[107barney]

If you place the pads in designated spots and train the dog to go on the pads in those spots, they will learn where the spots are. I keep my pee pads far away from rugs so there is no confusion. You can also put the pad inside a defined area like a litter box to help the dog to understand that this is the bathroom.

Good luck - it is a training issue, and like all training issues, you must be consistent and reward with positive feedback. I have area and throw rugs all over my house, and if you stuck your nose in them, they smell like baking soda and lavender from my vacuum, not dog urine.