Golden won't bark or scratch door to go outside

I recently adopted a 1 year old neutered golden from a shelter. He seems to be quite intelligent and housebroken in the sense that he seems to know that he is supposed to go outside. About every other day though he has an accident. I try to take him out every 1-2 hours but I wish he'd let me know when he wants to go out. My previous Golden would just bark at the door.
This Golden has only barked once in the two weeks that I've had him. He doesn't jump up at the door or anything. I've been trying "bell training" (getting him to ring a bell I've attached on the door) but that isn't working. He doesn't get excited enough to accidently ring the bell in order to form the mental connection between bell = door open.
So anyhow.. Help? Thanks!

You just have to learn his signs. Sometimes they will start sniffing the floor or circling an area. Sometimes they whine and sometimes they just stare at you or at the door. Sometimes they run over to you like they are trying to get you and sometimes they run back and forth from the door to you, door to you... Just learn his signals.

And continue with the bell training. Just be patient and make it really fun. I've never bell trained but I think it's a great idea. Hopefully someone else will have some tips for you with that.

I agree with Saje. Each dog has their own way of telling you they need to go out. My dogs will wait at the door, and if they REALLY need to go, they will dance around a little bit.lol

I am always looking for those other signs... Sniffing around... coming to me, etc... They just aren't there. (or I haven't seen them yet).
I'd love to hear if anyone else has been successful with bell training.
What kind of dog do you have?

I agree, each dog's different. Since you've only had him a few weeks , he may be trying to figure you out too. Was this why he was re -homed ??? Maybe his first family never trained him. Did you have dogs that " marked " an area before ? My goldens always have had a long "hold" period.....but I think and adopted dog may have issues....if you're home all day with him, don't let him out ever 2 hours, but hold off and watch for signals.... catching him in the act will help.....a sharp " NO" and escort outside will help. Take his pile outside to where you want him to go . Be patient...he's confused.

pee stick

Anyone know if those "pee sticks" I see advertized work?
The ones that you stake in your yard to let the dog know... THIS is where you pee.