Bad Bathroom Habits

Question
We have a two year 4 month old Westis we adopted from the Humane Society a month ago. In her profile it said she was partially house trained. That was not accurate.            I take her out frequently and leave her in the yard to play up to an hour everyday.She will go first thing in the morning to urniate, but after that it's circle city all over the carpet. The past two days she has pooped in the living room three times.
We went for a fifteen minute walk at 9:00 P.M. did nothing and went to the back door and pooped again.
I am beside myself.
She sleeps in a pet carrier at night.Is fed in the morning and evening and given two treats per day.
I have never seen a dog that doesn't pee on every walk, but she doesn't half the time.
She is just a delightful little dog other than her pooping and peeing habits. We love her so much. Please help!
Thanks, Sandra

Answer
Hi Sandra,
If the urination is frequent, you may want to have her checked by a vet to see if she has a urinary tract infection.
Otherwise...
Instead of a pet carrier (by which, I assume you mean a plastic airline carrier), I would try an open wire crate.  Sometimes the airline carriers cause anxiety which could be causing some of the problem.   I also assume that since you got her from the Humane Society, she is already spayed?   

I suggest that you switch crates and completely start over with her training.  It will take work and persistence on your part, but the end results will be rewarding.   The key for you to remember is that it is up to you to completely eliminate the opportunity for accidents.  The crate is the best tool for doing this.   For the initial period, you will basically need to keep her confined to the crate when you can not be supervising her 100%.   Even when she is not in the crate, I suggest keeping her on a leash in the house - tied to your waist.   If she starts to have an accident, you give her a gentle tug so she immediately knows she is doing wrong and you go directly outside.  
I know this is all difficult to do, but it really works.  It shouldn't take more than a few weeks for her to show an improvement and then you can give her gradual amounts of freedom.  
A good place to see step by step crating instructions is at: www.paw-rescue.org   See Robin's Pet Tips on the home page.  she has a special tip sheet on crating.