Puppy Training When Working Full-Time

By Maria Posted in dog care, dog training / No Comments »

This article I am writing from personal experience. My wife and I were both working when we got Buddy who was 10 weeks at the time. We rescued him from the shelter after he had been to another family for only a week. He came with a certificate to Obedience school as he qualified for training based on the experience the previous family had with him. We successfully trained Buddy to be a perfect dog in all situations. This is written based on my experience and tips that helped us succeed and that will hopefully help you as well.

Since you are reading this article you’ve already come to the realization that you need to train your dog. It is never too late to train your dog, it may just take longer to break old habits the older they are. You probably also work enough hours a week to make this task seem impossible but it is not. My wife and I were able to do it and so can you.

The first week we got Buddy we were on vacation so we did have a leg up on crate training and house breaking over those that can not take the time off. If you are able to take a week off for the first week you have your new dog it will be invaluable in the long run. In this first week you’ll want to house train them and start crate training. These two go hand in hand as you will discover further in the article. Ideally you should be able to take your dog out in regular intervals while you are house training them but because of work schedules we know this can be a daunting task. I’ll discuss some alternatives you can use while at work.

As a puppy take them out every 30 minutes when you are home to “do their business”. When you are bringing them out mark the task at hand. Take them outside on a leash to a part of your yard (or where every they will be permitted to go to the bathroom). Mark the behaviour by saying “Do your business” in a calm but firm voice. Once they relieve themselves give them praise and say “Good Boy or Good Girl” in a praising voice. Clean up any poop as a responsible dog owner. Once inside you may give them a treat on occasion. You shouldn’t be using treats to get them to go to the bathroom where you want them too.

Increase the time between bathroom outings while you are home until they can go for at least a couple hours.

Lastly at night limit their water – remove it at night an hour before they will go out for the last time during the night. And only leave a small bowl during the day if any. This will lessen the need to go to the bathroom. Make sure though when you are home they get plenty of water. Also limit treats at night before they go to bed if you can. Think like you – if you drink a lot of water or eat foods right before bed you will most likely be waking up to go to the bathroom. The dog will behave the same at night and during the day.

Larger dogs will be able to hold it for up to 10 hours while smaller dogs usually can only hold it four. When an accident does happen don’t scold them, just take them right outside when you notice the mistake. If you find yourself needing to be gone longer than they can hold it find someone to take them out. There are plenty of dog walkers around that will charge a small fee to walk your dog on a daily basis. There are other aids such as indoor dog training pads where you can train your dog to use that pad for relieving themselves. They are designed to collect the waste for you to throw out. However be warned using these could train your dog that they don’t have to wait to go outside. Resort to these only in extreme cases.

Most important, crate train your dog. This is easy to do while you are working during the day. Put your dog in a properly sized crate during the day and at night when you sleep. The crate must be sized so that your dog can comfortably move around but not so much room that they can create a bathroom space in it. Dogs are clean animals and will do whatever they can to not soil the space they live in. If the crate is too large the dog can use a corner of it just to go to the bathroom where he won’t have to lay in it.

Your dog will make strange noises and barks to try to get out of the crate, and by try to get out I mean guilt you into letting them out. You can train this out of them by waiting for them to be quiet for 10 seconds – once they are let them out. Praise them say “Good Quiet” and after a short time put them back in the crate. Now wait 20 seconds and do the same thing. Keep doubling this in the same training period until they no longer cry to get out. You can do this in sessions – where you set goals, 1 minute for the first training session and maybe 3 minutes for the second training session. You should be able to use your crate to put your dog in a safe place during emergencies or when you can’t be constantly watching them. You can find more indepth articles on crate training that will explain this further. Never use a shock collar! And never yell at them while they are being training. Yelling just tells the dog that they can make more noise and is counter productive.

