Re: Digestion time?

In Reply to: Digestion time?
Category:   House Breaking
Posted by:  sandy
Posted on:  February 25, 2003 at 02:34:16

: My husband and I are trying to housebreak our 4 1/2 month old female JRT. According to most of the puppy books I've been reading, as well as practical advice from other dog owners, within 30 minutes of eating a meal, my dog should poop. So after 30 minutes (and sometimes even after an hour), I take my dog out so she can do her business. She will do #1, however will not necessarily do #2 within that time period. We're outside for about 20 minutes, and she does not always go. Sometimes she does have to go really bad(the signs are very obvious looking at her behind), however, she will also hold it. The questions are:

: 1. How long does it really take a JRT to digest his food and have to poop afterwards? I get frustrated taking the dog out for 20+ minutes and nothing happens.
: 2. Is this a behavioral problem or is this just the way my JRT is and she likes to hold it?
: 3. Is this normal?
: 4. How long is it safe for the puppy to hold it?

: Thank you.

Response:

Dear Sandy,

When we were housetraining our pups, the "rules" we followed didn't have to do with a specific length of time. Rather we took them outside to go potty after a meal, after playtime and after they woke up from a nap. They went #1 far more often then #2 and to date, 9+ years later, this is still true. :-)

(1) How long a dog takes to digest (turn food to fuel) a meal depends upon it's metabolism and "what" it eats. For example, a diet high in fiber pretty much goes in one end and out the other.

(2) This can become a behavior problem if you continue to show your frustration when she doesn't "perform" when you expect her to. Your pup doesn't know if you're upset with her because she didn't poop or because she's getting ready to...

(3) It is "normal" for a pup to pee more often then it poops.

(4) If your 4 1/2 month old pup has not pooped after having eaten two of her meals (breakfast and lunch, roughly 6-8 hours apart) then she may have a problem that requires medical attention.

I'm providing you with links to some FAQS that I think you'll find useful. Best to you and your little one...

Leslie