1-yr old male housetraning problems

Question
I am so serious, please help. I have a 1-yr old male dog (father was Jack Russell Terrier & mother was full shitzu)We bought him around 3 mos old from a pet store. For the 1st 3-4 mos. we crated him alot as he was not responding to housebreaking tactics. We would wake up 2-3 times at night & take him out everytime he whined. (which I think created more crying to go out). Then, out of desperation, we bought baby diapers and put them on him like a belly-band to catch the accidents. We let him out (while out of crate), nearly every hour. He could be out there for 30-45 minutes, only pee a couple of times, then almost immediately upon bringing him in the house, he would either pee or poo or both! We picked up a DVD from our vet, have spoken to dog trainers and numerous friends & family, with no success. He goes to a doggy-daycare 1 day a week for socialization & exercise, & even that trainer is baffled as he gives no obvious warning signs, he just "GOES"! We still must keep him diapered if not crated. He used to eliminate in the crate early on. He has since stopped that for the most part, with few accidents. We are at wits end. We really do love him, but are tired of cleaning carpets, furniture and our BED! Example, this morning he was out with my husband nearly 1 hour!, then he came in and in less than 5 minutes, I discovered a wet spot on the carpet!!! What is that about? He really loves us, and we love him, but we MUST get this under control. We have tried so hard to be patient - but are running low on it these days. He will be 1-yr old in 6 days! Can you please offer some suggestions.
Teddy-Bear's mommy, Pat

Answer
Hi Teddy-Bear's Mom!,

My initial thought is that Teddy Bear learned from a very early age, to go inside and most likely in a crate.  I'd be willing to bet he came from a puppy mill where conditions where not so hot, as most pet store puppies do ... despite what they tell you.   I'm not saying anything against Teddy Bear -- I have several dogs who came from the same situation and they were the worst dogs to housebreak I've ever had.  Once they learn bad habits, they can be very hard to break.

I hate to say that I think the diaper is only making matters worse.  I would suggest stopping that right away.

The key to housebreaking is to completely eliminate to opportunity to have an accident.  I think it's time for the crate again -- as you said he was doing well in it.  So, anytime you can not supervise him, he needs to be in the crate -- of course, with frequent and scheduled "outs".   Only when/if he goes potty outside should he be allowed some "play" time out of his crate in the house.   And, even then -- for the first 2 or three weeks, I am going to suggest that you keep him on the leash even when in the house.   This will give you control over him and you can gently jerk at the leash if he starts to go and immediately go outside.     I know this sounds like a lot of work, but if you can grin and bear it for about a month, I feel certain you will be happy with the results.

I'm assuming that since you have talked to your vet, you have eliminated the possibility of some sort of bladder or urinary tract infection, as this could very easily make him have frequent accidents.  

When he goes outside, is he always on a leash - or in a fenced yard.   If he is out in the yard, it is quite possible that he is so busy playing and sniffing that he forgets to potty.   I usually start by taking them out on a leash and just walking, completly ignoring the dog until they go.  Once they go, we have a little party and they get lots of treat and kisses.  

Hang in there, it will get better.

Cathy