These two training techniques will be the key to being able to train your puppy while working full time. Training other behaviors is less time intensive and can be accomplished by attending a local Dog Obedience school. So lets discuss that part of training your dog while still working full time. There are two avenues, getting do it yourself dog training books and videos or going to a dog training class. I suggest going to a dog training class that fits in your schedule. Usually they are on weekends or after work and occur once or twice a week. The class will be training you as well and this is why I recommend doing a class and not a do it yourself book.

After work each day spend 30 minutes reinforcing that weeks training techniques using a quality treat that your dog doesn’t get any other time but loves. I used hot dog pieces which I found worked really well. These are the same treats that you use in your training classes. Your instructor should open the class with a discussion on the importance of praise and treats during training. The use of positive reinforcement training is the only way there is. Any other training technique is counterproductive.

 

Lastly you have to be consistent. Use the same words when training your dog at all times and also use the same tone. Speaking a command over and over again is training your dog to wait for the command to be said four times to do what you ask. Your instructor should go over this. Also you shouldn’t need to raise your voice. If there are two of you training your dog use the same commands as well. You should have one “master” in the household. If the dog sees that there is a power struggle between the two of you he or she will think that they have an opportunity to become the alpha dog in the pack.

I only touched briefly upon that techniques that worked for us with emphasis on the crate and house training as those are the two most important trainings to get down first while training your dog and working full time. In fact any dog should be trained those two things first no matter what the household situation is. You can find more information on the training techniques on my blog or the internet. If you have questions feel free to contact me through my blog in the link below. We went through three training classes; “Beginner Obedience”,”Intermediate Obedience” and “Come when called”. The latter we decided to go to because Buddy wasn’t coming when called. He is a perfectly behaved dog now and we love him very much.

Sean is a passionate dog owner and has created [http://www.howtotrainyourdogblog.com] for other dog owners to aid them in training their new family member. Follow Sean on Twitter http://www.twitter.com/dogtrainblog. Sean is always looking for new topics to write about. Send him a message on Twitter or through the website.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Sean_P_Hussey/750040

How To Take Care Of Your Dog In Summer

By Maria Posted in dog care / No Comments »

Summer season is the time when the dogs are at their best mood apart from feeling hot. They are in playful mood and want to have all the fun that they have missed during the chilly winter months. But you must not forget to keep your dog cool in the rising temperature. The dog owners mostly complain of heatstroke, sunburn and dehydration during the summer months. If you possess little knowledge and take some measures then summer hazards can be avoided and your dog will stay protected. After all, prevention is always better than cure.

 

Keep Your Dog Always Hydrated

 

When battling with the heat, dogs of different breed have different needs. You should remember that dark colored coats absorb more heat than the light colored coats. Dogs that are overweight are at higher risk. Make sure to carry a bottle of water while going out with your dog for a walk. There are innumerable online shopping portals that sell designer pet products. So, when it comes to buying a bottle for your dog, buy a designer one. You will find a wide variety in the online shopping portals.

 

Never Leave Your Dog Alone In The Car

 

The car that is parked retains more heat when compared to open area. It is the major mistake that most of the dog owners does. There are several warnings on this particular issue. The temperature inside a parked car rises very fast. If you are going out with your dog, never leave the furry baby inside the car and if you plan to do so, then must keep someone with the dog in the car. The person can make the temperature suitable for the dog.

 

Make Use Of Sun Protection Cream

 

If you are new owner of a dog, then you will be amazed to know that dogs too have sun protection cream. Before you take your dog out for a walk in the scorching heat, make sure to apply the sunscreens all over them and it does the same work as it does on the humankind. Take your dog for a walk either early in the morning or during evening time. Prolonged exposure to sun can lead to heatstroke. Look for a shady place to rest between the exercises and carry lots of water. Protect the feet of your dogs from getting scorched. So make your dog wear shoes. You will get it under the designer pet products category in online shopping portals that sell exclusive products for the pets. The best activity for the dogs during the summer months is swimming rather than going for a walk during the summer months.

