puppy attitude

Question
Hello,
My girlfriend and I have a 7 month old (not yet spayed) Pitbull/Bull Mastiff mix.  Both of us have grown up around dogs, but this is the first "sole ownership" for us both.  

I feel like thus far we've done an excellent job training little Zoe and establishing ourselves as pack leaders; she comes when called, and understands and obeys basic sit, stay, speak, and other commands with or without reward.  She also knows that she should be going outside and even barks to get out now.  

However, we have not been able to fully housebreak her yet and I'm worried that she might have an attitude problem because the only time she seems to have an "accident" anymore is when she doesn't get her way.  I wonder if we've made the mistake of spoiling her from when we got her at 6 weeks old?  She already runs to the door when she hears the jingle of car keys and generally loves to be as close as possible to the both of us at all times.  We love to take her out with us whenever possible.  Is it possible that we give her TOO MUCH(!) affection and that she is showing her disapproval those times when she is not allowed to come with us?  

Part of the reason we got her was to watch our house while we're out, so crating to us is out of the question.  Another thing is that we do let her up on the furniture to be closer to us, but she actually knows not to just jump up - she has to be invited.  

What I'm hoping is that you'll tell me that my fears are premature and that she's too young for us to be so worried.  I just hope that this isn't the start of a disturbing trend.  I'd love to hear your perspective on the matter.  Thank you.

Answer
It really does sound like she is challenging you for leadership.  it will only get worse as she matures.  A vet check never hurts, and now would be a good time to spay her.  She may be coming into season before long  and once she starts, most vets will insist you go through the mess, hassle, and risks before they will spay her.  If somebody broke into the house when she was in season, she could well knock them down on her way out the door forgetting about the house.  

Spaying would go a long ways to solve the leadership problem.  Whatever you have done, it doesn't sound like you have made your point.  Take a look at www.dogbreedinfo.com./topdogrules.htm