How long can a puppy "hold it"?

Puppies, especially if they are crated, will try not to soil their area, but you shouldn't ask a puppy to hold it longer than he possibly can.

Use this rule of thumb: A puppy can hold his bladder for the number of hours equal to his age in months plus one. So a five-month old, for example, can stay in the crate for six hours before he needs to go out (but I wouldn't ask any dog, not matter how old, to try to hold it more than eight hours). If you work all day, and can't get home, consider hiring a pet sitter to come in on a daily basis to give your pet some exercise and a chance to relieve himself. It will make both of you feel so much better!

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