How long should a 1 yr old / 55 # dog be able to hold it's bladder?

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

Our Murphy has always had the luxury or being let out at least every 4 hours during the day, but has held his bladder for 5-6 hours at times. We have really never had to leave him for more that that or made arrangements to have someone let him out. Now we'd like to be gone longer at times and I was wondering what is reasonable to expect and how do I get him to that point. Murphy has taken to finding a spot on the carpet and relieving himself if we miss his signals, even if it;s only been 3 hours or less. Not sure how to stop that either.

Our daughters doodle probably only goes potty 3 times a day and has a bladder like a camel. But he's always been home for longer periods.

All I can think to do is keep an eye on him constantly and take him out with a firm NO when he goes to squat inside. Like we did when he was a pup. But he knows to go outside....I don't get it.HELP PLEASE????

[F, Calla & Luca]

Now, now. what can you possibly have to do that's better for you than this?

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

Can't imagine anything better, but darn, that four letter word W-O-R-K keeps getting in the way. Luckily I have the kind of job that allows for a lot of computer time. Best of both worlds huh? Can't be with my doodle, but I can talk about him all day. LUV IT!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I am practicing "B.S. First" at this very moment! I am a Master of B.S. First...because practice makes perfect!

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

Oh Joanne!!!! If Murphy is anything like his mommy, then he has ADD too. Is it called DADD?
Dog Attention Deficit Disorder if a doggie has it???? I thought about it being about us in a new home, but he started it about 6 weeks after we moved in. And yes, we have been very busy. So like when we were potty training.. it's not the dogs fault if there are accidents???? I get it. Time to re-train and do it with the bells. Thank you for the laugh too. :)

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Sue you are so sweet and actually want to make it work. That is a good sign. :) Be patient. It may not work but you sure should try. I think it will. Give it a few weeks. I tried it because it was a new novelty. My last dog could talk. He said " OUT" when he had to go. Not many dogs can say things they want. He said I love you too :) Awww

I do think he is a very busy puppy and worth giving it a try.

Just think... you can get red and green ones and your hubby will just think you are decorating for Christmas :) No one has to know.

[Pat & "Tucker"]

I would be concerned about how much he is drinking too. Frequent drinking and urination ( and usually a ravenous appetite)can be a sign of diabetes. When you say he drinks like a horse- does he really excesively drink?? Important to mention to the vet.

[Melissa & Porter]

Ditto what you said. My first thought was health too.

Porter just turned one and we really have no clear potty signal. He just holds it until I let him out--mostly every 2-3 hrs, but many 4-6 hr chunks too. He does stand by the door, but it is mostly to check and see if his friend is out (we share the fenced backyard),

[Missi]

Well Lizzie has SUPER bladder! She is one year old this week and also weighs 55 pounds. When dbf and I overlap a night shift (once every week or two) Lizzie stays in her exercise pen. Since about 7 months old, she has held it for up to 14 hours! But in the day to day she goes out every 3 to 4 hours.

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

Ok, I had to really think about this now. He does drink a lot, but we have spent all summer in hot.hot.hot florida and walked and jogged frequently a day, and is now in Arizona where it's very dry and he's playing all day with his 2 yr old doodle buddy. Inside and outside. So I think his thirst is appropriate for the climate and activity, As for his appetite. he's always been fast and furious and I;ve never been able to free feed him as he;d eat it all at one setting. I don't think I would miss signs of diabetes. but I certainly will research it further. Thanks for the heads up