[Charlene1963]

Ziggy started on pee pads and did great. By six months I was ready to have him start doing his business outside. I gradually, over the course of a week, moved the pad closer to the door and then onto the deck (I have a doggy door so he can get out). Once he was comfortable going on the deck, I moved it to the lawn and then gradually cut it to a smaller size until it disappeared. The whole process took about three weeks. Use lots of rewards. It also helps if you rewards him if he pees/poops while you are out walking. He gets the message that outside is great-do your thing anywhere and get a treat. This is probably easier to do inthe spring/summer than winter. If it matters to you, you can also train him to go on the same spot outside (designate a toilet area) everytime but that takes more time and work. Ziggy is fully housetrained and will wait at the front door and make a whimper noise to ask to go out; he has been doing this since 7 months old.