Fence your yard. If dogs must ever be left outside, they would like nothing better than to explore every nook and cranny of their yard. If a fence is out of your budget, attach a swivel hook to a running line that enables the dog to run back and forth without getting tangled. Use a harness. Protect your dog from the cold.
Dogs are flesh and blood.
In the wild, they find or dig themselves a cozy den to hole up in during frigid weather. Their fur, like your own winter coat, offers some protection, but not immunity to the cold. Small and shorthaired breeds like Pointers and Dobermans can't handle the cold well. Puppies and elderly dogs are especially susceptible to cold and should not be left outside for more than a few minutes during cold snaps.