Cocker Spainel 8 months not potty trained

Question
We have our dog since she's been 8 weeks old, she's always crated at night or when we're out. She's now 8 months old and still has many accidents in the house. She doesn't wet when she's crated and we have recently let her stay out of her crate at night and was very good, no accidents. During the day is another story. I bring out outside the minute we wake up, after she eats, the minute I return home she's let out of the crate and several times a day. She doesn't seem to be able to hold it longer then 2 hours if she's out of the crate. There's been times when she wet right in front of me on the carpet. She doesn't tell me she has to go. There is no standing by the door, no look, no bark, nothing. I've tried hanging a bell near the door.    Did I do anything wrong and what should I do now?

Answer
Donna, the first thing I'd do is check for a urinary tract infection.  Just get a urine sample (first morning is best) and drop it off at the vet's office as quickly after collection as possible.  Make sure you put it in a sterile container and refrigerate if you can't take it directly in.

I suspect a mild infection is going on here and when she's "active" during the day just can't hold it.  An 8 month old shouldn't have to urinate every 2 hours.

If it turns out she's clear then write me back and we'll back up and begin training.

Also..I'd suggest when you're going out to take her for a walk instead of just popping her outside.  Most pups will go multiple times on a walk so her bladder will really be empty.  She needs a minimum of two half hour walks a day anyway so you can time this to work for you.

Do let me know what the results are and we can go from there.
Delores