Potty accidents with adult rescued miniature poodle

Question
We have had a "rescued" adult miniature female poodle for 3 months. The longer we have her, the more accidents. We must be doing something wrong. She doesn't tell us or give any indication that she has to go outside. I just take her out every 2-3 hours. Can we train an adult dog to tell us when she has to go potty? Other than the accidents, she is super.  I walk her 1-2 miles in the p.m. Otherwise if I sit, she is on my lap. I don't think that's so good either. I have never had an inside dog before. I was raised on a farm and we had outside dogs who herded cattle, etc. Any help I can get will be most welcome. Thank you so much.

Answer
You could try what I do with new puppies.  Biggest difference is the longer time after eating or drinking before they are ready to relieve themselves. If a dog has been living where it could keep its living space clean, it should quickly catch on. The important part will be teaching it that if it goes to the door, you will let it out. It will be much more difficult if the dog was forced to live in its filth. You will need to learn to read the dog and learn its schedule, and when it needs to go out. Keep it in sight, closing doors and setting up gates. Some people even leash the dog to themselves. I have used a tie down at my computer desk.  When you do take her out, make sure she moves around to stimulate her body to eliminate.  

The key to most behavior problems is approaching things using the dog's natural instincts.  Dogs see all the people and dogs in the household as a pack with each having their own rank in the pack and a top dog.  Life is much easier if the 2 legged pack members outrank the 4 legged ones.  You can learn to play the role of top dog by reading some books or going to a good obedience class. A good obedience class or book is about you being top dog, not about rewarding standard commands with a treat. Start at http://www.dogsbestfriend.com/  For more on being top dog, see http://www.dogbreedinfo.com./topdogrules.htm