We just got a 7 month old puppy from the pound. He is kinda house trained. It seems he has to pee about every hour. I try to take him out a lot, I am home all day. We have heard conflicting advice about scolding, etc. I think it is just trial and error. The shelter recommended obedience training, they do for every dog, and we really need to check into this. Our first floor is all hardwood, so he goes upstairs to wee on the carpet. I follow him up there and chase him outside when I see him going up the stairs. I don't really have a good answer for you except do some research on the web, etc. We had an elderly dog who passed away a few months ago. She was confused in the end and would go potty in the house. Luckily though, she did not often climb the stairs! We have moved several times, and now I am telling DH "next house, NO CARPET!" Good luck!!!