housebreaking my 7 mo old cavalier

Question
she lived in a pet store until 1 mo ago. she seems to make progress then backslides. can you reccomend a method of housebreaking? i can't imagine being mean to her, i've had abused resue dogs before. please advise.

Answer
Hi Pattie!
  First let me congratulate you on your new family member!
Being that she came from the pet store, make sure you take her to the vet and make certain that she doesnt have a urinary tract infection. Many different infections can occur when animals are put together in one place and could possibly share things,it would be hard to potty train if this were the case (urgency and all).
 If it turns out that she is clean medically heres what I would recommend;
Find a box with high sides, only big enough square for her to lay down in it ,and too high up to climb out. Keep this box by your bed when asleep and where ever you are (by the couch, in the ktchen, etc.)when she starts yapping and sniffing her box take her outside. Designate an area that you take her to(a corner of the yard, or the place you would like her to do her buisness). When she goes praise her ridiculously ("GOOD GIRL GO OUTSIDE!) and give her a treat. Then put her back in the box. After a few days turn the box on its side continue the same routine, if she accidents, show her the accident scold her in a low deep tone saying "NO BAD, GO OUTSIDE" and physically take her outside to the designated area when she stars sniffing old buisness in her designated area, tell her "good girl outside" BUT DONT TREAT HER.
Remember she is going through a confusing time acclamating to a new environment and fitting in to her new "pack" so don't hold any mistakes against her for more than one minute.
She'll catch on but remember to clean any where she has gone in the house well and I would purchase a product like NO-GO and spray on that area so as not to confuse her with her designated spot outside. Good Luck and Thanks for a great question.                     Beth