One of my friends had a dog that went through something like that. When she wanted attention, peeing was her ultimate power move.
I believe that dogs love us, but they don't take our emotions in account when they act (just like men! :P). So a dog doesn't think "I shouldn't pee on the floor because mommy just got a new rug and she will be sad." The dog thinks "I won't pee on the floor because if I go outside, I'll get a treat." Or alternatively, "I want attention. Peeing gets me attention."
Anyway, my friend's dog did grow out of it. I would stick with positive reinforcement (I think it's fine to clap your hands, yell no, etc if you catch her in the act). In the meantime, can you give her more attention at other times so she doesn't feel the need to lay down the hammer, as it were? Also, remember, negative attention is sometimes better than no attention at all, so don't reward her in any way if she pees indoors. Correct, clean up the mess, and ignore her. |