Topher is 6 months old and we have had him since Feb. 16. We've been using pee pads since then and have been pretty successful. Topher has responded well to huge praise when he does the right thing. I don't make a huge fuss when he does wrong...I just say NO...BAD! and that's it. It's a huge party when he does pee or poo on the pee pad, though!! He gets his favorite treat, too.
He reminds me now when he pees on the pad and I don't see it. He comes to tell me that he deserves his treat NOW!!
We've had a few accidents in the house, but I think that's to be expected. He's restricted in where he goes, but the more I can trust him, the more areas I can let him in.
Now that the weather is nice, we're bringing him outside to do his business, and he's loving it! He's had no problems adjusting to going outside, which is a huge relief. I really thought we'd have problems, but he's not minding it at all.
I think the main keys are being consistent, restricting the pup to a small area of the home and praise, praise, praise.