I have a 1 1/2 yr old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, who is the most adorable. He is potty trained though not completely reliable. He won't mess on my main level however he will go to the basement and do his job. For the most part he goes to the door and sits down or scratches the door to be let out. I feed him just twice a day. Also if I leave him at a friends place for a few days, he pees and poops in their home constantly. I have had him since was 8 weeks, he is neutered and has no other issues. How can I get to a point where I can give him free reign of the house. I am also embarrassed to leave him with anyone.

Keep the door to the basement closed and be more attentive to him. If he goes to the door, and you don't let him out, he may feel withdrawing to the basement is good enough. When he does go to the door, praise him as well as letting him out promptly. You could try hanging a bell on the door where he can paw it to let you know he needs out.

It could be that neither he, nor whoever you are leaving him with have the patience to cope with each other. You might do better to leave him at a kennel when you have to.

You have talked to the vet about the problems? No amount of training will fix a physical problem.

Crate, crate, crate! Ask you vet for info on crate training and both you and your dog will be happy. King's are sweet as well as "Cavalier"... they like to do things their way! Labman is right-keep the door closed. Some people are appalled at the crate. If you are one of these, tether him to you with a leash so that he is always by your side and you know what he is up to. Crate is still easier!

I am a very strong advocate of leaving the dog in a crate when you aren't around or too preoccupied to watch it. However, I didn't interpret your problem as being when you aren't around. I think what appalls some people about crates is when the dog is left in it much of the time when the owner is around.

I see your problem as you and the dog learning to communicate. That can't happen with him shut up in a crate.

If the problem includes when you aren't around, post back for more on solving that problem with a crate. Used properly, crates are the best friend of both the owner and the dog.