Punishing a dog thru rubbing their nose in it, 'popping' them, or putting them in the cage (bc the cage shouldn't be a 'jail', it should be more like a safe place/refuge for them) isn't going to teach anything except perhaps fear, anxiety, and def confusion.
So, are you saying he suddenly peed on the couch after 16 mths of not peeing there? I wasn't sure...but if that's the case, then I really would get him checked bc sometimes animals will pee in a new/different spot if they're in pain. This is bc they associate previous spots w/ pain. It could be a UTI, or something else.
The fact that he looked at you, and ran upstairs is a good clue as to where he is at. He is scared, totally confused, and anxious. I would recommend def not punishing him. It will make things worse.
Have you read these threads?
http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/gen...ms-solved.html http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/gen...ebreaking.html