Gosh, I don't know what to say. Maybe it is just a phase! I sure hope that won't happen with Strawberry. She has been doing so well!
I decided not to go the pee pad route. I thought about it, but I didn't want her to think it was ok to go inside my house at all so I am strict about all business being done outside!
Strawb is almost 5 months old and it only took her a few weeks to start asking to go outside. We have been accident free at home for about a month and she rarely has an accident when were are out and about anymore either. Any business inside the house is forbidden. She caught on very quickly and now is learning that wherever we are, she has to do business outside only! Important when we go over to my mom's house or a friends house or at work (where she comes everyday).
My friend's puppy is about 9 months now and is still having issues. She used pee pads and outside and I think it just confuses the puppy. One place needs to be the only place and if you make it a difference between inside and outside then the dog learns that inside is not acceptable in anyones home and outside is ok anywhere! You have to be a bit more diligent in training, but it pays off big time in the long run.
I realize it is not so simple for everyone because of weather and working conditions. But my preference is that dogs should do their business outside. If it is cold out....pee faster! Haha!
I sure wish I could teach her to use a toilet though! How great would that be?! Hahaha! She'd probably flush herself away if I tried to teach her. Hahaha! Oh dear!