Wow that sounds similar to what I was going through a little bit ago (esp. the part of when you take her out she doesn't go and instead just plays with leaves). Keep up with the crate training, it does get frustrating but it is the best way to go. It sounds like you are doing excellent by keeping her in the crate and taking her out often... Abbey never pooped in her crate, most dogs don't bc they don't want to be stuck with it...so I do not know what to say about that. Just keep up with it, the best thing is consistency...EVERYTIME she goes inside reprimand her with a loud noise (never spank or scream her name at her that will just make her shy of her name) and say "NO!" It is also good to have a certain phrase everytime you take her outside like "potty outside" and just say it over and over so she learns that it means to go. Also when she does go outside praise her by saying "good girl, good potty outside" to reinforce it even more.
It's a long process, but it sounds like you're doing good.
I hope this helped!!
__________________ Chelsey & Abbey  We love and miss you MINNIE. Never far from our thoughts, Rest In Peace |