Why won’t my puppy use his potty pad?

Simply put, your dog is confused. Dogs like to know what is expected of them and he was starting to know what was expected of him at his previous residence. Now, he doesn't get it. You want him to pee in the house now and you didnt before? He is likely going just anywhere he can because he isnt taken outside to do his business. And he doesn't understand why. In his mind, going outside is "good" as people were happy about this! Now he doesn't get taken or let outside and he has to go somewhere! He doesnt look at a puppy pad as his "potty place". He thinks that its just your floor! Is there a reason why you prefer him to go on pads? Is there a way you can continue the training he was receiving? Is there a patch of grass at your complex? You say "the hours you work" prevent you from taking him out... but he has to get outside at some point? Most people take their dogs out for a before work and after work sniff and pee. This gives you a chance for some bonding with your dog and a chance for your dog to experience a new environment and Fresh air! You wouldnt want to see the same 4 walls all the time!:)

Most people prefer their dogs go outside and resort to peepads because they give up! So you are in a unique position indeed!
How about a dog walker? If the hours you work are long, you would want to hire one anyway. You dont say how old he is but if he is an adult, its not advisable to leave a dog crated or unsupervised for long periods. And if he is a puppy, they can only hold it 1 more than their age, so a 4 month old puppy would be ok for 5 hours max. Its a health and mental wellness issue for the dog otherwise. So, a dog walker would be a great idea for your household whether or not you decide to housetrain him or pottypad train. At least he gets outside!

But that being said....if you are deadset on retraining him to go inside, you have to go back to square one. Repetition, routine, and consistency are the only way this will work. Ignore the bad, PRAISE the good. And the dog cannot be unsupervised at all until training is over. I find it helpful to tether a dog to my belt loop when being housebroken (or in this case, outsidebroken? ) so he cant wander off.

You should get a feeling by now when your dog has to go. But generally, any time after they play, eat, drink, nap, or are generally sniffing around, take them to the peepad. Repeat the key word or phrase you want to use once they do go or just as they are about to go. And then praise them like mad directly after ... (more)