Help needed! Transition from indoor to outdoor potty

[alex xu]

Hi everyone!

Ginger finally got his last rounds of shots and can go out now yay!

But the problem is, he does not know how to potty outside (he is really well trained indoor but he is getting too big, sometimes we have accidents just because he is too big for the potty platform).

What I've been doing to try to get him potty outside is that, I feed him food/water on a schedule, and take him out 30 mins after meals. Also, if i need to go out I put him in crate and take him out immediately once I go back.

Often times, I would walk with him for 45mins-1hr (I really dont have the luxury to walk with him forever during workdays) then once we go home he goes to the pads right away as if he doesnt do it outside on purpose. (too many distractions?)

I would really appreciate some advice this is really frustrating.

Thank you all!

Also, we live in an apartment so.. no yard of any sort.

[Melissa and Lulu]

I've been told take the puppy pads outside for them to use and eventually take it away. I've never used them so I'm not sure. I do know putting a bell on a string on the door knob works like a charm. Start out by hitting before you take him out. Good luck. 

[alex xu]

I will take the pad with me today! Thank you!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Here's a link to a process that I think should work.  http://www.dogchatforum.com/potty-pads-to-outside.htm.  I have a neighbor that transitioned her dog from the pee pads to outside successfully using this method.  It was a little easier for her because she had a deck where she could move the pee pads initially and then was able to take the next step to out in the yard.

[alex xu]

great thank you!

[Star and Goldie]

We trained with a bell and it works wonders. Help him nudge it with his nose everytime you go to take him out. Soon enough he'll understand that ringing the bell = going out to potty. Our doodle is 5 now and she still rings the bell every time she has to go. I know that doesn't help with the specific transition from indoor puppy pads but I'd still recommend adding the bell into the mix. Best of luck to you. 

[alex xu]

thanks for the advice. I will start by brining potty pads with me then iii introduce the bell