Transitioning from Puppy Pads to Outside

Question
I have a 1 year old chihuahua who is absolutely PERFECT in going to his puppy pads EVERY time he has to go to the bathroom.  I have been trying to get him to 'go' outside, but hardly any luck at all - he can be 'in position' to go inside on the pad, I will say "Let's go outside and go potty" and he will run for the door -- and we can stand out there for an hour and he wont do a thing, then will cone in and go directly to the pad!!  Very frustrating.  I have never had a chi before, so don't know if some of this is his breed or what!!  Any advice would be greatly appreciated -- I have even taken some of his 'stuff' outside to the spot so he would smell it in the correct place -- no luck.   HELP!!!!

Answer
The dog doesn't understand why it has to go outside after being trained to go inside. You need to make a spot withthe residue from one of the pads, so the dog has its own scent to cue it.

Have you followed a regular training plan?  Potty first in the AM, then every 2 hrs, then at bed time. The crate should be just big enough for the dog to stand and turn around, lie down. Feed in the AM and potty directly after.  Praise and a tiny treat when the dog goes in the designated area outside. No PADS inside, that just reinforces GO HERE not go outside.


Regards,

Henry Ruhwiedel
Westwind Kennels LLC
www.dog kennel.org