 

Never Take Your Dog To Any Events

 

It is highly recommended that during the sultry summer months, you should not take your dog to crowded place. It will not be suffocating for your pet but can also lead to dehydration and exhaustion. Moreover, in crowded place, food lies on the ground and if your dog consume it, can lead to poisoning.

 

Thus, you must take the above-mentioned measures to keep your dog protected during the summer months.

 

For More Detail: https://www.poshpuppyboutique.com/

Sharon Jones is a pet lover and is passionate towards writing articles related to puppy products. Through her writings, she tries to discover new puppy boutiques dog products and accessories. Follow her articles and get the new fashion products for your loving puppy.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9703794

How to Prepare your Dog for Summer Visitors

By Maria Posted in dog care / No Comments »

Unlike many other seasons, summertime is known for bringing many summer visitors which could be very dangerous to human companions such as dogs. Snakes, cane toads, and several other summer visitors are capable of putting your dog in danger. And with your dog wanting to play outside in the summer due to the hotness of the weather, it becomes easy for your dog to interact with these dangerous summer visitors.

As a result, if you are truly a dog parent that wants the best for your dog and desires keeping her safe at all time, you must be aware of the changes in your environment to provide the protection your dog deserves. So, how do you prepare and keep her safe as the summer visitors come around? Below are some of the important ways to prepare your dog for summer visitors:

·       Restrict the way your dog interact with wildlife

To ensure the safety of your dog, it is important for you to restrict the way she interacts with wildlife. Snakes and other dangerous animals often live close to human habitations; hence, your dog could easily interact with them despite how dangerous they are. During the summer, these wild animals often have a need to go out of their regular habitat to relate with other things in the environment. Therefore, you must restrict the interaction of your dog with wildlife by restricting her movement.

·       Keep your dog indoor

Even before the beginning of the summer, you should get ready for the summer visitors by making sure that your dog stays indoor. The level of difficulty you will encounter when keeping your dog indoor depends on your previous communication level with her. For obedient dogs, simple instructions will be able to help you keep her indoor; however, this may not be so for disobedient ones.

The major benefit of keeping your dog indoor is to ensure that she does not have to come in contact with dangerous animals in the first place.

·       Keep your environment safe

An unsafe environment puts your dog at higher risk of coming in contact with dangerous animals. Therefore, one of your first lines of defense is keeping your environment safe to reduce possible invasion by summer visitors.

·       Create a personal safe space for your dog

As part of your preparation for summer visitors, you need to create a personal safe space for your dog. With a personal space that is comfortable, the urge of your dog to go out to play in the summer will be greatly reduced. Additionally, your dog can always go to the place whenever she feels stressed or affected by any situations.

·       Prioritize the health of your dog

Without a doubt, there is a need for you to prioritize the health of your dog. From vaccination to regular visits to the veterinary doctor, there are different methods you can use to prioritize the health of your dog. Ensure she is hale and healthy while still watching out for other dangerous things in the environment.

What You Need to Consider When Moving with your Dog

By Maria Posted in dog care / No Comments »

Moving from one place to another usually comes with several challenges, and for dogs, the challenges could be greater. Consequently, whenever you are moving, you must consider the safety, comfort and wellbeing of your dog so that you can enjoy the best of time with your dog before, during and after moving.

To deal with the difficulties attached to moving with your dog, here are the things you need to put into consideration:

Before the moving day

·         Visit your vet

Once it is certain that you are moving, you should visit your vet to get medical assistance for your dog. Get recommendations from your vet on how to ensure that your dog gets the best experience while moving with you. While on the visit, you should also get the medical record of your dog from the vet so that you can present it to your new vet.

·         Take your dog out before moving

If you are moving by land and your dog has never traveled for a long distance, you should try traveling over some distances with her to see how she will react to traveling. Her reaction will give you a clue on how things will be when moving with her.

