[Maximo]

Welcome to YT Claudean! Congratulations on the new little addition to your life, Bella Rose.

My younger boy was 8 months old when we brought him home and he was outdoor trained. We had the same reasons you have for wanting to pad train him. Like BabyGirl Rosie, we benefited from having another dog in the house to help training. However, it is still possible that you can train Bella Rose.

I use pads infused with a scent to attract the doggies. Limit the dog's freedom to a smallish area with the pad and where you can supervise. Show her the pad and start using keywords to indicate to go potty there. When she does, praise her profusely and give her a small treat. Repetition and consistency and praise are key.

I do want to caution you that this is probably going to be a bigger challenge to train for this when the pad is not a consistent part of life -- if the pad comes and goes depending on the weather. She may get confused that sometimes she is allowed to potty indoors and sometimes she isn't. Some people who have done it successfully use their garage for the potty pad, so it is like taking their dog outdoors. The dog understands it is different. You might try designating the bathroom as the piddle pad room.

Also, my younger boy was easy to train to piddle on the pad, but very reluctant to poop on the pad. He still prefers to go outdoors.

Best wishes and good luck.