I didn't even know about pee pads until I started reading y/t. I had always trained my dogs to go outside. When I started reading a million threads about the difficulties in potty training I decided to try the pads. They worked well for us. Reesie is now completely outside trained and doesn't need the pads any longer, but Abbie is still using them, but also goes to the door. She's kind of like a child who plays and plays and then suddenly decides they have to go and can't hold it
....I have the pee pad right next to the door for accidents.