Crate potty training

Question
I just adopted a 1 year old mix poodle, I have been trying to potty train him. I have read what you wrote about Housebreaking 101. I will definitely follow them. I go to work from 7-4:00. Is it okay to crate my dog that long. (He can hold it all night.) or is it best to put him outside until he is completley potty trained?

Answer
I never think it's a good idea leave dogs outdoors alone all day.  too much chance for boredom to cause bad habits, or for someone to steal him or do him harm.
If he is a year old, he can probably hold it in the crate during the day, but the ideal is to have at least one potty break.  Might you be able to hire a dog walker to come at noon, just until he's house trained?