I house trained Baxter using the cage method. It was very effective. He was in his cage when I was at work or just generally away from home or sleeping. As soon as I would get back home, I would immediately let him out, leash him, and take him outside. He learned to not mess in his cage, because he had to sleep there. And he also learned to go to the door when he wanted to go out. He can now sleep in my bed with me, and he doesn't mess in the house if he wakes up and I don't. It takes a while, but this is the best way. Make sure you watch your dogs closely when they are lose in the house. You could also try child gates to keep your dogs in one area of the house so they are not able to mess in other areas of the house (like when they wander off).