Different dogs will be able to hold it in for different amounts of time. Our 16 week old puppy has better bladder control than our 1 year old dog sometimes. So it's possible the dogs just need to go fairly frequently - I know I'd have trouble holding it in for 6 hours during the day.

If a dog has diarrhea, it will be harder for them to hold it in. Again, if I were having that type of stomach problem, holding it in for 6 hours would be torture!

And finally, if a dog is stressed out or nervous, they may have to go more frequently.

So with a new schedule in a new home with their regular caretakers away, it wouldn't surprise me that the dogs are having some accidents.

Close the doors of any place you don't want them to get to and consider keeping them in a kitchen or laundry room with easy to clean floors while you go out. Hopefully after a day or two they'll settle in.

 

Maybe you scared the **** out of them with the Louisville Slugger?

I'm guessing that these dogs can and do "hold it" for 5-6 hours on a regular basis. I agree with the other poster that their schedule has been turned upside down and they may be stressed out in the absence of the normal caretakers. What is the one with the diarrhea eating? Because a change in food may fix the problem.

On a side note, I'm jealous. You're "stuck" watching not one but THREE border collies???? What could be better (aside from the elimination issues)?

 

Did you take them out before you left? If its a continual problem isolate them to one section of the house (Ie Bathroom) to minimize damage if you don't crate. You can also help reinforce proper behavior by giving them treats when they do go outside.

 

I take it you have no problems waiting six hours to use the bathroom if you have diarrhea? My point here: have patience.

Some advice:

1. If a dog of mine had chronic diarrhea, I would take it to a vet. At the very least, let your mom know so she can take him.
2. Make sure you are using an enzyme cleaner to clean up after them. If not, the dogs can still smell it, and it will encourage them to go there again.
3. Limit the place where the dogs are when you are not there. A puppy-proofed room such as a bathroom or laundry room will make for easy cleanup if any is required. Plus you won't have to worry about runny stool on the bed or couch.
4. Do the dogs free feed (have food available all the time)? If so, note that this makes for more frequent peeing and pooing. I would feed on a schedule if you aren't doing this already.

Good luck.

 

My girls hold it for 8 hours every day.

I make sure they both go before work when I leave, then they get fed, and they go again after I get home.

Diarreah is a different thing, and I don't hold it against them if they do that while I'm gone.

A puppy or a very old dog I would not expect to go 8 hours, but a healthy adult dog should be able to just fine.