Yes, another housebreaking dilemma

Question
I have a 7 month old cocker spaniel. She came to live with us at 13 weeks of age, and in two weeks time she was barking at the door to go potty. YAY! She hasn't had an accident since then with urinating until she was spayed almost 3 weeks ago. After her spay I noticed she would pathetically squat and pee where ever she wanted. I didn't punish this behavior. I did as my obedience instructor said and diverted her attention and took her outside. As a registered nurse, I saw she was exhibiting signs of a UTI so we took her to the vet and she was give antibiotics for 10 days.

Well, the vet said it probably wasn't a UTI, although I never got the culture results on the urine. He said it was irritation from the surgery. She still continues to pee in the house. Now I'm to the point where I'm losing my patience. I let her outside and I practically have to force her into the grass. She'll just sit by the door unless I chase her off and tell her "go potty". When she does potty outside, I reward her and play with her so she'll know it's good. But she still continues to pee in the house. I have only caught her a couple times, but I've stepped in her wet pee puddle numerous times.

I'm concerned because her behavior is peculiar. She would always go out and potty when we let her out. I have even been automatically letting her out every few hours, but she still squats and pees in the house. Sometimes after I've made her go out in the yard she'll run to the other end of the fence and sit and look at me like "DUH!" She even does this first thing in the morning when I know she has to go!!

I know first thing I need to do is quit punishing and gain control of my temper, but I don't know how else to approach this situation. It's just plain weird!!

Anyway, thanks for your help in advance!
Heather

Answer
Hello...well this is a case where one wishes we could talk to the dog huh? LOL..anyway...maybe she was bit or scared by something in the yard that was along the same timeline as the spay..we may never know. You need to get a crate and totally start the housebreaking process over unfortunately or this will continue. Also you need to clean the areas inside with vinegar and water so she cant smell it and be enticed to go there again,, If you need more instruction on crate training, let me know but basically she goes in the crate when you can not watch her and when you go out with her, praise her LOTs when she goes....let me know how i can help further...
nancy