12 hours is a long time to be in a crate for any dog, young or old. I would not expect any pup less than 6 months old to do this and I feel this is pushing it. Maybe you could hire someone, get a neighbor or friend to come in after 6 hours and let your dogs out to go potty.
I can only speak from personal experience but I don't think a 3-4 month old puppy could go 12 hours in a crate without a potty break. I'm not exactly sure but I think most large breeds achieve full bladder control somewhere b/w 6-8 months...? I like your idea as is - use the outdoor kennel during the day and keep the puppy in at night. To me, that sounds fine to housebreak your puppy. If you have an outdoor kennel with good weather protection, why crate for 12 hours indoors?
uummmm--and i've read before that THAT little formula is BS, which is why i asked for (sorry, didn't specify) ideas to tweak my plan. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />
Reg: 01-23-2006
Posts: 1608
Loc: Cali & Wash State
Offline
Ann, I'm sorry if that sounded rude. After reading it, I see my comments came off different than I intended. I thought that with all the activity on this "thread" you missed his reply. I too, have a new pup for the first time in years, but for the first time in years, I don't work outside of the home. It sounds to me like you have a great plan in place already. Back in "the day", when I worked outside the home, I used the same rule of thumb Mike mentioned, and it did work for me. On my days off, I'd keep the pup with me & just extend the time between potty breaks. Even still, I never trusted a young dog (with my GSD's, as much as 3 years) alone in the house for long, as that always seems to be when they get into something!
Connie Sutherland Moderator Reg: 07-13-2005
Posts: 31571
Loc: North-Central coast of California
Offline
Quote:
uummmm--and i've read before that THAT little formula is BS, which is why i asked........
I'm curious about this. Every book I have gives that formula Mike mentioned (basically), or something very like it. I just looked on the web and it's the same thing.
Here's a common web site schedule:
"6 weeks - elimination every hour
2 month - pup should have 2 to 3 hours of control
3 months - 3 to 4 hours
4 month & up - 4 to 5 hours.
Many young dogs can go all night at 3 months."
Do puppy-experienced people here consider this to be way off?
I think large-breed dogs are very different than smaller breeds. Our newest GSD is 13 weeks and he is sleeping through the night. My husband puts him out about 11pm before he goes to bed, then I let him out at 5 or 5:30am when I get home. Our female that is now 6 months was about the same. As far as I remember that was about the schedule all my large pups have had, if not a little better than that. Small breeds with a bladder the size of a walnut are going to be more problematic/labor intensive. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />
My pup had 4 hours day-time control by 10 weeks. She slept 8 hours without interruption in her crate at 8 weeks from the first day I brought her home.
The 'formula' I've always read is 'age in months + 1' to determine the maximum crate time in hours. It's only an estimate - every dog will be different.
When purchasing any product from Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. it is understood
that any and all products sold by Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. are sold in Dunn
County Wisconsin, USA. Any and all legal action taken against Leerburg Enterprises,
Inc. concerning the purchase or use of these products must take place in Dunn
County, Wisconsin. If customers do not agree with this policy they should not
purchase Leerburg Ent. Inc. products.
Dog Training is never without risk of injury. Do not use any of the products
sold by Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. without consulting a local professional.
The training methods shown in the Leerburg Ent. Inc. DVD’s are meant
to be used with a local instructor or trainer. Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. cannot
be held responsible for accidents or injuries to humans and/or animals.
Copyright 2010 Leerburg® Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved. All photos and content on leerburg.com are part of a registered copyright owned by Leerburg Enterprise, Inc.
By accessing any information within Leerburg.com, you agree to abide by the
Leerburg.com Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Re: Crate puppy while at work?
Top
Previous Topic
Index
Next Topic.jpg)
.jpg)
