It's a tough decision. After all, if you use pads the dog is still going in the house. And if you take the dog over someone else's house do you need to bring a truckfull of pads with you?
I did a pretty good job of crate training Ruger, but I like to sleep late so I have some pads upstairs and he uses them. He also uses them when I leave him in the house and at night. Otherwise, he will go to the door when he wants to go. I should, but I don't use the crate anymore when I leave or at night.
I was told toy breeds are a problem because 1. Their bladders are very small, especially when puppies. 2. They are very small relative to the size of your home, so it's easy to make one part of the house a bathroom -- easy for them, but not for you.
