I actually purchased a baby's playpen from walmart when my effie was a pup. It only cost around $40 and had plenty of room for a pad, to be far enough away from her blankets and food. It worked well for about 3 months, (she is 14 months now) then I deceided to start keeping her out a bit.
Over the summer she became both pad and outside trained. I still keep a pad for her inside, just in case, which she rarely ever uses. Once you
get them outside a few times, I think it just becomes natural for them to want to potty outside.
needless to say the pads to help.
I use these pads and they are great..cheap too!
Puppy Pads - Doggypads.com