Using wee wee pads

Question
We have two rescue dogs (schnauzer/poodles- so cute!) that are about 1 1/2 years old, we do not know their true age. We live in South Florida and are in the midst of a VERY active hurricane season. My questions is: is it ok to use wee wee pads if a dog is trained to go outside- will it set our training back? I know there will be a time when we will not be able to take them outside safely but I do not want to make them "hold it". The smaller one has a hard time going when it is raining and/or wet outside so that adds to my concern.
Thanks!!

Answer
The wee wee pads may very well set your housebreaking back, but I think that would depend on the individual dog. Some dogs will "hold it" just about forever if they cannot go outside, while others will just find any handy spot to go. Once they are allowed to go inside, they may think that all bets are off and they can do it whenever they want to.

I would get raincoats for them and keep putting them outside as long as you can safely (going out with them will usually encourage them to go quickly as you can call them away from the door). When they cannot go out, keep them confined to a smaller area covered with newspapers and wee wee pads (like a mud room, laundry room, etc.), and be sure not to give them run of the house. When/if they potty inside, just clean it up quietly without a word and lay down more paper. Get them back outside as soon as they can go back outside safely, and when it is all over, start housebreaking them from scratch again to remind them what they are supposed to do.

If I had to deal with what you guys have been having to go through (my profound sympathies!), I would jerry-rig something up close to the door that was enclosed on three sides and covered to give the dogs a bit of shelter from the weather..... something like a large doghouse with one side removed.