8 Month Old Puppy Problems

Question
Hi,
I have a 8 month old male yorkie-dachshund mix, he has been neutered, about a month ago, and is full of energy, as most puppies are.

My question is in the problems he's been causing as of late. Specifically after he was neutered. Since that sad day is his life, he has seemed to not care where he urinates, he doesn't mark inside, but he will no longer pee on his mat, he also doesn't whine at the door nearly as long.

But im pretty sure this isn't medical because he will hold it for 8 hours while im at work, and not pee on his mat once, but if i ignore him for one minute he will go in the middle of the floor.

Also, if im not playing with him, he will bark in my face, repeatedly, it seems as if he thinks that he is deserving of my every bit of attention, but this seems odd to me after he has been neutered.

Thank You,
Daniel

Answer
Neutering isn't a cure all, and I have heard of other cases of behavior problems for a while.  Usually it helps in the long run.  Keep a good eye on him.  Try to learn if he is doing any sniffing or other behavior to tip you off before he urinates.  You could try hanging a bell on the door for him.  Even with it, you can't always drop what you are doing and run to the door.  

Have you obedience trained him?  The key to most behavior problems is approaching things using the dog's natural instincts. Dogs see all the people and dogs in the household as a pack with each having their own rank in the pack and a top dog. Life is much easier if the 2 legged pack members outrank the 4 legged ones. You can learn to play the role of top dog by reading some books or going to a good obedience class. A good obedience class or book is about you being top dog, not about rewarding standard commands with a treat.