8 yr old goes outside, can I train to use pads?
 

I have an 8 yr old Yorkie that I adopted this spring. I am usually gone about 9.5 hours a day, and he is totally fine. He just sleeps all day and he pees outside when I get home. He has never made a mistake inside, he is really trained to go outside.

But now that winter is coming, my commute may be longer and I may be gone 10.5 hours a day. Can he hold it that long??? Can I train him to use pads or is he too old for that? I'm so worried that he will try to hold it and it will be bad for him.

Thanks in advance for any help!

That is a long time to hold it. In behavior modification, the idea is to take tiny steps with each step coming closer to your desired goal. One way to train him to use the pee-pad would be to place the pee pad outside near his usual spot and with a leash, direct him to the pee pad, I would advise a big pee pad or even two. Reward with a treat and praise. Some people don't believe in giving treats for peeing, but when teaching a new thing treats are a great reinforcer. Every time you take you dog outside place on the pad, until the dog seems to know the pad is the place to go. It would be helpful if you link words with this act, such as, "go pee pee" or "do your business" Don't talk a lot though, or they will ignore all your words. Next move the pad closer and closer to the house saying the same words, and rewarding. Do this every time the dog goes outside, eventually bring the pad inside next to the door. This last step may take the most time, but hopefully the words, you have chosen will be linked with the act, and he'll know what you expect. If he just won't go with the pad inside the door. place the pad outside the door, allow him to relieve himself, and bring the pad back in. Then try again next time.

I would wait and see. It might only confuse him.
If he can hold it for 9 1/2 hrs I wouldn't worry. There are times
that Bud and I sleep from 10:00pm until 8:oo am. I get dressed
and take him out. That's 10hrs with no problem. Bud is younger
but I don't think that matters much, if there are no bladder problems.
I would give it a try first before changing things in his life. It
will totally confuse him. Like they say if it ain't broke don't fix it.