housebreaking a rescue dog

Question
Hi. I recently rescued a 2 yr old, 14 lb, male yorkie/silky mix from a yorkie rescue. He is a wonderful dog, but he is not completely housebroken. Since it is getting warmer out, I leave the back door open for all 3 of my dogs to go in and out, and he rarely has any accidents, so I know he knows he's to go outside. I also have yet to actually catch him in the act. I would assume that his previous owners yelled at him after they found elimination in the house because he would look guilty any time he'd messed in the house. He doesn't so much now because I don't yell at him after the fact. He also doesn't eliminate if I keep him closed off in a single room, even if I'm at work for 9 hours. But if I let him have run of the house, it never fails that there has been an accident. I've belly-banded him to avoid the clean-up, but 9 times out of ten, it's been messed by the time I come home. And I don't feel that belly-banding him is going to teach him not to go in the house.

My questions are...should I just crate him, even though the other two dogs have run of the house? What will it take for him to be able to have run of the house? How can I convince him to use a training pad or newspaper for the times he DOES have to go and I'm unable to let him out? He doesn't go in the same spot, and refuses to eliminate on ANYTHING if I contain him to one room (I've tried covering the entire floor with newspaper and/or training pads and he's not gone on them.) And how should I go about cleaning the carpet? I've managed to soak up most of the accidents, but do I need a professional cleaner, should I spray everything with a vinegar mix...? The house starts to smell like urine if I close it up for the weekend if I leave...

Thanks so much for your help.

Answer
Lori..ok..lots of questions. First clean the floor with half and half white vinegar and water and then have a professional clean with a soap agent. Next...do NOT expect the dog to stop messing in the house if you teach him that pads are ok..they will be placed inside right? The dog will assume inside is ok...not just the pad..unless....you are there EVERY single time he potties and put him in a specific spot and tell him that is good. The crate is the best way for now. You will HAVE to praise him when he goes in the right place until he gets it. IT is ok to do with the other dogs out of crates. Just dont use it as punishment. Hope that helps. Good luck
Nancy