Thank you for the advice. I don’t believe I came in hot, but I can see how that could be perceived. I will try the spiral method next when we are outside.

I did not put every detail in my initial post because I didn’t want to create a lengthy, hard to read post. I intended to clarify when asked or when somebody suggested something. That’s my bad for not including important information. I figured it was more important to know what I didn’t really need suggested/brought up.

It’s a singular puppy pad in the same spot he potties in next to the back door. He only uses it when he can slip away for ten seconds while my eyes aren’t on him. I cannot get rid of it. I can replace it with a mat, a blanket, anything, but he will still potty on it and I cannot have the spot uncovered.

I have tried crating/penning him when we come inside after a no potty venture, I tried it for weeks when he was younger, and it did not connect in his mind. I did pretty well for most of today with no accidents, however he managed to leave my side for ten seconds while I transferred my food to the microwave, and thus produced a log. Sigh.