·         Understand the rules of traveling with pets

There are different traveling means with each having specific rules as regards moving with dogs. Resultantly, you must never overlook the need for you to understand whether you will be allowed to travel with your dog. Understanding the traveling rules will help you in scheduling your movement.

·         Pack your items over a long period of time

To prevent your dog from getting tensed, do not pack your items at once. When you pack your items gradually over a long period of time, your dog will feel everything is normal; hence, she will never become tensed, agitated or stressed over the possibility of moving.

·         Discuss with your moving company

If you are hiring the service of a moving company to move your items as well as your pet, discuss how the company will handle your dog. Understand their policy for moving a dog, so that you can be sure if it will be comfortable for your dog.

On and after the moving day

·         Travel with your dog

Unless you are not allowed to travel with your dog, you should keep her by your side all through the journey. Familiarity and proper care from you will ease the pressure and stress of traveling on her.

·         Set up the new place to accommodate your dog

From bedding to feeding, allocating playtime and acclimating to new environment, it is your duty to set up things to accommodate your dog properly. With proper setting up of a new place to accommodate your dog, acclimating will become very easy for her and this will reduce your challenges in moving with her.

·         Get a new vet

Once you have moved successfully, do not hesitate to find a new vet who will give medical help to your dog. Introduce your dog to the new vet and share her medical record.

·         Explore your new environment with your dog

Go out for a walk with your dog as you explore your new environment. However, you must restrict the movement of your dog by using a good leash which will ensure you are in total control of her movement. While exploring the new environment, introduce your dog to other pets and humans in the environment.

Salt for Snow and Ice Tough on Paws

By Maria Posted in dog care / No Comments »

The season for snow and ice is here and it could be one of the most challenging times for dog owners. To keep ice and snow from sticking to pavement, individuals and even communities begin using rock salt.  This salt is capable of keeping ice and snow from sticking to the pavement due to its ability to reduce the freezing point of water; however, this could be harsh to the paws of your dog.

When you walk your dog on pavement, driveways, and even parking structures treated with rock salt you are exposing the paws of your dog to irritation, especially if the dog stays too long on it. Once their paws are exposed to the salt for too long, irritation will make it dry and signs of cracks will start showing. With the burning sensations felt around your dog’s paws, she may begin to limp while walking. If you walk on any surface treated with rock salt, take careful care to protect your dog’s paws.

As the paw of the dog becomes irritated, she might be forced to lick it. If the salt is ingested, the dog might experience vomiting, oral irritation, nausea and persistent drooling depending on the quantity of the salt ingested. Therefore, the salt used for keeping ice and snow from sticking to the pavement can be very harsh on the paw and other parts of the body of a dog, and you might just want to avoid it altogether. Although, it might not be easy if you live within the city where most flat services are treated to protect the human population.

If your dog is at risk of being exposed to the salt, it is important for you to learn how to protect her from the potential dangers.

·        Get fitted dog boots

Dog boots can prevent your dog from being exposed to the salt and any other potential chemicals and irritants they might encounter.

·        Clean the paws after touching ice and snow

Each time your dog comes home after touching ice or snow on the pavement or roadside, be sure to clean her paws. Cleaning her paws will get rid of the dangers of the salt.

·        Avoid pavement with the salt

Avoiding pavement with rock salt used for deicing ice and snow is highly recommended. However, avoidance of such pavement is not usually possible.

·        Use other alternatives for getting of ice and snow

Instead of using salt to keep ice and snow from sticking to your pavement, use other methods to take care of the pavement. You might need to resort to using shovels to remove the snow and ice from your pavement. And, you can also use electric snow blower to take care of your pavement.

Be sure to protect your dog and keep her healthy this season.

Things to Consider When Downsizing

By Maria Posted in dog care / No Comments »

Whether you are downsizing your home or altering your living arrangements as a dog owner, the changes will definitely seem strange to your dog as there would be restrictions to their freedom. This could make them react strangely; therefore, you must put your dog into consideration when there is need for you to downsize your home or living arrangement.

