My husband and I don't believe in crating. We have had the pleasure of adopting quite a few puppies and adult dogs in our 38 years of marriage. Patience, consistency and a routine seems to be what worked best for us. The dog needs to get to know your routine and you the dogs routine. First thing in the morning before anything else is a potty break. Then breakfast. About 30 minutes to an hour later is a walk. (What goes in most come out at some point). If the dog doesn't go then try a walk 30 minutes later. Then we go out again around 10:00 AM, AGAIN AT 1:00PM, 3:00PM, 5:00PM is dinner, out at 6:00 PM again at 9:00PM then one last time at 10:00PM. Repeat in the morning. Keep this up for two weeks and be consistent and you soon will both figure out the dogs pattern. At first as your getting to know your dog you should take her out 30 minutes after you know your dog drinks. We always take our dog out one last time just before we go to bed and he is good until morning. If you pay close attention you will probably realize your dog is letting you know when they need out. Standing or sitting by the door is one way one of our dogs let us know. Our latest rescue sits and stares at us if he needs out. Just astablish a routine and be consistent and it's should happen quickly. Also take your dog out before you leave and back out again as soon as you get home. Being in a crate all day long doesn't seem like much of a "rescue" or way of life for a dog.