You aren't a failure! Muffin was very difficult to housetrain. Kacee was easy. The difference? I honestly think it was the poochie bells and the cheese!
I started Kacee off when she was about three months old if I remember correctly. I'd take her to the door and take her front paws and reach up and we'd ring the bells together and at the same time I'd ask her if she wanted to go potty. She caught on to ringing them just like that! Very quick. And, yes, she rang them all of the time for awhile. It was fun for her, you know? Besides, she has always (still does) loved to go outside. Now she just rings them if she needs to potty or just wants to go out for awhile.
After she potties, I always say, "Good girl!" and I get really excited. Then I say, "Good girls get cheese."
And, guess what? Now she won't come in until I say, "Good girls get cheese."
She is totally housetrained. No accidents.
Go to the following site and click on "Video Example" in the column at the left and watch it.
http://www.poochie-pets.net/