boston-fox terrier mix having an issue

[Beck]

My partner and I have both had terriers in our homes before we met, we both wanted to adopt this sweet little dog. She is a cross between a Boston Terrier and a Fox Terrier. We adopted her from a family who had left housebreaking up to the children, and unfortunately taught (unknowingly) by the family to eliminate in the house. Her crate was big enough for a Malamute, when outside with the children she learned that as soon as she did her business she was taken back into the house, so she would hold it longer and longer and just wait until she was back inside to take care of her business. Finally dumbfounded, the family put an ad in the paper to find her a new home, to which my partner and I responded. We immediately purchased a crate that was more her size, and began to make sure that she was on lead and totally ignored outside until she had taken care of business, once she eliminated we gave immediate enthusiastic praise, took her straight back into the house and put a treat in her face. When an accident occurs in the house and we don't catch her we simply clean it up and don't say anything to her, if we catch her in the act we yell no and scoop her up and straight outside. We consistently use the same door to take her out and are doing everything we can think of to re-train her. We have taken her to two Vets to rule out any medical issues. We adopted her mid December, and have seen very little progress. Any suggestions would be most welcomed.
Thanks,
Beck

[flyndog]

It sounds like you are doing fine. I would suggest trying to keep a closer eye on her and prevent her from having an "accident". Yes, that means you have to watch her a lot when you are with her. Maybe even keep a leash on her tied to you.

Unless you clean with an enzyme based cleaner, the dog can still smell the area even if you washed it.

Your post didn't say how old the new dog is. It's only been 2 months since you have started to teach her what you want her to do and unteach what the former family taught her. You are basically house training from the beginning, so hang in there. She'll get it. Is she on any kind of a schedule so that you can kind of guess when she has to go outside?

[Kelly]

Well first off, good for you for adopting her. You shound like you are doing a much better job than the previous family.

I agree about the enzyme cleaner. Try nature's miracle, it works well.

Seems like you are doing everything right. This dog is lucky to have you, but you must undo what her previous family taught her.