I also use the "crate training" method, and I think it's probably one of the best ways to go. I was using wee pads, which Yoda was using successfully for both #1 & #2, when I had him in an enclosed hard wood floor area. But he still does not know, to NOT GO on the carpet or bed. This is the most difficult part for me. If I'm supervising him, he is okay, but if I leave him roaming the house un-supervised, there will be atleast 3 soiled areas
I stopped with the wee wee pads though, b/c I did not want him to get used to the idea of going "inside the house." So, before he got too used to that, I started with the crate training. He will hold it until I take him out. They will usually not go in the crate, b/c they do not want to deal with sitting in their own mess. The crate should be small enough for the dog to sit and stand up in, but that's about it. Yoda doesn't seem to mind his crate at all. He sleeps in there everynight, and he will even go inside of it w/o me asking him to! He/she may still have accidents in the crate if you wait too long to take him/her out. Along with the crate, I also use a treat system, and when he can do his business outside, I always reward + praise him. He is a smart dog, and he knows what the terms "poo poos & pee pees outside" means
Your dog will be housebroken quickly, if you can devote the time to it. When you take him out of the crate, he will always have to go RIGHT AWAY, so sometimes if you take too long to open the front door of the house to get outside, he will go right there on the doormat. Yoda has done this many times, but they will soon learn to hold it better... especially to get that mouth-watering treat from you!