Housebreaking a year old dog in apartment condo

Question
Hi Karen, I have a one year old shih-tzu x bichon cross who is puppy pad trained.  However, I would like to train her to go outside.  I live in an apartment style condo on the first floor so I can let her out on the patio and the grass but I have to tether her as it's not fenced.  Is it still possible to housetrain her at this age and how would you suggest getting her transitioned from the puppy pad to outside?  I would greatly appreciate your advice!

Answer
I would absolutely give it a shot, but you may find that she will not be totally reliable in the house since she has been pottying in it for a year (on pads). Start by moving the pads gradually closer to the door, and eventually put them outside. This will take some time as it cannot be done "cold turkey" as she will continue to return to the spot where the pads were located; dogs become "location-trained" for their elimination. You will have to watch her closely to make sure that she doesn't return to the old area, and be sure to give her lots of praise for following the potty pads for elimination. As this is going on, you may have to return to your crate-training for assistance when you cannot watch her.