These are some of the basic things you need to do in order to help your dog when downsizing your home:

1.     Restrict the movement of your dog even before moving into the downsized apartment

To create an environment that resembles that of your downsized apartment, restrict the movement of your dog even before moving into new apartment. Simply get a dog crate and use it to restrict your dog movement to give her the opportunity to become accustomed to smaller living quarters.

2.     Create a new routine

Once you move into the smaller house, create a new routine that can easily help your dog get accustomed to the smaller house or living arrangements.

3.     Explore the new environment with your dog

Exploring the environment satisfies her curiosity and makes her feel at home. Guide her along the way and teach he what areas are off-limits.

4.     Train your dog

Train your dog to make her understand the rules of the downsized house. If there’s a different door where s/he should let you know when she needs to go to the bathroom, then gently train her and remember to reward and praise.

5.     Create a personal space for your dog

Locate a corner within the house and create a personal space for your dog, so that she can have a place to relax. Foods, water, toys and other essential things should be within her reach.

6.     Create a playtime with other dogs

Scheduling playtime with other dogs within the same building or looking for a nearby dog park are ways you can expand your dog’s environment. However, you need to know your dog’s personality. S/he may like the company of other dogs or may prefer not to socialize.  Please be mindful of that.

The downsizing of your house or living arrangement should never restrict your dog from still enjoying time with and around you. Remember, change is tough for everyone – the two-legged and four-legged alike.

Keeping Puppies Flame Free

By Maria Posted in dog care / No Comments »

With summer in full blast and southern cities already reporting temperatures over 100 degrees, fires are starting to highlight the news once more. Though wildfires are pretty easy to avoid, home fires are often unexpected and completely accidental, especially when you have pets. Even a harmless but curious pup can lead to a hazard. This summer, whether you’re home or away, remember to keep your dog safe with these tips.

 

Closely Monitor Open Flames

If you do like lighting candles, make sure they are always lit and under continual supervision. Even pets that aren’t curious of the flame may inadvertently knock them over with an ill-aimed tail wag. In addition, if you’ve put a flame out, make sure it is completely out, going so far as to douse it with water if necessary.

 

Protect Stove Knobs

Though not a worry for little dogs, the bigger ones can reach up higher than you would imagine, posing a threat for ovens where they can reach the knobs to accidentally turn the stove on. This is actually the top cause of house fires started by pets. Prevent this by removing knobs while away.

 

Don’t Use Glass on Outdoor Decks

With the hot sun beating down, glass bowls act as magnifying glasses, concentrating the sunlight into a focused beam that can set a deck on fire. Instead, use bowls that are either stainless steel or ceramic to avoid this issue completely.

 

Check Outside for Hazards

This is especially important if you are in a new area. Just because your home might not be a fire hazard doesn’t mean your vacation spot isn’t. Look for the typical things such as exposed wires or piles of combustible garbage. The fewer ways you have around you that could become a fire, the less of a chance you’ll have to worry about your dog being burned.

 

Keep Them near the Entrance

Should the worst happen and you have to wait for a firefighter to enter the home to save your pet, you’ll give them a much easier time if you keep them in an area near the entrance. However, crating isn’t always a good idea as dogs left in crates tend to face injury much more often than dogs that have the freedom to move away from a flame.

 

Put a Leash at the Front Door

In addition, always make sure your pooch is wearing their collar. With the leash at the front of the house, first responders will have an easier time getting your pet under control and out of the building. This keeps your pet from bolting out of the door, allowing the firemen to lead them safely to safety.

 

Know Where They Nap

If you’re in a vacation space, your pup will probably find a new, hidden place to take their daily siesta. Make sure you know where this is just in case you have to tell the firemen where to look for your friend.

