Opie is a 14 month old neutered male that we've had for 3 months. We still don't have the potty issued resolved. He's crate trained and he potties outside, but he also potties inside if the urge hits him. He may go for a week with no inside incidences, then squat next to the sofa and let 'er go.

We've done everything the books and videos say, including keeping him tethered to me. He peed between my feet. I'm an experienced dog owner, although this is my first BT. Can anyone give us some help please.

Are you using something like Petzyme to clean up the messes? If there is any trace, he is going to have the urge to mark those places again. Do you limit water at all? If not, I would highly recommend putting a feeding schedule together with no water in his crate. They sleep all day usually, so it won't be so difficult. If he is having accidents in his crate, it is helpful to feed him in his crate and put the comfiest bed in there while you are home so that he respects his environment. If he sees the crate as a cage, he won't care what is in it. Basically, you need to go back to the basics like you would if he was a tiny puppy. I am not a big fan of the tether method, so throw that one out the door. It sounds like you may need to get some tell bells or make some on your own and have him ring them everytime he needs to go outside. Treat him when he rings them, and hopefully, within a few weeks, he will be much improved. Hang in there! I know how frustrating stuff like that is, but I am sure that with your dedication, he will be a well behaved boy in no time!

Yes, I'm using Petzyme. He does not "go" in the crate so I know that he can hold it if he wants to. That's what makes it so frustrating. I had considered the bell system, but figured he might just want to play with them. Do you put them at the door?

You hang them on the door knob...you can make your own by finding the largest bells possible (jingle bells), and just tie them to a ribbon. If you use the command "Go Outside" just encourage him to hit the bells, when he does, immediately treat him and open the door. He will get the clue. I just have a feeling that maybe he is quite like Rupert is and doesn't make any commotion when he needs to go out. He may go to the door, but he isn't going to sit there like my other dog does. You can buy them at specialty pet stores too - I think they call them Potty Bells, but it all depends on how much you want to spend. It sounds like you have already invested quite a bit. Good Luck! Please keep us posted!