Getting a 1 year old Puggle

Question
Hello!  I'm hoping you'll be able to offer me some guidance.  We are about to be the new owners of a 1.3 year old female Puggle...which we are very excited about.  Till now this dog has only been taken outside on a leash to go to the bathroom, the former owners lived in an apt.  We have a good-sized fenced in yard...and will want to be able to let the dog out on her own.  How do we go about un-leash training her to use the bathroom??  Do you think this will be a big problem or un-do?  Apparently she's a fantastic little dog and is already house broken and crate trained...just worried about this bathroom leash issue.  Any input, ideas or advice would be GREATLY appreciated!  Thanks much!

Answer
It is hard to say how she will adjust.  I would start out taking her in the back yard on the leash, praising her eliminating.  Then without the leash, again praising her.  Finally, let her out by her self and watch out the window.  If she goes, go out and praise her.  I would sort of let her choose how much time she spends outside by herself.  Let her out whenever she wants.  Watch her and as long as she running around or even laying down away from the door, leave her be out.  If she comes to the door or barks let her in.  I am a little stupid, I always bring my dog in when it barks.  I can't seem to understand it was just telling me about the squirrel.  

I am glad you are giving the older dog a home.  We have so many dogs like her needing a home.  It skips all the work and expense of a puppy.