dog going to bathroom in house

Question
Hi, I adopted a female schnauzer mix just about a month ago. She is 11 months and has already had puppies with her previous owner.  She is loving and sweet, but has been defecating in the house.  I take her outside for 15-20 and then she comes back and goes in one specific room.

I reward her when she goes outside but do not yell or punish for going inside.  I am very concerned because I can not have this behavior.

Answer
Is she crate trained? I would take her outside for five minutes - go with her and watch her, if she doesn't go, pop her back in (or other confined area) and try again in five minutes. Can you close off the room she goes in? Door/baby gates? I'd supervise her like a baby puppy - no access to places where you can't see her - again, close doors, use baby gates. Even tether her to you. If you can't see it happen you are absolutely right that after the fact punishment doesn't work. Clean soiled areas with a good enzymatic cleaner. Even if other cleaners fool our noses, it still smells like a potty area to the dog. I don't know what you are feeding, but I'd go for a premium dog food that produces less stool too. Sandy Case MEd CPDT www.positivelycanine.com