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My 4-month-old puppy pees in crate. How long can a puppy stay crated?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Female | unspayed | 12 lbs

We have 2 Cavachon puppies 4mns. We work up 10hr days Mon-Fri. And we are trying to potty train them, up at 5:30am outside, then feed them back outside before we leave for work. Feed them when we return n take them out afterward they play until bed time around 10pm out before being caged. But in the mornings they seem to per in the cage. And how long cam they stay in the cage..

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1 Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on February 22nd, 2018

They are adorable! At four months of age, 10 hours is too long for Coco and Chaz to stay in their crate. Their bladder isn't big enough to hold their urine that long, and they should be let out to potty every three to four hours. I would consider hiring someone to stop by at least once or twice a day to let them out to potty if you can't leave work to let them out. Dogs should be in crates no longer than eight hours, even if they are older. I hope this helps!

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Hi can my new pup stay in a play crate for 6 hours a day everyday with a small morning walk In the morning and indoor potty arrangements. Thank you!
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How many hours a day should my 8 week old puppy be in his crate? Do you have a brief schedule that I could follow for starting off?
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