The good thing about potty training a puppy is that since she’s very young, it will be easier than with an older dog. Transitioning from one spot to another isn’t too complicated, just takes a little time and patience.
Moving the pads closer to the door is a good idea. You could try moving the “spot” where she usually goes over time. Here are some other tips:
Take a soiled pad outside and put it on the ground. The smell may encourage her to go in a new spot.
Only spend about 5 minutes outside. If she doesn’t go then, put her back in her crate. This isn’t a reward or a punishment, but simply to make it less likely she goes inside. Take her out again about 10 min. later and then praise her when she goes. This works best when you know for sure she needs to go.
Timing for rewarding successes can vary for each dog. Generally relieving oneself is reward in itself and excess emotions my frighten the puppy so that they stop. Some dogs need a little more encouragement during or directly after. Remember rewards can be events so running back to the house to play a game is perfectly acceptable here.
Make the crate as small as possible to prevent her to soiling her crate. Then make it even smaller. At this time, it should be just big enough for them to walk in a lie down.
Since she’s learned on pads, don’t worry if it takes a little while for her to get the transition. She’s still young and will figure it out soon enough.
