blankets to warm fires, winter truly is one of the dreamiest times to grow your family.

FAQs About Taking a Dog Home in Winter

How cold is too cold for a new puppy?

Puppies can get cold faster than adult dogs. If temperatures dip below 32°F (0°C), limit outdoor time to quick potty breaks and keep your pup bundled.

Should a puppy wear a coat in winter?

Yes, especially for small or young puppies. A well-fitting coat or sweater can help protect them from the cold during short outings.

How long can a puppy be outside in winter?

Most young puppies should only be outside for 5–10 minutes at a time when it’s cold. Always watch for shivering.

Are booties necessary for winter walks?

Booties are helpful for icy sidewalks, salt, and chemicals. They protect delicate paw pads and prevent irritation.

Is it harder to socialize a puppy in winter?

Not at all! Indoor environments such as stores, puppy classes, lobbies, and safe indoor meetups offer plenty of opportunities to socialize safely even when it’s too cold outside.

FAQs About Cream Puff Labradoodles

How old are puppies when they go home?

Cream Puff puppies typically go home at 8–9 weeks old, fully socialized, vet-checked, and ready to bond with their new family.

What comes with a Cream Puff puppy?

You’ll receive a welcome pack, veterinary records, microchip information, training resources, and lifetime support from our team.

Do your puppies come from health-tested parents?

Yes, as a WALA accredited Australian Labradoodle breeder we are required to health-test  in order to register our breeding dogs. You can find each parent’s health testing by clicking on their photo, in doing so a PDF will open with more information about them, including their WALA registration number.

How do I join the waitlist for a Cream Puff puppy?

You can join right through our website. Please visit our Join Our Waitlist page.