Slow Learner?

Question
Hi Amanda,
I have an 8 month old German Shepard/Hound mix who I rescued at 5 months old. I've been trying teach him to only go to the bathroom outside. He's been better since I've tried some crate training for about a month now, but he'll still urinate while walking [which is strange in itself!] and will sometimes sneak off to poop. What else can I try to get him to completely stop this bad habit? And would getting him fixed help the situation? Thanks for your help and advice!
Jen

Answer
Getting him neutered might help a bit as it can lessen his desire to mark his territory.  I myself am going through the same thing with my 5 month old pitbull.  She's giving me fits with potty training!  Anyway, one thing you can try is giving him a treat (his own food will even work) every time he goes to the bathroom outside like you want.  Make sure to give him the treat as soon as he goes so he makes the connection.  Also, keeping him on a strict schedule may help.  If he knows he's going to go outside every so many hours, then maybe he'll be less inclined to go in the house.  Some dogs to take a bit longer to catch on, especially stubborn ones.  Be patient and remember that positive reinforcement always works best.  Also, since he was an older puppy when you got him, you're having to retrain him from however he was taught when he was young, so that takes a little extra time as well.

Amanda