Potty train two year old

Question
Wendy,
Thank you for taking the time to read my question. My mother has purchased a 2-year-old SCHITZUE from the local humane society. She has put him in my care to train him the basics. From the history, I was told a lady who had over 15 dogs surrendered him. He is uneasy with people but loves the attention once we get him to come. I am having one problem. He is not potty trained. We have tried praising him when he goes outside yet have not had the opportunity to catch him in the act to reprimand him for going inside. I am afraid if we cannot break him of this, my mother will have to look else where for a lap dog. Can you please help?
Thank You
Dean Miller  

Answer
This might me a tuff one. You need to start him just like a puppy.  Put a leash on him and take him with you everywhere you go around the house. If you are doing something that you can't have him with you, he should be crated. When he goes outside, you MUST go with him. Use a command such as "go potty" and when he does praise him and take him in the house. He has to learn why he is out there. This will take some time, but if you are consistant it shoud work.
Good luck.