Crate Training Question

[NorthJerseyRott]

I'm trying to get some feedback or concensous on a question that I have regarding crate training. My question is as follows.

How long can or should a puppy be left in his/her crate before being taken outside to go potty?

I'm asking this question because both my wife and I work during the day. Actually my wife gets home around 3:30 pm. Thanks in advance for your feedback.

[Jaegergirl]

how old is your puppy? i got maverick at 15 weeks old and he was in his crate for 7 hours when i was a work. he did fine. a younger pup may not be able to go that long, tho. maybe someone else will chime in. :)

[NorthJerseyRott]

Thanks for the speedy reply. I appreciate it. We actually don't have our puppy yet (still being whelped) however, I want to make sure we do the right thing from the start when we bring our puppy home. Thanks again.

[Brooke&Ryan]

The rule of thumb that I have heard regarding this is that a puppy can only hold it for the amount of months they are plus 1. So if your dog is three months old they can hold it for about four hours. That was our rule of thumb in training Julius with the crate. Never had any problem.

:)
Brooke