Hoarder dog

Question
The SPCA seized dogs from a hoarder who kept all the dogs in crates.  When they were brought to the shelter where I volunteer, all of the crates were full of urine and feces because the dogs apparently had no other options to relieve themselves. Almost all are making strides in keeping their kennels clean after being at the shelter for two weeks. The notable exception is a young female setter who steps in and will even lie down in her excrement. She will sometimes step in other dog's poop when walked.

Otherwise, she is an absolutely wonderful dog that I would love to save.

Is there a technique that can be used to correct this behavior and make her adoptable? I could foster her if there is a greater chance of success outside of the shelter environment.


Answer
Dirty dogs (professional lingo) are a huge challenge. I would say there probably is a better chance of success at home. Watch and confine will not work as well for housebreaking a dirty dog because they have no problem messing their dens. Instead, you must practice watch and watch some more.
Check out my article on housebreaking http://www.thegooddogjournal.com/2008/11/housebreaking-made-easy.html and make the following adjustments:

Instead of confining her in a crate, when she must be confined, confine her on a short tether just long enough for her to lay down, stand and sit. Usually dogs like to do a bit of spinning before they go and sniffing before they go and the issues this causes with a short tether may discourage her. Obviously don't leave her alone for long. If she gets tangled she won't be happy.

Don't confine her a lot, instead watch her a lot. Keep her close to you as often as possible so that when she makes like she's going to go inside, you can get to her quickly to scold her, rush her outside and praise her and treat her like crazy when she's out. Then quickly clean up the poo and dispose of it.

When/if she goes in the house, let her watch you cleaning up her poo and pee and make sure you are as visibly disgusted by it as you can possibly muster. Don't yell and be abusive, but gripe, make disgusted faces etc. Remember don't address your disgust at her, but at the poo.

Likewise if she steps in or lies in it act disgusted (don't scold, just be very obviously grossed out) and clean her up immediately. When she's nice and clean, give her lots of love and attention. If she really hates baths and gets one every time she's poo-ey, that could work as a deterrent too.

This should help teach her that poo is gross. Be patient though, it could be a really long time before it turns around. I'm sure she didn't get in the dirty dog habit overnight. I would also watch for poo eating as she starts to get the idea, she may decide she better clean it up if you don't get it right away. It can be a delicate balance.