It's definately not too late to crate train. All the crate does is discourage them from soiling their sleeping area, allowing you to take them directly to the grass when it's time to go rather than them choosing a nice spot on the carpet. That's why the crate has to be VERY small at first. Like, if they potty in the crate they have to lay in it (Gross, but that's the theory.) Make sure the crate is not a punishment - give her a treat when she goes in the crate and put her toys in there with her. You can also try feeding her in the crate (with the door open), since food is a good thing and she can associate it with being in her crate. Make sure you have a WIRE cage and not a plastic travel carrier. She needs to see out. We used an 18" crate with a divider panel when Loki was tiny and he JUST moved up to a 24" crate.
You also have to be careful about letting them out when they are crying. Gradually you will learn the different from an "I have to potty" cry and a "I don't want to be in here" cry. Loki is still pretty good sounding like someone is torturing him to try to get my attention but if I ignore him for 5 minutes he stops. If they are just crying for attention you have to wait until they stop even for few seconds!! to pay attention to them and let them out. |