4 year old housebreaking issue

Question
A year ago I adopted a rescue dog: a 20 lb female terrier mix. She came from an abusive home and had many issues which I have worked with her on. She no longer destroys shoes, clothes, furniture, etc. I keep her crated while I am at work from 9-5. Each morning I take her out for a twenty minute walk so she can do her business. When I come back in she goes in her crate with her food. When I get home from work I take her out immediately for another 20 minute walk. Throughout the evening she goes outside at least 4 times. Every couple of days, however, she will either urinate on carpet or defecate on carpet. The only places carpeted in my house are my roomate's bedroom and a couple of rugs in our living room. These are the only places she goes. I have thoroughly cleaned the spots. I do not yell at her or punish her. I do not let her see me clean it up. I take her out immediately after I find the mess. She will not stop! Also, whenever I take her to anyone else's house I walk her to go to the bathroom before we enter the house and she still looks for carpet or a rug to go to the bathroom. Help! She has never gone in her crate, she listens to commands and is otherwise a well-behaved dog.

Answer
Hello Kendall,

First the basics. Is she neutered? If not do it. Are you using a pet specific cleaner on the spots you have "thoroughly cleaned"? If not, be sure and use a cleaner specifically designed to remove pet odors.

It sounds like your terrier is marking. Dogs mark territory to avoid fights by warning off strangers by the scent of their urine and/or feces. Normally you find this behavior more in non aggressive, seemingly obedient dogs that feel the need to protect their pack. The key is that your dog feels the need to protect her pack (you).

The answer to the problem is to examine what signals you are giving your dog to make her think that you are incapable of protecting the pack's territory.

Try turning down the affection you are displaying. Often this is misinterpreted as your grooming the leader. Walk your dog at a heel, have her do the down command often and generally try to treat her like a dog rather than a little human.

Since I haven't observed how you relate to your dog, I cannot offer the specific areas of communication you need to work on. However, it does appear that somehow you are giving your dog the wrong signals. Correcting how your dog views her position in your pack is the long term solution to your issue.

Good Luck!

Sandy