Reddit reviews Fresh Patch Standard - Real Grass Pee and Potty Training Pad for Dogs Under 15 Pounds - Indoor and Outdoor Use - 16 Inches x 24 Inches

Instead of using pads, I would try to get some piece of sod or astro turf to put on your balcony and make it semi large-ish (big enough for him to wander around just a bit on, maybe 3X-5X larger than the area he takes up. Using sod/astro turf will help him develop a surface preference that does not match anything in your house which can help reduce the chance of accidents. This is an example of what I am talking about.. It will also help him be able to use the grass if there is ever a situation where he needs to use the bathroom when out and about.

If he has accidents (poo, especially) try scooping it and leaving it on his mat/sod/potty area - it will help him realize that it is a bathroom if he is having trouble seeking out the mats. Try to limit his range to JUST the pad (keep him on leash, the bigger are will help with that) and reward him when he DOES go (give him a bit of chicken or cheese or whatever you have around that he really likes) and spend some time playing with him directly afterwards. Going on the mat should be REALLY rewarding.

8 hours is a long time for your dog to hold her urine.
If there is no option of having someone let her out, then, I hate to suggest it, but a pee pad or [grass pee pad] (http://www.amazon.com/Fresh-Patch-Disposable-Potty-Grass/dp/B005G7S6UI) could work. Section off an area with a x-pen enclosing the crate with the pee pad at the opposite end to the crate.

I would give something like this a try! It seems great for your situation, especially if you like the idea of potty pads.
Fresh Patch Disposable Dog Potty with REAL Grass - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005G7S6UI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_8.NPyb6T2Z8MT

Also, a dog walker would be a great idea! Gives your dog a much needed potty break and some extra exercise. I would think you could find someone for a pretty reasonable price.

[This grass potty pad](http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B005G7S6UI?pc_redir=1397774444&3rd robot_redir=1)

Taking into consideration that he is already trained, this would be the easiest solution since grass is a familiar potty area. If you try regular potty pads or anything of that sort you'll basically be re-training him.

Yeah, unfortunately senior incontinence is one of those things you just have to adapt to. A doggy door is a good idea. If he doesn't seem to improve with trying to re-housetrain him, you can also look into a grass pad, something like this. There are a bunch of them out there, I have no idea what's best, that's just an example of one. it may be more attractive to him than the papery puppy pads.

Catch him before it even happens. Most dogs give some type of sign that they need to go, whether it be sniffing excessively, wandering away to a quiet area, etc. Try to figure out what signs he gives that he needs to go and once he does start to give those signs, take him outside immediately.

Consider investing in dog grass or something similar. It will be easier on you and your dog to have a potty space available right outside your backdoor.

My advice is stay away from the high energy hyper breeds. Mix breeds can be hard to pin point so you would want to get them from a foster situation where someone has spent time with the dog.

Also there are all kinds of options such as Rover or Wag or local dog walker to come let your dog out in the middle of the day.
Security Camera for if you go that route. Also just a good thing to have to check in on your pup during the day.

Amazon also sells these sod boxes that you can train dogs to use just like a cat litter box. Fresh Patch or Synthetic Grass or I’m sure you could build your own. I’ve heard of people buying a small kiddy pool and filling it with dirt or sand for the dog to go in.

It really depends on your budget but it’s totally possible.

I don't know about walks, but I do know about indoor potty-training. They sell these things that I think are called puppy pads. It's like a slate of fake grass with a tray underneath (only $20) It's scented like grass and everything, so if your dog is used to going outside, this will be an easier transition than newspaper. And I think the playpen is fair. I know my Shetland sheepdogs never played unless I was around, so I know mine at least would've been satisfied with that amount of space.

puppy pad

Alternatively (or in addition to a dog-walker): long-term confinement area. This is NOT a crate. You should have a SMALL crate as the pup's "den" or "bed" area. You then place this within the long-term confinement area.

The long-term confinement area is generally an X-PEN that contains the puppy's "bed" (the short-term confinement area; the crate), a water bowl, chew toys, and an area for pottying (preferably something to simulate grass to train the puppy to associate grass with toilet, ie https://www.amazon.com/Fresh-Patch-Disposable-Potty-Grass/dp/B005G7S6UI).

Here is an example:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kn3aSPrndH4

https://www.amazon.com/Fresh-Patch-Disposable-Potty-Grass/product-reviews/B005G7S6UI/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_viewopt_kywd?ie=UTF8&filterByStar=one_star&reviewerType=all_reviews&showViewpoints=0&pageNumber=1&filterByKeyword=Tick

There are a couple right there, but there are quite a few negative reviews that also mention fleas, mold, flies, etc. I think that one person saying they ordered three with ticks was my deciding factor ha

I have a 15 lb dog in a one bedroom, and a cat. I don't think this would be a problem for the time being, although at some point you'll probably want more space.

I can see how the bathroom thing would be a bit of an issue. You'll still need to walk the dog 2-3 times a day, but you may be able to pad train her for when she doesn't have the option of going outside. I looked into these at one point http://www.amazon.com/FRESH-PATCH-Disposable-Potty-Grass/dp/B005G7S6UI/ref=sr_1_3?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1375284347&sr=1-3&keywords=grass+pads+for+dogs

you can even subscribe and they'll be shipped every week or two. I haven't used them so I don't know how the smell would be, but it might be worth a shot! You sound like you'd take really care of the dog and are already attached, so I say go for it :)

I don’t, they don’t absorb enough. Total mess. That said, there is another possible solution. Doesn’t work for my girl, because she loves walks like she loves food (which is saying a lot!), but a friend of mine has a grey and she uses fresh patch. You replace it every 1-2 weeks, I believe. Amazon would deliver https://www.amazon.com/Fresh-Patch-Disposable-Potty-Grass/dp/B005G7S6UI

It works great for her grey, but it just depends on the hound. I hope this helps and best of luck!

I believe they sell grass patches specifically designed for pets. Have you checked Amazon? I see several options like this.

Have you tried something like this in the house as you work on getting her to the point of going outside? I've never used them/am not recommending a specific brand, but a lot of dogs that have been used to going on grass their whole lives prefer it - maybe if you give her that option while indoors, she'll stop going on your carpet!

Call your vet (before you bring the puppy home) and ask about the Parvo risk in your area. In some places, Parvo is very prevalent and you probably wouldn't want to bring him outside at all until he is fully vaccinated. In others (like where I live), it is pretty rare and the majority of vets and trainers recommend starting potty training on grass immediately.

Between 7-10ish weeks, puppies start to make surfaces preferences for where they want to go potty. The problem with potty pads is that they feel like carpet. As a result, using potty pads creates a surface preference for going potty on soft fabrics, like carpet. I'd avoid using potty pads at all costs, if possible (if you are in a high parvo risk area, check out something like the Fresh Patch, which is a patch of real grass, so your puppy can create a preference for going potty on grass