Schnauzer puppy and accidents

Question
We had a hard time housebreaking our puppy as we got him at 16 weeks and it was obvious he developed bad habits before we got him.  But we got through it.  We was neutered 2 weeks ago; he is now 8 months old.  One week ago, he started having accidents, pooping and peeing.  This only happens upstairs in our hallway.  Its happened 4 times in one week. Each time we don't see it happen.  We put him in the cage but not sure what else to do. It seems weird that this started about a week after being neutered.  What can we do?

Answer
It's not uncommon for any puppy to develop house training problems up to, and even beyond, 9 months of age.  The neutering may have contributed to the problem due to the sudden decrease in testosterone, which may have created a need for this dominant little breed to mark.  However, USING THE CRATE is not acceptable!

You must go back to Kindergarten and spend the next few weeks re-establishing appropriate elimination outdoors.  GO OUT with your puppy and praise lavishly with small food treat whenever he eliminates outside.  DO NOT, whatever you DO, YELL at or PUNISH the dog because of his "accidents" indoors as this will teach him NOT to eliminate in front of you and create a whole new set of housetraining issues.  Put this dog on a house tab (lightweight cotton training leash, as long as you can get) during this re-schooling.  Do NOT allow him upstairs without strict supervision.  Meanwhile, learn about positive reinforcement training and begin to engage this very smart dog's intellect by teaching him several obedience commands (one at a time).  This will make him much more secure in your "pack", reinforce his experience that pleasing YOU is very rewarding, and make him a much better companion.