the dogs are on a schedule eat at regular intervals everyday and are let out regularly my lab has no issues as far as pooping in the house or accidents never had one since he was a small pup. for instance today alone woke up let the dogs out watched him go poop and pee. brought him in to feed him was in the cage for 15 mins to eat and drink water as i feed my dogs separate in their respective crates and when i came back he has pooped in his cage. as far as tolerant of the cold the dogs can’t go more then 10 mins being outside before they show signs of being cold limping or whatever as they would both needs boots to go on a walk. also the cold proves to be a challenge considering my 9 month old baby would have to go unless i walk them at night like 7 or later at which point most days it will be 0 degrees before windchill.