Maltese potty training problems

Question
I have a 8 month old Maltese (male) who is still not potty trained!  We have been trying to paper pad train him which worked ok in the beginning and now not at all.  He will go on his mat when confined to the laundry room, but will NEVER go on it when free to roam in the house.  I don't want to leave him in there all the time, but I also don't want him peeing all over the house. I really want the mat training to work out but wondering if it is time to go outside?  Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Answer
LOL whats going on aaaah!!!! you must be going mad now i know it seems extreme but get you carpets cleaned. you can get carpet odour remover from your local pet shop. this is because when a dog has been somewhere the scent still remains to them even if not to you,you need to start the potty pads from scratch ie keep placing him on the pads have about two in different places and then gradually move them towards your outside door to dont scold when they dont do what you want just look disapointed good luck