We have 3 wonderful dogs and have recently moved from a flat to a house with a small yard. All dogs are house-trained and very obedient. Thier old routine for early morning and late evening evacuations involved 3 flights of stairs and a small grassy area outside the block. This wasn't ideal but we all coped. They now have a yard in which they can piddle to their hearts' delight - but they won't!
I had thought that it was too close to the house but they are used to this when we visit my mum (who has a back garden) and it's not like they get fed out there (all far too anal - no pun intented - to toilet where they eat). I even asked DH to lead the pack and lay down a scent out there - for which he was told he was a 'very good boy' and even got a markie! They sniff out there now but won't cover it. At the moment we are resorting to one dog at a time, supervised, in the communal alley - which, even though we would clean up poops, I don't think is fair on the neighbours.
BTW all dogs do get park visits and exercise during the day. This is just for first and last thing. Really thought they would love having such a convenient, well convenience but they are all 'too good' to use it. Any ideas welcome!