..now I have him. Poop issues! I mean runny poop going down the front of the carpeted stairs as hes running to get out side. I finally put him on probiotics and lean cooked ground chicken. Cleared it up.

post pix of your guys.

but since my guy went back to work it's almost like they are staging a rebellion, and they just go wherever they want to.

I'll see what I can do about the pictures. I think my guy has some on his computer that he can email to me. I don't have a cell phone to take my own. I suppose I can use the digital camera and upload them to my computer, but the trick is getting them all together to say "cheese."

Work with that. You've got the idea, I'd just add a bit to it.

Feed them all at the same time (if they are used to "grazing" through the day rather than immediately eating when put down, you'll have to work on this too, which means letting them build up an appetite and then feed)

Immediately take them outside afterwards.

Using a special treat they adore (like a small teaspoon of peanut butter for ex), reward each of them IMMEDIATELY after urinating/defecating. I'd just take a teaspoon out with a jar of peanut butter reserved JUST for the dogs--NATURAL no-sugar added, please.

They each get the treat ONLY after they've done their "business"

If you are very consistent, they WILL learn and probably pretty quickly. They just have to learn the new system. Knowing they are home with you now will cement the change. Never too late for dogs to learn.

Good luck. Oh, and don't leave the pee pads down or they will continue to use them. Eventually just give the reward intermittently (as they don't have to receive it every time once they've learned the behavior)

just posted essentially the same advice. LOL

All of this.

My sister was in the same situation as the OP but finally trained hers with this method because the pee pad thing gets OLD.

I have trained many dogs and helped break dogs of bad habits. Try to make the time of day that you take them out the same time every day. Do not engage in play until they have eliminated. Most dogs are treat responsive.... so treat them after they have eliminated...every time so they connect the treat with their behavior. When they make a mistake in the house, don't yell or punish, simply do not make eye contact with them for at least 20 minutes. Deny them the sunshine of your love, so to speak.

Dogs ar creatures of habit, so for those of you reading this who have a new puppy...wee-wee pads are a terrible idea. They may be convenient for you, but are super confusing for a dog. Once they have your permission to eliminate in the house... it is very confusing for them when you then deny that permission.

If you hold fast, your dogs will respond and it will all work out. Good luck.

heaping praise on my Lab really worked, when I was training her to do her business outside. I'd make a big deal out of it ... "What a good girl! Yay, Sophie!" After a few times she would run over to me for her praise and pets after she did her proper business.... . Once she actually leaped into my arms! (when she was a puppy).

Good luck! You have your work cut out for you!