Whether you choose to use a crate or xpen, the basic idea is the same- the dog is in a confined area when you aren't watching them with an eagle eye during the housebreaking process.
I'm not a pee pad fan just because I found that my dogs took the idea of something on the floor= ok to pee on. And usually that "something" was the dining room rug or a clean pile of clothes that hadn't gotten put away yet (I accept TOTAL blame for that one!)
That being said, it does storm a lot here (and occasionally snows). I know I need to find a way for Rhett to "go" when when the weather is too bad. I have a friend who trained her doxie to use the litter box. Has anybody done something similar with their yorkie?
OK- while I was typing this, I looked out of the corner of my eye and saw Rhett assuming the position. Guess I better take my own advice and get off the computer and watch him better!