hi and welcome!
i too am at home with my ziggy all day so crate training for me didn't work out, i caved!lol plus ziggy would poop in there so it didnt work for us.. so i cant comment on that technique.
i have just been watching him like a hawk and he's not alowed in areas of the house where i am not with him. there have been accidents, but at 19 weeks old, we have made great progress. he now walks over to his potty area about 80% of the time for peeing. but only 50% for pooping (its a work in progress) but i believe we're getting there. i praise ALOT when he goes in there right place and give a firm "NO" when he goes other places, pick him up and take him to his potty. and i have asigned a word- "potty" so now he pretty much does it on command..
i think whichever technique you use, the best tool to accompany it is patience! i have read on here that some, if not most, are only really potty trained at around 9-12 months old.. so its a long road.
good luck with your new baby.. cant wait to see pics
