True or False?

Dogs prefer routines over surprises.

(scroll to the bottom to find the answer!)

Winter walks can feel like a daily debate once temperatures drop. Some dogs happily trot through snow, while others step outside, shiver, and look back at the door. Breed, coat length, age, and health all play a role, and smaller, short-haired, senior, and young dogs tend to struggle the most in the cold.

A simple guideline helps: if it feels uncomfortably cold to you, it’s likely uncomfortable for your dog too. Shivering, lifting paws, slowing down, or hunching their body are common signs your dog has had enough. Wind chill, ice, and salt on sidewalks can make conditions even tougher, especially on paws.

On especially brutal days, it’s okay to rethink the routine. Short potty breaks, dog coats, and paw protection can help. Some pet parents even use indoor potty options like natural grass patches. They give dogs a familiar place to go when outdoor trips aren’t safe, keeping winter days warmer for everyone.

Training a dog to use an indoor potty patch can feel intimidating at first, but most dogs pick it up faster than expected. The key is treating it just like outdoor potty training. Choose one consistent spot, introduce the patch calmly, and let your dog sniff and explore without pressure.

Timing matters. Bring your dog to the potty patch during natural bathroom moments, like first thing in the morning, after meals, or following naps. When your dog goes in the right place, reward immediately with praise or a treat so the connection is clear. If accidents happen elsewhere, redirect without scolding and clean the area thoroughly to remove lingering scents.

Consistency is what makes the habit stick. Keep the patch in the same location, use the same cue words, and stick to a predictable routine. Many dogs adjust quickly once they understand this is simply another approved bathroom option. For pet parents dealing with extreme weather, long workdays, or apartment living, an indoor potty patch can become a reliable, stress-reducing part of everyday life.

When the weather is bad, your schedule is packed, or you live in an apartment, indoor accidents can start to feel inevitable. Many dogs get anxious when they can’t get outside, and that stress often leads to messes. Fresh Patch Real Grass gives your pet a natural, familiar potty spot right at home, making those tough moments easier for both of you.

Real grass feels instinctive for dogs, which means training is faster, cleaner, and far less frustrating.

What makes Fresh Patch different:

• Real grass, not synthetic

• Naturally absorbs odors

• Great for dogs, cats & small pets

• Subscription-friendly grass refills

Get 20% off your first Fresh Patch with code DAILYDIG20 (ends soon!)

Make potty breaks effortless.

Thank you to Fresh Patch for sponsoring Daily Dig.

Meet Cooper, a 5-year-old Scottish Terrier. At home in Western New York, Cooper loves watching for bunny rabbits from the front door and puts his working-dog roots to use while patrolling the family’s two acres, tracking and hunting just like Scotties were bred to do.

He’s also tried his paw at barn hunt and scent work, earning his Canine Good Citizen award last summer. In this photo, Cooper is doing one of his most important jobs: reminding everyone that it’s 6 o’clock and officially biscuit time. He never forgets. Cooper loves everyone, especially his best buddy, Blue the Goldendoodle, and shares his home with Teddy, an almost 17-year-old Shih Tzu.

Thank you to Daily Dig reader JoAnn for sharing Cooper with us! Want to see your dog featured as a Daily Dig Dog of the Day? Send a photo and a short note about your pup, and they might be featured next.

From joyful reunions to high-energy pups, here’s what’s making tails wag:

• 🥶 A winter hack for when it’s too cold to take your dog out

• 🐾 Wally the dog loves meeting his grandma for the first time

• 🎾 10 playful dog breeds that never run out of energy

When the weather is bad, your schedule is packed, or you live in an apartment, indoor accidents can start to feel inevitable. Fresh Patch Real Grass gives your pet a natural, familiar potty spot right at home, making those tough moments easier for both of you.

Get 20% off your first Fresh Patch with code DAILYDIG20 (ends soon!)

Daily Dig is inspired and brought to you by our wonderful dogs. Our dogs, and all the other pups out there, make the world a happier, brighter place. ❤️

With lots of love,

Stitcher, Minnie, & Finnegan 🐾

🦴 A Little Treat

🤔 True or False: True. Predictability makes them feel safe and calm.

🐶 DOTD: Give your pup the spotlight by submitting them for the dog of the day! Reply to this email with the best pictures of your dog. Be sure to include their name and a short description so they can be featured in an upcoming newsletter.

🥰 Spread positivity: Do you enjoy starting your day off with our community? If so, please consider forwarding this email to help us spread our love of all things dogs!

💌 Reply for a surprise: If you are reading this reply with your dog’s routine for a surprise in your inbox!

Welcome to Daily Dig! We’re a small team of dog lovers who strive to bring a pawsitive dose of pup content to your inbox every morning. Join our pack of over 180,000 paw pals when you subscribe today!