Hi! I assume that being a dog person you probably already use "outside" / inside language, i.e., making the statement, "we are going outside." And, if you catch him going INSIDE the house, just to talk with him, not angrily, but emphatically, and reminding him, "We go potty OUTSIDE."

I can sympathize...I don't think I'd want to keep him crated all of the time either. But, I would keep him "leashed" to me....literally, hook his leash to your belt or wrist, all of the time (it's kind of like when the kids were toddlers...you just never let them out of your sight). He cannot "get away," because he's where ever you are (or anyone else in the house). Also, find a reward that he really likes--my guys like cheese, and also some dried salmon treats made by Nor Pac. Give him one of these whenever he does potty outside.

Both of my dogs are rescue dogs. One is a chihuahua, and the other a Jack Russell mix (Jupiter). Jupiter was more than a year old when we got him. It took at least 3 months for him to learn the boundaries. He does not like to go out in the rain, and I put down a puppy pad for him if it is raining, and I'm going out, but not crating him, because I know his aversion to rain.

Good luck!