I'm going crazy! Please help!

[Mosley's Mom]

I am a new puppy owner and got the Boxer I wanted! But he is now 5 mo and is still peeing in his crate! I know that they aren't supposed to pee where they sleep, but he does! I got him over the summer while I wasn't working but as a school teacher I had to go back to work. He is only crated for no more than 7 hours. I wish I could leave him outside but he eats everything and it is so hot in Arizona. ANY help would be GREAT! My husband and I are losing our minds changing out his bedding everyday! Thanks!

 

[gmacleod]

At 5 months old, 7 hours is too long for your puppy to be expected to hold it. The general rule of thumb is 'age in months + 1' to a maximum of 8 hours. That would mean a maximum of 6 hours in your case. Of course, that assumes the pup was "empty" at the outset () and is IS just a generalisation. Bladder sizes and the ability to hold on varies as much for dogs as it does for people.

Is there any one (even a dog walker) that could come and take your puppy out for a walk and a potty stop part way through the day?