Maltese 2 year old sisters and housebreaking

Question
QUESTION: Hello, I rescued two Maltese sisters from a dog rescue,about 3 months ago,  that are approximately 2 years old. I initially tried to train them to potty outside. They don't like any cold or darkness, so that didn't work out. I am trying to housebreak them to a pad/paper inside. I have one that is a submissive urinator and she pees whenever she sees me, but does go # 2 on the pad-not consistently, either on the paper, or in her BED ??  The other sister sometimes urinates on the pad, but lately she has been using my sofa for urination and bowel movements, I have rubbed her nose in it, and then said no and placed her on the pad. I am at a loss for additional guidance for them. Any help would be appreciated.

ANSWER: Ok lol you may want to look at some of my past answers on this topic as i may miss some good advice out.
But firstly i would advise you to buy a urine odour eliminator spray. Dog scent is so powerful and if they have previously been to the toilet somewhere the scent will keep constantly attract them.
This will be a task if they are around 2 years as they will be set in their ways. well done by the way for adopting its a great thing to do and really says a lot about you as a person what a kind thing to do.
Lets try a different punishment method as it seems they are rebelling against the current one. Dont rub their noses in it it doesnt learn anything i know its frustrating. I know you can watch them 24/7 but when they go to the toilet say No  firmly and carry them outside immediatley dogs live in the moment so any later punishment is often insignificant. keep continue to do this if punishment is needed firmly say no and place in basket for a while you can either place them outside or on their pads. eventually move the pads closer to the door  and the pups will associate the toilet with them.
Let me know if i have not explained the above clearly enough please dont hesitate to contact me again good luck.


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Do you think that it is unadvisable to try to train them soley to the pad inside ? They don't seem to have ANY interest in going outside.  My sofa pottier is really "good" about choosing to go to the bathroom there when I am not in the room-and darting into my bedroom (where it is carpeted) to potty there too- Is there any brand/type of urine odor eliminator that is more effective ?

Answer
any basic one from a reputble pet store should be effective.
Its entirley up to you, but, if it were me i would start from scratch with my final goal being training them to go outside. It will take work in the near future but eventually it will be less work for you and provide more control for them ie not having to constantly change pads.
So id start with training the on the pads and then, moving the pads gradually outdoors.
A good helper is something called simple soloution puppy training aid spray. this spray ironically creates the scent that attracts dogs to urinating. like the smell thats in the pads so spray it in an area outdoors and repetativley  take your dogs to this spot.
good luck