Maybe he's one of those dogs that need to know if he should pee inside or outside. If you are struggling with the potty training; I would stick strictly to outside training. You will HAVE TO GO OUT WITH HIM when he goes out to potty. That is key. Stay with him until he does his business - perhaps using a command phrase such as 'go potty' over and over again until he does it. When he does pee (or poop) PRAISE him like crazy. Have a party. Give him some high value treats the instant he is done. Do this for two weeks and I'll bet he will get the hang of it.
Shredding the pee pads is normal puppy behavior. Lucy still likes to tear up paper.
Lastly, exercise, exercise, exercise! I second the Puppy Class suggestion. Perhaps he needs to romp around with other pups and get rid of some of that playful energy - along with learning some small commands.
Hang in there and work on the training.
__________________  Mommy to Lucy, Ringo, and Matthew |