Dog - bladder

Question
how long can a small dog hold it during the day without going to the bathroom if they had to be left for a period?

Answer
Hi Pete,

The length of time a dog can be expected to "hold it" during the day depends on it's age.

For puppies the general rule of thumb is that the amount of time between potty breaks should be equal to the puppy's age in months plus one hour. This means a two month old puppy should be taken outside for a potty break approximately every three hours and a three month old puppy should be taken outside for a potty break approximately every four hours.  

7-8 hours is the very maximum an adult dog should he expected to "hold it". Anything longer would be inhumane, and unrealistic.

Whether or not your dog is physically able to "hold it" all day long, there's still the issue of socialization and behavioral problems that can arise when a dog is alone for too many hours. Boredom in dogs turns into barking, howling, chewing furniture, self-mutilation, pacing, digging, and other destructive habits.

If you are going to be gone for an extended period of time (6 + hours), it's  mandatory that you give your dog an hour of mentally challenging and physically active fun before you leave the house. You should leave behind a panting, heaving, utterly exhausted dog as you set off for the day. A tired dog is a quiet dog!

As you leave the house, give the dog an "only-when-I'm-gone" chew toy. This toy should be something spectacular, such as a sterilized beef bone stuffed deeply and thoroughly with canned dog food or cheese spread (served frozen or chilled) or Kong toy stuffed with something tasty. Give it to the dog upon leaving. Not only is this a diversion tactic, it actually makes being left alone not so bad, as this is the only time the "most-wonderful-thing-in-the-world" appears!
When you come home put away this special toy, it's only for when the dog is left alone. If you have more than one "special toy" it will help your dog remain interested.

Days can be long if there is nothing to do and no company so if you can arrange for someone to come in at lunch time to let him out to the toilet and give him some toys, this will break his day up nicely. Leave a radio or TV on as "white noise." Beyond masking outside noises, leaving the radio/TV/stereo on gives the aural appearance of your presence.
Some boarding kennels offer "Doggie Daycare". It may not be something you can afford daily, but if you can swing it once or twice a week, that's one or two times a week that your dog doesn't need to be alone.

You'll need to exercise your dog as soon as you arrive home. Whether he has been confined in your absence or has had free run of the house, you can't expect your dog to wait patiently after you get home from work while you put your feet up and read the paper. He has been coping with social deprivation all day and deserves your full attention as soon as you arrive.

Best of luck,
Patti