four dogs and only one potty trained

Question
Hi Kristin,

I have 4 dogs.  I am going to list the ages and circumstances in which I got them
1.  Terri (Female, spayed) - 9 year old terrier mix - adpoted from Critter safe Haven as a puppy - She is completely potty trained
2.  Max (Male, neutered) - 10 - adopted from Santa Rosa County Shelter at age 4.  Never have been to get completely trained.
3.  Kelly (Female, spayed) - 7 - rescued as a puppy(Mixed Breed) from an owner who didn't want her - Not completely trained.
4.  Dumie (Female, spayed) - Toy Fox Terrier - 9 years old - my father died and my Mom lives part time with me - Not completely trained.

I keep all 4 dogs in the front room of our home during the day when Im at work.  When my Mom stays with me, a home health nurse lets them out a couple of times a day.  When my Mom is not here, they pretty much stay in the front room all day long until I get home.

I feed all dogs around 5:30 everyday.  I leave water out always.

During the day, some of them are peeing and pooping.  This is an almost everyday occurrence and I am not exactly sure which ones are doing it.

I have a covered porch with a dog door but am concerned about the heat even though they would be shaded.  We do have a fenced in yard.  

We have tile in the front room, however, the urine is soaking into the grout and leaving a smell I find hard to get rid of.  I have read a little about crates during the day.  What do you think?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.  

Sincerely,
Julie Crowell
I live in Gulf Breeze Florida

Answer
I think crating will be the best way to go,but it would be best for them to be in separate crates-so they don't fight,and also if one makes a mess you will know what one it is,and they won't all walk in it

Crates work because dogs will not want to spoil areas they want to sleep-and how they work is that you put them in there when you are not home,and let them out as soon as you return

For puppies and for new dogs,you crate them pretty much all day,except when you have to let them out,and to feed them and then after a few weeks of that,they can be let out more often,at first only in a small area

And it is good that you feed them the same time every day as well-so you are stepping in the right direction