[camile]

How old is your pup? Sounds like to me two things are going on. First, I think he is just prolonging being out. He is in the crate during the working day and again at night. Added up, that's a lot of hours for a puppy to be locked up. He probably is delighted to be free and is more interested in exploring than pottying. He knows he can hold it, then when fun time is over and you are back inside, his interest goes to his other needs. Secondly, I know from my own experience it is hard to teach potty for outside and pads, especially when you are trying to do them simultaneously. Try picking one and let him get that down before starting the other. Can you get a pen for him instead of a crate? Or, confine him to the kitchen or a small room with pads, I would do that first since you work, he can have his food, water, toys and would I think be a lot happier than crated so much of his time. I would really like to know how he is getting into your tub. Chloe is 9 mos and 6 lbs and she can't get into mine. These are just my thoughts, hope it helps.

PS Yes, my Chloe is completely housetrained, but Willow is younger and is still working on it.