potty training lab puppy

by rebekah
(ventura, ca)

i have a 13 week almost 14 week old lab puppy.

my question is we are crate training her, how long can she hold her pee during the day while i'm at work and can she stay in crate from 6.30 in morning to 3-4pm and get let out in middle of day like around 11-12 or is that too long between potty breaks for her?

I was wondering also any other ideas where she should be kept during the day and safety.




Hi Rebekah
Puppies are all individuals, and exactly how long they can 'hold it' actually varies quite a bit from pup to pup. The tiny and toy breeds tend to have a bit more difficulty with this than the larger ones due to their tiny bladders.

At 14 weeks I would expect a Lab pup to be able to go 3 - 4 hours between potty breaks, but as I said every pup is different. If you can be sure that someone is going to let her out for a potty break around 11am - noon, and then you are home between 3 and 4pm, then theoretically she should be able to 'hold it' for those periods. Try to ensure that she gets lots of attention and some exercise at that noon break too - it will help break up the long day for her. She's young to be crated and alone all day.

I'd recommend that you check out my Crate Training A Puppy page as it has tons of information and advice to help you get it right. My Potty Train A Puppy should also be helpful.

As for other suggestions for daytime containment... if you find that she's soiling the crate and can't manage those 4 - 5 hour periods yet, you could try using a puppy exercise pen or confining her to one room (the laundry room or kitchen are good) by using a baby stairgate. If you then give her a doggie litter box (pee pads tend to get played with and chewed up fairly often), then she may do better with that for a few weeks. BUT this isn't the best option as you really don't want her getting into the habit of thinking that eliminating indoors is okay. It can make the whole housebreaking issue take longer and confuse her. If you leave her in one room though, make sure that you've 'puppy-proofed' it well. Labrador Retrievers love to chew, and have strong jaws, you don't want her to eat/destroy your belongings - for her sake and yours.

Doggie daycare for a couple of days a week may also be a possibility if she's had all her puppy shots. It will be valuable socialiation experience for her too. Or even a petsitter who will spend the morning with her for example. It will depend on your finances and creativity, but I'm sure you will be able to work out the solution that fits everyone best.

I wish you the best of luck with your pup.