How can I get my puppy to use the bathroom less frequently?

February 4, 2010 by admin · 13 Comments
Filed under: Dogs 
bathroom
doza1621 asked:

I have a 4 month old puppy. I work from home, so I’m able to watch her all day. She learned to sit at the door when she needs to go to the bathroom, which is great. However, she needs to go so frequently! She sits at the door at least every hour. How can I get her to hold it longer? She’s fine at night and can sleep in her crate for 8 hours without going to the bathroom, but I’d like her to hold it longer during the day.

I’ve tried crating her while I’m home, but she cried for 2 hours nonstop yesterday. It’s difficult for me to leave the house, since all of my work is here. Sometimes I try to ignore her when she’s sitting at the door to go outside, but I don’t want to discourage her telling me when she needs to go. Any tips?

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Comments

13 Responses to “How can I get my puppy to use the bathroom less frequently?”
  1. Lluvia says:

    feed her/ give her water 2 times a day. thats what i do and my two small dogs use the bathroom infrequently but are comfortable and happy. Lluvia

  2. Gnometomes says:

    She may be looking for some attention. Try setting 15 minutes aside from your work every couple of hours to play with her. Maybe she just needs somethiing to tire her out and take her mind off the fact that you are home and always available. She has *trained* you to pay attention to her. Gnometomes

  3. vomdeitrichgiants says:

    You need to be patient and consistent with the crate…..ignore the crying. I know its hard, but that’s the only way to get her used to it. Maybe put a toy in with her, to keep her busy.

    She is 4 months old, and will have to go often as her bladder is still small. Just like an infant. vomdeitrichgiants

  4. chrisatmudd says:

    Feed your dog at regular times during the day, like 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Or 8 a.m., 12 p.m., and 6 p.m. Usually puppies need to go right after they eat, or right after they drink. My two-year old dog still does that :)
    (Except I got lazy and just decided to leave her food out once she was housebroken, which is probably bad.) chrisatmudd

  5. lillybell says:

    dog diapers they sell them at pet stores lillybell

  6. always n forever says:

    well it could/ probaly is the feeding schedule just mak sure to feed her three times a day a equal intervals of time a puppy and dog usually has to potty right after she eats so a constant feeding will help…
    also when you feed her leave the food there for 15 min and then take it up dont let her eat/drink when ever she want for that increase her need to potty
    hope this helps always n forever

  7. danielle Z says:

    You have a puppy it is a responsiblity. Does she go every time you take her out? Try waiting 5-10 additional minutes before letting her out. Make sure she goes. She may just want the change of view. Puppies digestive system moves quick. Give it time and patience. Keep extending the times between wanting to go out a little more each day. She will soon get used to holding it a bit longer. Just don’t rush. She is still a pup. danielle Z

  8. 8p8a says:

    She maybe just wanting to go outside for something to do. Maybe a doggie door is what you need. I invested in one and are well worth the price. They go out on their own, keep the indoors clean, and when we got a second dog, she was potty trained almost overnight. 8p8a

  9. FunkyCold65 says:

    Sounds like she wants some out door time, We’ve set up an area in the front yard where our chihuahuas can playout side for awhile (if they like). It’s important that your pup sniffs around and explores, this is one way they socialize. FunkyCold65

  10. the_most_happy17 says:

    what happens when you go outside? is she allowed to play? does she actually go? is this the only time you pay attention to her during your work day? this could be her way of getting your attention, or getting some play time. obviously if you work from home, you are there, but that doesn’t mean you are giving her your attention (which is completely understandable! you’re trying to work!) she may have learned that sitting at the door means attention and fun. i understand that you want her to tell you when she needs to go, but it sounds like her motive for sitting at the door is probably not because she has to pee. maybe you could tether her to your desk or work area? that way you can keep an eye on her while she chews her toys or sleeps. take her out when you think she needs it (maybe every 2 hours for a 4 mo. old pup). i know this doesn’t encourage her to tell you when she has to go, but it will at least save you a few unnecessary trips outside! the_most_happy17

  11. *BRI* says:

    Take up her water unless it is meal time and she wont need to go as much, but if she is anything like my dog she loves the trips outside so she will continue to do it. My dog will go to the door just to get me and my husbands attention and she wont even need to go to the restroom. *BRI*

  12. S B says:

    The rule to thumb for the time puppies can hold it is: take their age in months and add one. So if your puppy is 4 months old the max she can hold it should be around 5 hours. Keep in mind that if she drinks a lot she will need to go sooner. Don’t restrict water until she had been been tested for medical problems. She might also be bored and want to go out to play and just elimates whatever is in her bladder while she is out.
    Try to make her wait 15 minutes or a half hour longer the first time (whatever you feel comfortable with) and if she has no accidents then increase the time gradually until you reach 4 to 5 hours. If she does have an accident, just go back to the longest time she didn’t have an accident and start there again. Just remember to praise when she goes and don’t punish if you didn’t catch her in the act when she had an accident. S B

  13. Gem_Gem says:

    It sounds like she is doing it for your attention. Next time she does it divert her attention by playing with her. If she urgently needs to go she will let you know. Gem_Gem

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