trouble training a rescue

Question
Have a 2.5 yr old male pomeranian that was a rescue and neutered a month ago. There is another neutered male in the house, a chihuahua. The chihuahua is my roommates and he is a bit jealous and bossy.  Have been having a tough time housebreaking the pomeranian. Sometimes he will go outside, then come in and go again on the leg of a table or on the carpet..and then he will go hide.  He is pooping on my bed after being outside...It was suggested at a pet store that it could also be a dominance issue. He is a good dog, no health issues..I can not get him to use pads and the crate traininng does not seem to be going well either. He goes out only to come in and go again. Would like to know if you have any advice.  His only other issue is he hates to be on a leash..and is okay dragging one but not if he sees it in your hand. Was told by a rescue organization to let him drag it until he gets used to it but still does not like to be lead around etc. HELP I love the little guy and want to help him out

Answer
Hello Teresa;
I am sure you have a great heart to rescue a dog...but, again the term "Rescue" means that the dog had another life before yours, and who or how it was treated before is anyone's guess...Thus, your job is very tough!!!
To start a training program at this age, is almost impossible, let alone to be predictable now is not "Reality"!
You will have to start from scratch, and use the Crate training method probably for months to even see if he will respond...let alone to start him to go in your home without supervision is not realistic either!
You will have to keep a leash on him, and keep him next to you to watch his habits.
If he does start to go, "Pick him up, and put him where you want him to go"!!! Then, if he goes, "PRAISE" him!!!
This is the only way...if you scold him, he will not understand what is required of him.
The Crate training, or a Kennel run in my opinion is the "ONLY" possibility you will have for him to learn what is required.
As for the "Leash" training, again, very difficult to ask him to understand..but, if you keep him on a leash, don't let him drag it...use it with him to give him direction what you "DO Want from him" POSITIVE reinforcement at this point!
To get the most out of this dog, besides laying the ground rules, you are going to have to get his Confidence, that you are not going to treat him like the last person did....and abandon him!!!
Very time consuming...be Patient, and lots of love, and PRAISE PRAISE PRAISE.
If you have that in you to give....BRAVO!

And, you will need support...go to a Class...either at "Petsmart" or at a Park, and get him to learn how to behave as a regular dog!
Very much from learning from other dogs...they are like children!!
Best wishes, and you are just beginning...again "RESCUE" means starting over!

Let me know if there is anything else I can assist you with.
I will await to hear from you and your progress.
Sincerely,
Melissa