Breaking of Potty Pads

Question
I have a 6 month old Terrier Mix who is potty pad trained. My problem is she is now getting to big for the potty pads and when she uses them, often time urine will over flow and I will end up having to clean around the pad, She has become too dependent on them. She is able to hold it all night long, so I now she is capable. She is crate trained and very obedient. I just don't know where to start in terms of removing the potty pads. She is on a very strict potty schedule along with my other dog who was not potty pad trained as a puppy. Our Terrier came to us Potty Pad Trained, therefore we thought we'd give it a try. I limited it to one per floor, moved them closer and closer to the door, etc, but she is so incredibly dependent on them. How do I get her to stop using the potty pads, not soiling the carpet and holding it until her scheduled walks (15 minute walk 4 times a day, plus 1-2 mile walk daily) or getting her to notify me that she needs to go if not within the scheduled times. I work from home, so my schedule is very flexible and I have as much attention/time needed to ensure that she succeeds in this challenge.

Answer
Hi Lisa,

This is one of the reasons why training a puppy with paper or pads is not a good idea.

You need to move a soiled pad to an outside area, and take your dog outside to use the pad. I say to use a soiled pad, so that she will smell her scent on the pad, which should help her to connect the dots as far as what's being asked of her. After you've used the pad outside, for a day or so you can remove it. Give your dog frequent opportunities to go to the bathroom outside, since she might be "holding it", as she waits for her pad inside your home.

Choose a cue phrase, such as "go potty", "do your business", or "hurry up" to attach to the act of your dog eliminating. When you reach the toilet area walk back and forth or circle around and around. At the same time say and repeat your cue phrase. In your dogs mind you are building an association between the cue phrase and her emptying out. At the same time say and repeat a cue word you would like to attach to the act of your dog eliminating. The instant your dog finishes doing her business enthusiastically praise and reward her with a small tasty treat. Make it clear that you are very happy with her and that she is the best puppy on the block! If after 3-4 minutes of circling around your dog shows no signs of needing to eliminate take her back inside (put in crate or pen) and try again in about twenty minutes. Until your dog un-learns going in the house on a pad, don't give her the run of your home.

Best of luck!

Patti