Just to add to this--Lori, I have resisted crate training my dogs my entire life. I was of the mistaken perception that it was like putting them in jail LOL. I've always had retrievers & I could be imagining things but they seem so darned smart & they pick things up very quickly.
But like I said, Maximus is a pug & now 4. He's still not completely housebroken. Believe me when I tell you I tried EVERYTHING. I finally broke down & bought the crate 2 months ago, & his royal highness actually hangs out in there by his own choice. I was shocked but I am now a convert.
The funny thing is, we've had very few accidents lately, but there are still the occasional messes. And, like you, I only turn my back for a few minutes (sometimes less), & it'll happen immediately after he's been outside. Like today, I went home for lunch, he was out for a while, I even left the back door open. I closed it about 3 minutes before I went back to work & he peed in the dining room. I started taking him in the bathroom w/me when I shower in the morning(mind you, this is immediately after I let them out while I'm making my coffee), & it was OK the first few times but maybe the 4th day he peed in the bathroom while I was showering. I can't figure it out, but the little bugger has me completely wrapped around his little paw so I am not giving up.
Stick with him, & I bet he turns out to be the best friend you've ever had.
But like I said, Maximus is a pug & now 4. He's still not completely housebroken. Believe me when I tell you I tried EVERYTHING. I finally broke down & bought the crate 2 months ago, & his royal highness actually hangs out in there by his own choice. I was shocked but I am now a convert.
The funny thing is, we've had very few accidents lately, but there are still the occasional messes. And, like you, I only turn my back for a few minutes (sometimes less), & it'll happen immediately after he's been outside. Like today, I went home for lunch, he was out for a while, I even left the back door open. I closed it about 3 minutes before I went back to work & he peed in the dining room. I started taking him in the bathroom w/me when I shower in the morning(mind you, this is immediately after I let them out while I'm making my coffee), & it was OK the first few times but maybe the 4th day he peed in the bathroom while I was showering. I can't figure it out, but the little bugger has me completely wrapped around his little paw so I am not giving up.
Stick with him, & I bet he turns out to be the best friend you've ever had.