I got my puppy last week and she has the submissive elimination problem too. A tip to help that we are working on is when you get home... ignore the puppy for like 5 minutes and do what you need to do so the excitment dies down. Then go to your puppy and gradually greet her.

We crate the dog as well. We went to State Fair (a fair around here) last week and remarkabely held her bladder for almost 6 hours. A little puppy- (like 8-10 weeks) usually hold their bladder about every hour and then 2-4 hours while sleeping. I've heard a controversary but thats the majority.

If you are thinking of using the crate system as she is older, i would definitely start now. Put her in her crate for ten minutes and come back. Gradually every day increase the time. You can go into another room, leave the house, anything. While you are away- especially if you are gone a while- put safe toys in her crate. We have been using a nylabone and a kong. A kong is an amazing invention and i think every dog should have one. If you don't have one i suggest you get one for the puppy.

My best friend has a cocker spaniel and their dog is very very onto a "schedule". When she was a puppy, they took her out every night at midnight.. she is so used to it she still does that and she is almost 8 years. Schedules are very good especially feeding and such but if you want to try and get her through the night... add a little bit each night so she learns to grow with the time and not get set on midnight.

Good luck