I have done this both ways and I think I am sorry I ever used a pee pad. I had well trained dogs, always going outside. Then when I started having puppies, I used the pee pads in their play yard. I would have the pads available when they were out and about as they got older. So, I thought it would be a good idea to use the pee pads for when I was gone for the older dogs too. All it took was one time to smell pee on the pad and they all wanted to go on them. Now, they want to go on the pads all the time. I will have them outside for an hour and they come in and pee on the pads. Then my old girl (17 yr old dachshund) starting having problems and that just seemed to lead to utter chaos with the peeing in the house situation. The carpet was ruined. I am having porcelain tile laid as I type! Things were sogood before I ever let them pee indoors! They all went outside, came in and got their treat. No problem. I think letting any pee in the house was the begin of our decline here.
