You guys are right. Patience is beautiful. Ironically enough, that's the name of my dog too. She, too, can hold it in for hours. She goes out three times a day, and the third time I literally have to half carry, half drag her out. I agree that a doggy door would be great, if you could do it. Just be ready for a muddy mess in your house if it rains and the dog goes out, digs, then enters the house and gets mud everywhere. One of those portable Bissells works great for this. Good luck in whatever you decide to do.