Chihuahua dog still peeing indoors, Adelaide (SA

We have recently adopted a 9 month old desexed Chihauhau X from a dog rescue organisation. She isn't well house-trained. We are taking her out on a lead every couple of hours and rewarding her when she toilets outside. We have got some "instant lawn" for her to use. Unfortunately, she keeps peeing in the house. She will come in from a walk and pee, or she will go outside and then come in and pee. She has even peed on her bed which we have had to chuck out. We keep the back door open so she can go out when she wants (apart from our trips out to the garden on the lead). We are not telling her off for peeing in the house but rewarding her when she goes outside. We're cleaning up the inside accidents with a white vinegar solution. Apart from the toileting issue she's a lovely little dog. Please help.
Posted: 20/09/2008

ANSWER: Dog still peeing indoors, Adelaide (SA)
This may well have to do with her previous home. It also is age related and she will grow out of it eventually, with persistence. You are already taking her out on the leash, and try and take her to the same spot 'happy toilet spot' all the time as this reinforces her behaviour and habit forming with the same spot. Please make sure that she is checked over by the vet - as sometimes desexing leaves some problems. Otherwise it is dominance and this small breed has tendencies for that 'small dog syndrome'. A little less attention and restricting her access to certain areas of the house, off furniture and laps will also assist. Treat her like a dog - she needs rules as she is in her puberty time! If persists, recommend you get a good behavioural trainer to help.
Posted: 20/09/2008