Is it too late to crate train?

[Coconut]

We brought home Coco at 9 weeks old. She had already been paper trained, so we continued. We didn't feel crate training was an option, because she would have been left alone during the day for 7 hours, and we felt that was way too long. So, Coco has run of 1/2 the kitchen and the front bathroom. She consistently goes pee on the papers (she goes poop next to the papers, never on it).

We take her outside every hour, but she doesn't seem to like to go outdoors; even on long walks! She tends to hold it, until she runs inside and goes on her papers! Because of this, at night, she still sleeps in her "room".

Coco is 5 months old now and everybody I've talked to about this situation said that I should (or should have) crate trained her. Is it too late now? Does anybody have any suggestions on what we should do or be doing? (She will start training classes at the end of July.)

[Coconut]

Sorry about the duplicate post. Please ignore this version.

[ScootersMom]

It's not to late to crate train her.

IMO, I don't think you need to.
She's a baby. At 5 months, she's still in the learning process. Sometimes dogs won't go potty someplace that they are not too familiar with. In the beginning my girls wouldn't go outside, and then when they did finally go outside...they would only go in our yard. Perhaps she is just too used to having the paper in the house. You need to start taking some of the paper away. Treat her when she potties outside, and repremand her when she poops in the house. Sooner or later she's going to get the idea. It just takes time. Keep your chin up

Just so you feel better........accidents happen. I went home at lunch today and one of the pug diva's pooped on the kitchen floor. I have no idea who but Scoot's 14 months and Lulu's 9 months. I guess it's the old saying **** Happens

[Rosco34]

I don't think it's too late, but you will probably hear her cry more and whine as she has been free for several months now....so on your part you have to be consistent and patient. She will realize that everytime you open the crate she comes out to go immediately outside to do her business....

[Blackjacksmom]

I don't think you need to crate train. A lot of people say crate training is the best method. This may or may not be true depending on you and your pet's needs. I for one, do not like the idea of leaving my pup in a crate for 8 hours a day.

Blackjack isn't crate trained, but he is paper trained very well. Never misses. He goes potty outside when we go on walks, but didn't in the beginning. I taught him to go outside by feeding him and taking him out right away. Then when he pooped, lots of praise and treats.

Your pup will learn eventually, but if you don't want to crate train, then don't. It's not the best for everyone's situation.

[M129]

We didn't crate train Frodo until he was around 6 months old. He took to it very well, suprisingly. And we've had no problems with him in his crate ever since. We work all day and he's in there for about 8 hours a day. Now I even catch him sleeping in it at night when he doesn't have to.

[Rosco34]

What it comes down to is what suits your life style. If you are away from home and want to speed up the housebreaking process then I would crate train....if you worry that she will be cooped up all day in her crate then give her just small area as you are doing, it will just take more time and patience. She will eventually learn right from wrong. If you decided to crate train, is there someone that could come over at lunch time even just 2 days a week to let her out....a neighbor or dog walker....or family member?

I knew that when we got a dog that was the only way I could train him. We both work and my husbands schedule is crazy. We are lucky in that the days we both work days shifts my father-in-law will come over and let him out at lunch...sometimes he goes and sometimes he doesnt but at least he got out for a bit. It was peace of mind to know that he was safe, not chewing things he shouldn't and not dirtying our brand new apartment. I had the intentions of gating him in the kitchen where his crate is so he could play or sleep, but he loves his crate so much and I feel that he would be more nervous in that situation at this point. We will see what the future holds. Just do what you feel is right, she is still young and learnign everyday.

[Coconut]

Thank you for all of your responses. My husband and I talked it over, and we decided not to crate her. It just wouldn't be fair to her. We both know that we should be investing more time in house training her, and we just need to be more committed to that.

On another subject, we went out of town on business, and found a pug babysitter (she breeds and shows puggies) for her to stay at for 2 nights. She had so much fun! At least now we have someone we can trust to watch her if we leave for more any amount of time.

Thanks again for your replies! Pug people are the best!