I would start first by purchasing an X-Pen and some Piddle Pads. This provides your puppy a secure confined area with room to play, eat & POOP during the first months that she's getting used to the rules of the house.
Yes, you do need to pick up your lil' one to make it to the outside if she's not making it there in time...easier on you & your floors!
With my Yorkies, I only potty trained Bella from a puppy as Abby & Phoebe came to me as rescues and were luckily for the most part potty-trained.
What worked best for me with Bella was to use the x-pen and keep her to confined spaces...it's easier for them too. They feel more secure knowing this is their little space.
The best analogy of this was from a trainer who asked me if I ever allowed my children when they were crawling to have free reign of the house and undiapered...ummmmm, NO! It's the same with a puppy...
My girls have a routine which took awhile to get down pat but, after they eat I take them out to go potty every single time. It's easy for me since I work from home but, if you work outside the home...that's where the X-Pen comes in handy!
Crating while you're at work is just no life for an animal...but, that's just my opinion.
I'd also put a few piddle pads in whatever room I'm in with the puppy, too. It just enforces them to potty on their Piddle Pad.
As Bella got a little older, I would move the Piddle Pads closer to the door that led to the backyard until, we finally eliminated them and voile' she's potty trained!
Most importantly, it takes time & patience...lots and lots of it!
Just remember, accidents will always happen and most importantly..........sh
t happens!
Good Luck &
