When I was home, and they were awake, I took them out at least every 20 minutes, more if they were super active, it was warm, drinking a lot, etc. I also took them out after waking, eating, playing, or if there was a lull in activity. My pups were never away from me. Either baby-gated in a room or tethered to me. For my home's design, baby-gates were perfect. If I knew I was leaving, I would pick up the water about an hour before-hand. The crate should only be large enough to stand and turn around in and I would pick up all bedding as well. Do you have children? It seems to be a common trend that many who have a hard time with potty training have kids, and I think that adds to distractions. So, if you do, keep that in mind as well. I think you just have to figure out how to really plan your days and multi-task. Don't ever leave the puppy in the hands of the kids -- they just don't have the skills yet to be able to remember to take the pup out and when. Nor do boyfriends/husbands who are watching television, I have found! (That's sort-of tongue-in-cheek, but it does happen!).