A Senior to Dog to Love

By Maria Posted in dog care / No Comments »

It can be exciting to invite a new puppy into the home. They’re all full of energy and just want to explore the world around them. This often makes them the target of potential dog owners who want to adopt them into their lives. And in any case, providing a home for a dog is a great thing to do.

But the truth is, it’s just as great to adopt a senior dog as it is to adopt a puppy. These seniors have a lot of character that goes overlooked, especially at a shelter. What you should know is that seniors may have just the right qualities to fit comfortably in your home, and can provide you with the ideal companionship matched with your lifestyle.

Easy to expect

With seniors, you already know what to expect. Unlike a puppy, seniors are fully grown and have fewer changes to face in the future. In most situations, this applies directly to size. Consider a situation in which you rent housing. A puppy may start out below the lease’s required limits, but a senior will match and hold up without leaving you worrying about them outgrowing their stay.

Appetite is another thing. Young puppies will inherently demand more food as they grow bigger. With a senior dog, you already know what to expect, which means no unexpected bursts in hunger or even mood swings.

Teaching old dogs new tricks

Another considerable benefit is that seniors don’t require the same attention that young puppies or growing ones require. Needless to say, the need to monitor them isn’t a 24/7 job. They’re often potty trained as well, and while the details won’t be the same (such as their potty location), the basics are already covered, making training a much simpler task to achieve.

Additionally, other housetraining situations are also much kinder on your homestead. For the most part, you skip the teething years, which are often the worst on furniture and cushions as any dog-parent that has raised a puppy can vouch. In essence, seniors tend to be less destructive than their younger counterparts, and are often relaxed and more focused on spending time enjoying your company.

And who says you can’t teach an old dog new tricks? Older dogs inherently want to focus on you and provide the best attention, whereas young puppies and even mature adults are intrigued by the whole world. This extra attention may be just the thing you were looking for after a long day at work. They want to warm up with you and perhaps enjoy a good rub down while you enjoy the feel of their fur and companionship they provide while you unwind after a long day at work.

Getting along

Older dogs tend to get along better with everyone, both people and pets included. They’ve been around, have grown wiser, and often settle into their new homes very easily because they already know what it takes to become a part of a family. In many cases, introducing a senior dog to other pets is easy, since they’re often much more focused on fitting in and less competitive.

For the most part, they enjoy the more relaxing aspects of life. Not everyone has time to entertain an active puppy, spending time training and introducing them to the entire world. Senior dogs don’t want to conquer the world around them (they already have), they just want to enjoy some time with their companions and have some fun in the process.

But, that isn’t to say that seniors aren’t active. Every dog, both young and old, needs to experience an active lifestyle. Though they may have slowed down a little, it doesn’t mean they don’t want to get out and enjoy some activity. It just means that they’ve never done it with you, and that’s the best part of finding a new friend.

Most importantly, taking in a senior dog saves a life. Older dogs are often the last ones to be adopted at a shelter, and the older they are, the less likely it becomes they will find a happy home. Saving a life offers an emotional return in itself, and can be amongst the most rewarding parts of the adoption process.

If you’re considering adopting a dog, consider one that has some experience under their collar (pun intended). They may not have grown up with you, but that doesn’t mean they can’t enjoy their life with you. And sometimes, you might find they have a few tricks they can teach you if you keep your mind and heart open.

 

A Puppy or Dog for Your Family

By Maria Posted in dog care / No Comments »

Most of us who are dog lovers, learned how important the family dog is, from a special dog (or dogs) when we were children. Once that bond has been experienced, life without your best buddy nearby feels empty. Kids learn about loyalty, friendship and responsibility, from daily life with the family dog. And of course, how to love a creature who loves you unconditionally, who is not your parent or sibling.

As a parent you might wonder when is the best time to bring a dog or puppy into your family. How old should the kids be? Well, the answer is, almost any time. In many families, the dog is around before any children. In others, parents choose to wait until their first child is in school. Oddly enough, waiting to bring the first dog into the family often means a second child is younger than you thought was prudent, regarding the first child. So, other than adding a new puppy about the same time as adding a new child… go for it when you have the room and time for the dog, to be able to provide attention, training, exercise and socialization.

