still potty training, fighting whos boss

Question
I took your advice on confining my shitzu to a smaller area in the yard to convince her she is not an outside dog.  that works great, now she is playing me by wanting to go outside all the time by ringing her bell on the door.  I make many trips out there hoping she will go and eventually she does.  What she does is goes back and forth and back and forth like she is going to go and then it seems like she changes her mind and then starts playing.  so I take her back in the house and it starts all over again.  she has not gone since 5:15am this morning. only potty.  she just ate for the first time in a day and a half. so I have to believe she has to poop.  now what.  I am faithful with the leash and giving her time to go, but its becoming it seems a bad habit.  sometimes she is really good.  but alot of the time she is playing me for a sucker.  how do I know when she really has to go.  help again.  she hasnt had any accidents in the house now for over three weeks.  she is eight months. we inherited her from our daughter and peaches still thinks she is an outside dog.

Answer
Lorayne:

This can be a little tricky, because you don't want to discourage Peaches from using her bell.  I would suggest using a crate inside for her, and when she rings the bell to go outside but only wants to play when you take her out - bring her in and put her in the crate for 30 minutes, then take her out again.  Let her know that she will not be turned loose inside until she has gone potty outside.  Repeat the process if necessary.  The crate is not punishment, it is just a safe place for her to be confined when necessary, and a good training tool.  Another thing you may try (instead of or in addition to the crate) is to bring her inside when she doesn't go potty, and have a play session for 10 minutes or so.  Then take her back outside to try again.  Good luck!