Hello
My dog called Jack is always going to the bathroom in the house and he wont tell us when he needs to go outside. I need some suggestions to help me housebrake him again. He is 11 months old. Jack is a very good dog otherwise. He loves to with the kids and other dog and cat. We rescued him from a animal shelter a few weeks ago.

Instead of waiting for him to tell you he needs out just put him out about every hour.
And after he has gone in the house, put him outside.

First of all, don't put him out. Take him out. On a leash. Potty time isn't play time. Decide on a word or phrase to use, and tell him what you want him to do. I tell mine "Go potty."

There are certain times when a dog is most likely in need to go out. When they wake up in the morning, or from a nap. After they eat. After they chew. Make sure you take him out at those times. Use your word or phrase. When you see him getting ready to go (sniffing, turning circles, squatting), use your phrase or word again. That will help him associate the phrase or word with the action. Then praise him.

Once he's done his business outside, he's allowed free time in the house for about an hour. After that, keep a leash on him and keep him with you at all times. When you see sniffing/circling activity, ask him if he has to go out. Make a big production out of it, so he can associate the need with asking to go out. Then take him out.

Watch for unusual signs that might indicate he needs to go. One of mine sneezes. The other one will take off and run wildly around the house like something is after his butt. If you see some sort of behavior repeatedly just before he goes, make note of it, and be on the lookout for it.

I'd also suggest getting a crate if you don't already have one. Get him used to it by feeding him in his crate and closing him in it for short periods of time. Then start crating him overnight. If you must leave the house, crate him while your gone. Crate him if you can't watch him. And make sure you take him out every time you let him out of his crate.

No, crates are not cruel. Dogs are denning animals. The crate is their den. It's their special place where they can get away from it all. Don't allow anyone to bother him when he's in his crate. It's his bedroom, quiet place, safe haven.

You also need to clean any area he's soiled with something that removes the smell completely. There are several products available to do this. Pick one, read the label, and follow the directions.

Just wanted to say something about crates. First off, my dog loves his crate. Your dog will too just make sure you never put him in there as a punishment.
Secondly, when you pick out a crate don't get a huge one. Get one just big enough for your dog. If it is to big then the dog can go to the bathroom in it. If it is to small, obviously it will be very cramped in there.

Crates are definitely a big help, especially with small dog breeds. They may not like it at first, but after time they will grow to love it. Just be sure to never punish them by making them go to their crate. They might associate it with being bad then.

Vetgroomer said it all great advice.