My beloved Shih-Tzu

I am not the most knowledgeable in this area but the first thing that strikes me is where you live.  You have some really hot temps in your new location and even though you had heat before, I have always heard it is a different kind of heat than in the south.   Dogs are usually pretty flexible in my opinion.  Lots of changes all at once could be part of the problem but I would imagine she would soon become protective of her new human as well.

You will have lots of good advise here, glad you are here hope you can find some answers.

Along with the hot temps, check the temp on the pavement.  We wear shoes and such but sometimes dogs that live indoors have softer pads on their feet.  Also a small/short dog is closer down to the pavement that can be scorching.  I have German Shepherds that have pretty tough feet already but I still am sometimes squatting down to feel the pavement.

As for the peeing, I would go back to house training 101.  A dog doesn't "know" if they aren't performing reliably.  Sometimes with a new place or changes in the environment you literally have to start over.  I would use some sort of crate or confinement and have the dog slowly earn more free space as long as there are no potty incidents.  This is assuming the vet has ruled out UTI or other medical cause.

I'm not trying to be snarky but the absolute **Number 1** thing is a vet visit!!

A mature dog suddenly having urine accidents during the night -- yes, it's *possible* it's behavioral but ~~always~~ look for the physical first!  Some dogs are smarter than we humans -- they may drink more than you'd think (and a gradual increase usually isn't noticed, particularly when it involves a move to hotter climates) -- but they drink more simply because it burns less when they pee with a UTI!!

Some dogs drink less with a UTI (dark, stanky urine -- often bunny-hopping from place to place on a walk because they try to go, it burns, they step a few steps, try, it burns, etc.). 

But a huge share of dogs inately seem to know that if you drink more it burns less -- then they can't hold it like they "used to" -- and they have accidents.  And if you aren't cleaning with a super deep cleaner (like an enzyme remover) the scent remains that the *dog* can smell and a new habit it formed.

Truly ... a dog can carry a UTI for months and months -- or it could be something like crystals. 

Please don't cheap out with just a strip test.  When you combine the fact that this dog is a bit lethargic -- dragging behind on walks, etc. -- this dog needs a FULL physical.  And since she's over three I'd have a senior blood panel done on her (and with Antech's lab that includes a full urinalysis).

You've changed climates -- which brings about a whole new set of problems.  But please before you think it's behavior get a FULL vet visit done with bloodwork.  *Then* you can deal with behavior.

 The first thing I'd tell you is that crating her when you can't watch her is a good thing -- but at night she ought to be where SHE can tell you she needs to go out!!  Just because you can hold it all night doesn't mean she can!!  But she needs to be where you can hear her *ask* in some way to go out.

Also -- please **do not** restrict her water.  Not in such a hot climate -- that can set you up for urinary problems.  You wouldn't make yourself dehydrated in the summer in Arizona before going to bed would you?? 

Not trying to be snarky -- but I've made these same mistakes myself in the past -- and finally my husband and I have promised ourselves that we will NEVER assume something is behavioral before we take a trip to the vet and prove that it isn't medical **first**.

Well, what Callie said.  Vet.  Immediately.

And, yes, you do need to look at the climate.  AZ is miserable this time of year.  Just horrid, and yes, I'm thinking the pavement may be burning her feet.  Particularly when she appears to be fine inside the air conditioned apartment.

 Hi everyone, thanks for the great responses!

I actually had her at the vet a few weeks ago and she checked out fine, so I'm certain the physical aspect of it is minimal.  Besides, if there were something physically bothering her I would see that inside the apartment too in the form of lethargy, etc.

Yeah, Arizona is hot right around now, and even though we do keep Cinnamon's hair cut relatively short as far as shih-tzus are concerned it's hot even for me, a hairless ape.

 We came here from a house with a fenced-in backyard.  When she needed to go we just let her out.  Now she's got to be leashed and walked to certain areas, etc.  I think that's the biggest thing.

We do have a porch (shaded) and some puppy pads.  It's been forever since we potty trained her.  Would this be a good alternative for her, and how should I train her?

 Thanks again everyone.  This rules!

eo

 I would work on one thing at a time, and not introduce puppy pads until you have the current situation under control.

EliOklesh

 We came here from a house with a fenced-in backyard.  When she needed to go we just let her out.  Now she's got to be leashed and walked to certain areas, etc. 

I'm wondering if she simply doesn't know, in the new place, how to tell you she has to go out, or if, because she needs to be walked, she just isn't getting out often enough.  

Regarding her being unhappy since you had your son, if she was never accustomed to children in puppy hood, it is possible that crying, or other things about this experience, are unpleasant for her.  So, perhaps you could do a bit of "classical conditioning" by making life more pleasant for your dog whenever your son is present.