house training with a doggy door

Question
We just adopted a mamma dog that was found in a vacant home starved and could
barley stand up.  The lady that rescued/vetted her found out later that she was
pregnant.  She had 4 puppies that were weaned off her at around 6 weeks so that
she could gain more weight.  We adopted her once her pups were 8 weeks old.  
After I took her to the vet, I found out that she was only 1.5 years old.  Way
too young to be having pups. She's been with us now for about a week.  She's so
sweet, happy and relaxed despite her past life.  Here's the problem: even though
we have a doggy door and a fenced yard, we just can't seem to get her
housetrained.  The lady that rescued her told us that she was potty trained, but
she has had quite a few accidents every day with us.  I have caught her peeing,
said "no" firmly, and picked her up or took her by her collar and ran with her,
put her through the doggy door and took her to a "potty spot" on several
occasions.  I even take her outside when I think its time for her to go, and she does, almost like she knows what's going on.  Despite all of
this, I keep finding messes when I'm home and not watching her %100 percent.  
But here's the kicker: When I come home from work, I don't find any messes.  I
know that she is VERY clingy and afraid to leave my side when I'm home.  I have
a kennel, but I just don't want to stress her out.  I feel that she has been
through enough.  I tried putting food in it, making it the place to be, but she
didn't want anything to do with it.  What do you think I should be doing
different?  I just can't figure it out.


Answer
Hi Jen,

From my past experience with rescue dogs, it can take longer than a week for them to adjust.  I usually tell people to give them at least 30 days.   While I understand that you don't want to stress her out, I really do suggest that you use a spacious open wire crate while you can not watch her, including when you are not home.  Hopefully this would not have to be done for any extended period of time.  She is just confused and doesn't know what she is supposed to do.   When she is not in the crate, I would continue to take her out regularly and even possibly keep a leash on her in the house so she has to stay with you.   If you can do this for few weeks, I feel certain that she'll come around.   The best way to teach a dog not to go in the house is to prevent it from happening at all.  If you can be sure that the only place she goes is outside for several days, she will just automatically want to go there to relieve herself.

One thing that I want to add, please be careful with the dog door when you are not home - especially with her background.  It sounds like she would scare easily and if something were to happen (jump the fence/dig under) she'd be long gone before you even knew about it.   Also - with her being so clingy to you, she might even try to get out to come look for you.  

Thank you for rescuing this sweet dog.  She's lucky to have you.

Cathy