How can I get my dog to hold he bladder until we are OUTSIDE without having to pick him up so that he won't piss on his way out?

Hi!

I have been to your site and really enjoy reading your advice. I have two questions that I am hoping you might be able to answer:

With regards to potty training- I live on a three floor walkup and whenever I am about to take the dog outside for a potty break, he never makes to the door without peeing in the lobby first. He is able to hold his bladder for 7-8 hours so I know it is not a matter of control. I just don't think he understands the difference between peeing inside and outside. How can I get him to hold he bladder until we are OUTSIDE without having to pick him up so that he won't piss on his way out?

Also- is it ok to crate my dog at night if he has already been crated during the day? I am just afraid that he might spending too much time in the crate. I leave him crated for about eight hours during the day and let him free when I am home during the evenings. I want to continue to crate him over night so that that he doesn't piss while I'm asleep. Any suggestions?

Thanks for your help!

Daniel
New York, New York