Rizzo is trained to potty pads because I decided shortly after getting him that I could not expect him to hold his itty bitty bladder longer than I can hold mine. I hate "pet smell" i.e. urine, poo and I keep my house pretty gosh darn clean. I pick up the pad after 2 uses, and I wipe the floor underneath it with a Lysol wipe (I don't currently have a pad holder)
Rizzo learned after a couple months that if he needs to relieve himself he goes to the pad, or runs over to the door if I'm at home. I think he picked up on this on his own over time, as he doesn't poo indoors at all. His preference is to go outside, but in a pinch he'll use his pad set up at the door and I always call him a good little boy when he does use it or goes potty outside.
No need to get down on yourself about your little cutie having accidents. It took until Rizz was about 8 months before he stopped having accidents in my house, the bf's I had to start placing a potty pad down because he wasn't "getting it".
It is nice having potty pads, they understand having the same place to go wherever they go. Plus during the spring/winter seasons when they are picky about going out when it's raining or snowing, the pads are convenient alternatives.
Oh, and Rizzo is currently 1.5 years old
