Our vet says that as a general 'rule of thumb' a healthy puppy should be able to hold it for 1 hour for every month old they are (using 4 weeks per month)...starting from the time they have the urge to go...not from the last time they went (as that would be based on a lot of factors).
So, from when they 'feel' they need to eliminate themselves, at 15 weeks you shouldn't expect him to hold it any longer than 4 hours past that point.
I'm not an expert...by any stretch...but that's what our vet told us should be used as a general guideline.
With Bella, we went to sleep at our regular time...but I set the alarm for 4 hours and then got up and took her to the potty pad. More often times than not she went both #1 and #2. She then was praised lavishly and given a *tiny* treat. But then it was RIGHT back to bed for another 4 hours (total of 8 hours sleep) and she did the same in the morning upon waking up.
It wasn't that big of a deal to set the alarm and get up and take her...and didn't have to last that long. Just until she was old enough to hold it til morning.
I don't believe your puppy goes in the crate on purpose to get out - puppies don't like pottying in their beds. They usually do it if they feel they have no choice. |