Introducing dogs to children is best done when the dog is between 8 weeks and about 6 months of age. Unless you find a dog that just doesn’t like being around kids (and there are some out there), it is never too late to train him to be child-friendly. Dogs are drawn to people. They are hard wired to be attached to humans, and let’s face it – kids are more fun and energetic than most adults. To begin the process of bringing a dog or puppy into your home with children, encourage your children to gently play with the puppy or dog, for short periods of time – always with adult supervision. After a few days, as the dog becomes comfortable, bring over your child’s friends so he learns to get along with other youngsters.

Be sure to involve the children with the puppy, enrolling your dog in beginning obedience classes. In these classes your canine companion will begin learning the basics of “sit,” “stay,” “down,” and the very important “off” commands, as well as other canine manners. The kids will be learning these behaviors and expectations (for the dog, obviously) and as it will likely turn out, the kids and the new furry family member will both benefit from the training. Later you may choose to graduate to more challenging training, and all of this will be a terrific experience for your children.

Here are a few tips that can help your family, when adding a new dog or puppy to your household:

Starting before you bring the dog home, teach your children these “pet principals”…

* Kids should know that the pet is a living creature and not a toy.

* Don’t let them grab things away from the dog.

* Be very gentle, especially with little puppies.

* The dog is not a wrestling partner.

* Regarding other dogs – never run up to strange dogs, or stare them down – these are challenges in dog language.

* Leave your dog alone when he is eating.

* ALWAYS supervise. You should never leave a pet alone with a small child.

* In time, as both grow older they will be fine together, to play, explore and be best friends, for life.

When You Gotta Go

A dog’s bladder seems like a mysterious thing. Sometimes it will be hours before they do their potty dance. Other times it will be mere minutes after the last time. Though this can leave you frazzled, there’s no reason to get upset. Doggy bladders are very easy to understand once you actually get to know them a bit more.

 

Holding It In

How long you should wait before walking your dog it is very much like how it is in humans. Based on their age, sex, health and body size, the “correct” amount of time varies from pooch to pooch. That being said, we can make some general assumptions for the vast majority of dogs in the world. For instance, smaller and younger dogs will need to pee more than their counterparts. This makes sense because smaller dogs have smaller bladders while younger dogs process waste faster.

Another rule of thumb to go with is a bit more factual. From what we know, dogs produce around 10 to 20 mL of urine for every pound they weigh each and every day. This translates to about three to five potty breaks every day. However, sometimes there are occasions when your pup will need to hold their bladder for longer than is normal. In these cases, the older your dog is, the longer they can hold it. Puppies cannot. In fact, they are not able to physically control their own bladders until at least 16 weeks of age and even then cannot be expected to do so reliably until they reach six months.

 

Too Long

Dogs are pretty good at holding their own for rather long stretches of time. Many often have to keep it in for eight to 12 hours at a time due to human work schedules. While this isn’t ideal, it’s definitely doable as the dog will refrain from drinking too much so that they don’t have an accident.

Even so, this is never a good idea for prolonged periods of time. After all, asking them to hold waste within their bodies for extended periods of time will wreak havoc on their insides much in the same way it destroys us internally. The most common problems are UTIs and urinary stones. Other research suggests that continued prolonged potty holding can lead to urinary cancers. This is due to the fact that urine contains some carcinogens. If left in the body for too long, they infect the otherwise healthy cells of the urinary tract.

 

In the end, your dog can go for extreme periods of time without needing to use the restroom. While great for the owner that heads regularly, it’s an extremely detrimental practice that should only occur rarely and in dire circumstances. Waste should be expelled regularly, and if your dog can’t get that kind of necessary relief, now’s not the best time for you to own a dog.