We bought a bulldog pup 3 weeks ago and right away he understood housebreaking. We used a crate with very little accidents. The second week we had to go out of town and the woman we bought it from kept the dog for us. She promised us she would walk him but now I think it is clear she let him just mess his crate 24/7.
Now that he is back he poops and pees all the time in his crate. With us there, with us gone, day, night, 5 minutes after taking him out. He lays in it, sits in it, we even feed him in the crate but he still potties in it.

We truly think the woman has ruined this dog. I don't know what to do. We are patiently taking him out every 20-30 minutes when we are here but he doesn't get it. I don't think its defience or separation or loneliness as we crate another bullie next to him. I can also be sitting right next to him and he'll go. Another week has passed and we are making NO progress. Any hints on what we could possibly try?

PS we successfully crate trained the other bullie last year so we know how to do it so it works- but this little guy is a huge challenge.

Plain and simple, he bonded with you, and was happy, you left him, now he is making you pay. They are very basic. It may not be entirely her fault you know. Don't assume too much. Just spend extra extra time with the bully you love and he loves you, and everything will be back to normal. Just have patience and love.

The first time I left my five month old hound, who by the way, was wonderful housebreaking, no nibbling on furniture, just perfect; we came back, she was loving and happy, I went upstairs to unpack my bag, she was up on the bed and as soon as we made eye contact, she peed on my bed!! I guess you know why. Case closed.