Problem with housebreaking

Question
QUESTION: We adopted an appx. 2 yr old Cocker from a Rescue.  He had been very neglected before the rescue people found him.  He was fostered with six other cockers before we got him.  We take him outside the first thing in the morning and he goes in an acceptable period of time.  The rest of the day he does not go "respectably" we will keep him out for thirty minutes or so and he may or may not go. He then may or may not find a spot in the house in spite of us watching him and do his "business" on the floor.  The last thing before going to bed at night he will usually go when we take him outside.  My wife and I are both retired so he is never left alone, except very rarely for a short period.  He gets along very well with our other dog a large (60 lb) mixed breed from a shelter.  The big dog has never gone in the house, except to "mark" his territory when he was first brought home.  What are we doing wrong, and what can we do to resolve the problem?

ANSWER: Hi Mike,
Bless your heart for taking this little guy.

Okay..let's back up and start as if he is not housebroken.
He's been in a chaotic environment and we can't expect him to "remember his manners" after all he's been through.

You're starting off the day right.  Take him out before his morning feeding.  Feed him.  Snap that leash on and take him for a good walk.  Lots of praise and a treat when he goes.  And I mean LOTS of praise !

Now..he's both piddled and pooped so you're "safe" for a couple of hours.  I'd suggest keeping him on leash in the house so you know exactly what he's doing and can whip him outside at the first sign he needs to go.  I know this is a pain but it's really the fastest way to get your message home.  Always ask "Want to go out?".  Same words every time.
Praise and treat every time.
Put the leash in your belt loop - where you go, he goes.
This is the fastest, most authoritative way to say "I'm the alpha".  When he's not on leash with you - crate him. A few days of that may well do the trick.

Routine is your friend..get him on one.  He's fed at the same time (and I recommend 3x daily) - walked after each meal - taken out regularly - praised constantly.

You're not doing anything wrong..just maybe expecting too much of a neglected dog who's been fostered with 6 dogs (and that makes it a zoo) and just needs time, a firm schedule, and teaching to let him understand what you want.

I'd also ask what you're feeding him.  Cockers are very, VERY predisposed to skin problems and don't do well on kibble because it has too many carbohydrates.

Try the leash idea - get him on a strict routine - lots of exercise and let me know what happens.  If you need to correct...don't yell/hit...eyeball him, look cross, and say NO in a quiet but determined voice.
Delores
p.s.  write back with any and all questions.  sometimes these issues need a little on-going conversation :)

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks very much for your prompt reply.  In answer to your question about food -- we are feeding Purina One Lamb and Rice formula.

Answer
Oh jeepers, Mike.  That's the worst food on the planet.
I recommend canned food (perhaps with 1/4 kibble) and for cockers, I really like Canidae All Life Stages with chicken/lamb/fish  or Innova Evo (regular EVO not the 95% meat version).
Canidae comes in several formulas...don't get the Platinum..it's for seniors or overweight dogs.
Evanger's Complete Dinners are also good.  Again, not the 95% meat version.
These premium foods aren't sold in supermarkets or Petsmart but most smaller pet food stores carry them.
They may seem a little more expensive but you'll feed less.
One can of Canidae All Life Stages per 20 lbs. of dog.

Let me know if you can find these.  I can come up with more recommendations but those are my favorites for cockers.

Don't fall for the myth that dry food is better for their teeth..it's actually just the opposite since the dry gets right up there and sticks in their gums.
Delores