[Britster]

Jackson is 100% potty trained. He is 2.5yrs old and has not had an accident in over a year. He also can hold it for 8 hours or more if necessary, though I never make him hold it longer than 6hrs... overnight he can hold it 10-12 hours.

I definitely think it's possible to have a fully potty trained dog. It takes diligence and patience, especially in the beginning. For the first two months of his time with me (I got him at 9 weeks) we were on a strict schedule. It was outside until he went and if he did not go while we were out there... back in the crate he went. I set him up for success, I did not "allow" him to have an accident by constantly taking him outside and praising/treating when he went... when he was inside - he was watched 24/7. Yes he did have accidents every now and then, that is going to happen.

At 6 months old, he was 99% potty trained and had free roam of the house. He would still have a poop accident in the house, I would say once a month or so... so you are going to have alot more accidents in the future, don't get angry or frustrated, just know he's a puppy and it takes some time. A baby stays in diapers/pullups often times until 2-3yrs old... you wouldn't expect a 1yr old infant to be potty trained right away so it's the same for a dog.

PS - I don't do or really like the pad thing, either, personally.