Housbreaking

Question
Hello

We have a 10 month old cock-a-poo (she looks just like a cocker, even the vet didnt believe us at first but she came from a breeder and was a first generation puppy)and we are still having a problem with her housebreaking. When she was brought home at around 9-10 weeks we had her first check up at our local ver and found she did have a urinary tract infection. This took many weeks after to clear up, even going as far as taking her to a specialist and they did a sysco (spell?) draw and did tests based on that draw and everything checked out ok. Was recommended to keep her on the medications and give it a longer chance to work. In the meantime of course it was very hard for us to try to train her with her having that urge to pee all the time. We did finally clear up the infection, but we are still fighting her peeing in the house. She was trained using a puppy door and will use it about 90% of the time. Its the other 10% that we are having a tough time with. She is a very smart dog, very easily trained to shake paw and other tricks in less than 1 hour if you can believe that! So we know shes not stupid, and the other thing that leads us to believe this is more behavioral is that when left home alone, she has held it or gone outside for as long as 10 hours. Shes normally left alone for about 5 hours a day, and she has never never peed anywhere. But as soon as we get home, she will always pee at least once, usually in the same place which is the tiled front entryway or on the carpet of the upstairs hallway and our bedroom. Once in a while she will pee on the living room carpet, but its rare. Sorry to be so long winded but wanted you to have the complete history, so just wondering if you seem to agree that its more towards the behavioral side, and if so is their any tips to get her to a 100% success level. Thanks again!

Answer
It is possible it is a plea for more attention.  She could also just be too busy and forget when people are at home.  I think the solution is more attention to her.  Keep her near you and keep an eye on her.  Close doors, use gates, leash her to you, put her on a short tie down, etc.  Somebody needs to be watching her every minute.  This includes when she is sleeping.  Just after a dog gets up from a nap, they frequently have to go.  Also watch for running in circles and sniffing, especially near the areas she frequently uses.  Any such sign, TAKE her out.  Keep her moving except when she stops to sniff.  If she pees, praise her.  

This may take some time.  She has had time to ingrain a bad habit.  I am no fan of doggy doors and feel it is very important to be out with the dog when housebreaking it.  Add the UTI, and it is no wonder you have problems.