HOUSEBREAKING OUR 6 MO FEMALE COCOKER SPANIEL

Question
I THOUGHT WE WERE WELL ON OUR WAY TO HOUSEBREAKING OUR COCKER.  SHE PUDDLES WHEN EXCITED, AND SOMETIMES FOR NO REASON AT ALL SHE WILL JUST SQUAT AND PUDDLE.  THIS SOMETIMES OCCURS RIGHT AFTER SHE HAS PUDDLED OUTSIDE.  SHE RARELY HAD POOP ACCIDENTS IN THE HOUSE, BUT IN THE PAST 2 DAYS SHE HAS BEEN POOPING IN THE HOUSE AS IF THAT IS THE NORM.  WE GOT HER FROM A BREEDER AT 11 WEEKS OLD AND BEGAN TRAINING HER TO GO OUTSIDE IMMEDIATELY.  SHE WILL BE 6 MOS NEXT WEEK AND I AM CONCERNED.  THANK YOU.

Answer
Hi Angela,
Well..that's the deal with puppies.  Just when you think you've got it aced, they regress.

Now..the excited piddling..do NOT punish.  She can't help it
at this point and will outgrow it.

The other...stop..begin housebreaking again and be vigilant.
This often happens and it's no big deal.  Don't over-react...just back up and do what you were doing in the first place.  It's no different really than "potty training" a child.  Be consistent..meaning..feed her at regular times.. go outside and WATCH until she goes.  Walk her at regular times.  Routine is your friend.

I'd also take a urine sample in to your vet to make sure she doesn't have a urinary tract infection.  This is common and can seem like the pup is regressing but they actually have a problem they can't help.

I'd also like to know if you've changed her food recently?
Or if they're been any changes in the household?  If not, then just be patient..walk her after every meal (just a short walk will do)..and get her on a routine.
Delores