Maltese inhouse potty training

Question
Hello,
I would really appreciate your help and advise in regards to my dog's potty training. We have 8 month old (already nutored) - about 6-7 lbs Maltese that we bought about 5 month ago and all this time trying to potty train him inside the house on the Wee Wee pad.  When we are not home or can't be with him or just overnight - we keep him gated in the laundry room where he has his crate, which is open and his Wee Wee pad. When he is in his room he usually goes on the pad, however sometimes poops just on the floor.  Whenever we let him outside of the laudry room we bring the We We pad with him and leave it close enough for him to see and use it - however he totally ignores it and goes wherever he wants. I have been trying to watch him and catch him in the act - but he is totally unpredictable and also very fast runner. Should we start using the closed crate?  PLEASE HELP!!!
Thank you,
Marina

Answer
oh they are wierd little things puppies i mean when theyre mid poo in the house and you take them out to do it its like your putting them on hot coals and theres noway they will go lol-- but you have to break the habit.
pick a technique and stick to it.
it must be hard as you have to take her out on a walk to go.. or do you have a garden/ communual area if so a good reccomendation is the simple soloution potty training spray as it has a smell in it like the pads which you spray outdoors and it attracts the pup to it.

I think stick to the pads put more out if need be and keep putting pup on them eventually reduce the ammount of pads also please make sure to use a odour and stain remover spray from a pet outlet where your dog has been to the toilet as this is a key thing that prevents training as it attracts the dog constantly back to to the spot even if you think you have cleaned it all away as some cleaning products have chemicals such as chlorine in which also attracts dogs to go to the toilet there.
Remember dogs smell is so strong.

try to walk slow with him in a park in the same place as this may encourage her to go while you are out and remember when he does PRAISE PRAISE PRAISE!!!
maltese love praise and it encourages good behaviour
good luck let me know if you want any more help.