teach an old dog new tricks?

[Nhut]

I have an 8 year old Dachshund who has over the last year developed a urinary issue that she is on medicated dog food for, and which controls the problem. However, the food does make her have to pee more frequently and so I've had to revert back to puppy pads for her to use when I am not home, only she is not very good at using them (also the vet says I should allow her access to somewhere to pee because holding it can make the problem worse). She sometimes is good about it and uses it, other times she won't and I find pee elsewhere in the house. Also, when she has access to it, she pees on my back patio (which is on a slight lean, so the pee runs off and on to my downstairs neighbors patio much to my embarrassment). I don't leave the patio door open when I leave, but sometimes my housemates forget to close it (or re-open it when I have closed it and left). I would really like for her to remember to use the puppy pad if she has to pee when I am gone and then not have to worry about her peeing outside on the patio (which she sometimes does even if I am home, because hey, it's outside and peeing outside is ok right?) at all.

Any advice on how to get an older dog to use a pee pad?

Thanks!

[Floppy Dog]

No advice, but have you thought about a grass bed for inside? I've seen them at Bosley's (pet chain in BC). Maybe grass is "more outside" than puppy pads? You could have one in doors and one on the patio, which would eliminate (pun intended) runoff onto your downstairs neighbour's patio.

[luckypenny]

Any way you and your housemates can coordinate taking her outside for more frequent walks/opportunities to eliminate?

[Nhut]

thanks for the suggestions, my housemates do help me when I need it, which is great... but we are also a close bunch so when we are out, we are usually out together. I have seen the grass pads and wondered about them... I will look into it further. Thanks again!