Cross training with Pee Pads works pretty well, my guys go either on the pads or outside. If its a lighter rain, they dont mind going out; if its a heavy rain, we aren't going.
My place is big and open enough to have lots of fetch games for them to get their excersise. Actually, they get more excersise indoors than out, since I dont have a fenced in yard and wont let them out without a leash. I will run with them outside but only when they are both interested in that. So going outside is mostly for peeing and pooping.
Strangely enough though, one likes to poop on the pad, and almost never goes outside (he will wait until we get in to poop, which is a shame).
The other one has the oposite issue, she will pee inside, but only likes to poop outside unless she really has to go.
I dont know where they get these behaviors from, but they sure are all very uniquie in what they want to do
Agree with the towel right at the door before we leave strategy; I'd rater wipe them dry then have them do it all over my furniture!