inside toileting

Question
I have a five year old fox terrier.  He was an abandoned dog.  He is very gentle, loving and playful.  Despite haveing full day and night access to a garden area and daily walks he still wets and defaecates inside. He always cowers afterwards.  I have not hit him but have shouted and he knows he is out of favour.  Any hints I can use would be much appreciated.  Thanks  Des

Answer
This sounds like a tough problem.  You have checked with the vet?  If it happens when you aren't around, try crating him.  Other dogs may
not be as bad as the young Labs I am plagued with.  Still your house and dog
will be much safer with the dog in a crate when you are away.  The dog may be
happier in its den than loose in the house.  It relaxes, it feels safe in its
den.  It rests, the body slows down reducing the need for water and relieving
its self.  Dogs that have been crated all along do very well.  Many of them
will rest in their crates even when the door is open.  I think the plastic
ones give the dog more of a safe, enclosed den feeling.  They are harder for
dogs to open too.    Metal ones can be put in a corner or covered with
something the dog can't pull in and chew.  Select a crate just big enough for the full grown dog to stretch out in.

Leave it some toys.  Perhaps a Kong filled with peanut butter.  Don't leave
anything in the crate the dog might chew up.  It will do fine without even any
bedding.  You will come home to a safe dog and a house you can enjoy.

If it happens when you are around, work at keeping an eye on him.  Close door and put up gates to keep him where you can see him.