potty training MAX

Question
I HAVE A LITTER BOX IN HIS CAGE AND IN THE HOUSE WHERE HE GOES. MAX RUNS THE HOUSE ALL DAY LONG AND NIGHT. HE WILL GO POTTY NEXT TO THE BOX AND NOT IN IT. I WILL PUT THE POO IN THE LITTER BOX SO HE CAN SMELL IT AND HOPE HE WILL GO IN TO USE THE LITTER BUT HE REFUSES. MAX IS AL MOST A YEAR OLD.I HAD HIM FOR ABOUT 4MOS. HE WAS LOCKED INTO A CLOSET BEFORE I GOT HIM. AND I THINK HE DIDN'T HAVE LITTER BOX .  HE JUST WENT WHERE EVER HE WANTED. BUT I HAVE TWO CHILDREN AND THE BABY IS ONLY 2YRS. AND I DON'T WANT HER AROUND THE POO.  CAN YOU GIVE ME ANY HELP WITH MAX.
 THANK YOU
   KATHY

Answer
Hi Kathy!  I really think it would help if you would not allow him free run of the house until he is completely potty trained and only allow him out when you can watch him closely.  That way should you see him about to potty, you can quickly put him into the litter box.  He should catch on pretty quickly this way.