Ok Labman, here's another question for you on my Chihuahua potty training. I have a large front porch (large to my little puppy, anyway) and 5 or 6 steps that he cannot yet manage. I have a lot of leaves on my porch right now, so I started putting the puppy out there yesterday to use the bathroom so that we don't have to carry him all the way to the yard every time (esp. at 4am). Do you think it'd be OK to fix up a little litter box of sorts with dirt and leaves in it for puppy on my front porch? I figure when he can get down the steps on his own then he can/will go to the yard. Not that we don't ever take him to the yard, especially when I'm at work I take him out a lot. I AM going to get a crate, though, hopefully this weekend.

Sounds close enough to outside not to create problems later on. It also may be better as far as disease carrying loose dogs. That is a problem even the best immunization program can't always protect the little ones from.

Thank you! I am going to sweep the leaves off my porch today (lol) and fix him up a spot then, and it won't be difficult to clean up. He was starting to chew on and play with the puppy pads and that will not do. He also likes to play on the porch which gives me a chance to leave him out to run around and not have to watch him like a hawk. You guys don't know how much I appreciate your help! I'm sure I'll be back asking all sorts of questions as my puppy grows.