Holding Urine

[BG and Gavin]

Gavin was overnight at my parents' house New Years Eve.  Before we left we shovelled a path through the snow to the back of the property and led him out there to pee (which he did).  We came to pick him up 22 hours later and my mom and Gavin met us at the door with my mom hastily reporting that he had not peed the entire time we were gone!  We took him out off leash to the designated area and after romping through the snow for a minute or so he peed for 48 seconds (yes I was counting "steam boats").  They took him out seven times and tried everything to get him to go.  He was on-leash for them since their yard is not fenced - but they used the 30ft long line and even tried "hiding" around the corner of the garage to give him some privacy.  Gavin used to be very particular in his personal habits but has since relaxed quite a bit.  I am hoping this was just a fluke due to being on-leash and in 1.5 feet of snow.  Can any harm come from holding it this long?   

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

You're right about JD. He is the Prince of Passive Resistance, lol. I think Gavin may be a member of the royal family too!

 

[Jennifer and Jack]

I wish he would rub off on Mr I have to tinkle every three hours all night....

[BG and Gavin]

We will have to arrange a conference call between them Jennifer - lol!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I wouldn't worry.  I'm thinking it's because you were not there and there was snow and he was on-leash.  All these things probably made him a bit uncomfortable about going. 

[BG and Gavin]

I am hoping this is it.  Even though they love having him, I never leave him more than over night at my parents.  They are 80 years old and my mom is not comfortable walking him (except up and down the driveway) due to his size, plus their yard is not fenced.  In the summer they can attach his long line to their clothes line which gives him full run of the back yard (and he has always been fine) but they couldn't do this because of the snow.

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

Ha, talk about being shy! My guess is if he could hold it that long and chose to it must not have bothered him or he would have relieved himself one of the seven times. Can't imagine he'd stay that uncomfortable given the choice. But what do I know? Our daughters doodle won't poop anywhere but in his own yard and no one can watch him. He once held it for 60 hours one weekend he spent camping with us. Go figure.

[BG and Gavin]

Gavin was the same way when he was younger Sue.  Our first visit to the cottage he went for 36 hours without pooping - but 60 - that is a record for sure!  Despite his lengthy pee when we finally got there, I took him for a walk right after and he still had enough in the tank to do a half a dozen sizeable markings on the walk.  Figure that one out!

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Wow, Gav's a camel!  But I have to give kudos to your family for trying so hard to help him and even hiding around the corner to give him privacy. They sound like awesome doodle grandparents!

[BG and Gavin]

They love their Grand Doodle and he loves them :)  Plus they have had dogs, cats and horses most of their lives so are willing to do what it takes to keep their four-legged family happy!

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

I'm sorry but I just keep laughing at your parents hiding and trying to give him privacy.  I tried that myself.  Don't tell anyone. Stupid, isn't it? But that is how we humans think.

Starlit, NEVER EVER EVER peed.  Once a month maybe. I feel the frustration. I was late to work many days. How do you tell the boss, "Hey, my dog won't pee".  I would get up 45 mins earlier just to get the day rolling. If there was a noise three doors down,  she refused to go out the rest of the day.  If there was a man 5 doors down, she refused to go out the rest of the day.  Fireworks, lawnmowers, target practice,  you name it, she was NOT GOING!  Under the table she went.  Or back to her couch. The privacy fence helped.  But, just letting you know, she held it 100s of times for days and days.  It wall was okay. 

What worked, sometimes, is a basic old walk.  The excitement of the walk, the scent on the mailboxes, the cool air, and exercise to get it all moving, might work next time.

Another idea, start teaching Gavin, " The Word"  We used out. That way, Spud and Starlit knew, it was okay to go there.  Go Out, Go Out, Go Out.  And, they would pee on command.

[BG and Gavin]

Good to know no damage is done by the hold.  Poor dear Starlit - she had her phantoms didn't she?  Gavin knows "get busy" but I never thought to relay that info because peeing has not been a problem.  I think he just had his own agenda as he also did not eat breakfast and would not play ball with my mom.  I figured he did not play ball because if he ran for it, his bladder would let go.  After we got him to go, we went inside and he immediately went to his bowl to eat and then grabbed his ball and brought it to my mom.  Silly boy - he may have been sulky as we just got back from a 10 day vacation before Christmas and he was at the dog-sitters.  I refuse to feel bad though, his loss for holding it!

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

poor little Starlit. Bless her soul. I bet she's as brave as can be in doggie heaven.