I have a question about crate training a puppy. We just got a 9 week old Boston terrier. My question is this. Currently he is doing fantastic with the crate training and house breaking. My wife and I will be going back to work after the New Year. We will not be around to take him outside every 2 hours or so from the crate. Our puppy will have to be in the crate for up to 4 hours at a time. My wife will be able to come home at lunch and let him out to do his business and get some playtime before she will go back to work where he will be int he crate for an additional 4 hours.
Should we keep him in the crate for this amount of time only being 10 weeks old? Or should we place him in the bathroom with his crate door open in case he can't hold potty so he won't go potty in his crate? As of right now he has been holding his potty up to 4 hours at night before he needs to go so this gives us some hope. If anyone can give us some guidance on this issue we would really appreciate since we only wnt the best for our pooch...

Thanks Brian

Actually, what I did with my pup years ago was have my trusted neighbors come over and let the pup out for some wee and play. Any chance of that with you? I think it's the best option. Otherwise there are dog walkers that will do puppy work, too. Just make sure to check references!

Good luck!

When we brought our 9 week old GSD home he was able to hold his pee for up to 4 hours at a time. He only had to do this overnight though.

That's a great suggestion, but unfortunately were brand new to the neighborhood and havn't become that close with any neighbors. Plus to me I wouldn't want to burden someone with that...

Yeah, I get the burden part! These were good friends and they loved the pup.

Any dog walkers in your area, as mentioned above? They are becoming a fixture of suburban life as a result of situations exactly like yours. I don't think that the holding the pee thing is as big a deal as the isolation for 10 hours, just my opinion.

Brian,
I think what you plan to do will be fine-having your wife come home and let the pup out. I have a 13 week old pup, and that's what my fiance and I do with him. But sometimes he does pee in his crate(working on fixing that very soon) beyond that he does fine for those 4 hours. Our yr old GSD never had a problem with being in her crate for up to 5-6 hours, never had one mess in her crate. Try out what you planned( My wife will be able to come home at lunch and let him out to do his business and get some playtime before she will go back to work where he will be in the crate for an additional 4 hours.) That way the pup will get used to being in the crate. I use towels in my pups crate, that way it's easier clean up if there is a mess. Make sure that if the pup does mess in the crate before your wife gets there, don't punish him, because you didn't catch him 'in the act'. Hope all goes well!

Thanks for the encouragement. I have faith all will be well. Take care.

Brian