I have basically been spending all day outside with our Staffy pup-doing what Mike has suggested actually-as soon as Loki has woken up/eaten/had a drink etcetc I take him out, and stay out there until he has been. Then it's lots of praise and a litle treat.
We never get accidents during the day as we spend most of it outside (thank heavens we've had nice weather!!!), although we do get messes first thing in the morning-it's hard to be outside when the child is demanding breakfast, and the Hubby needs getting up for work!!
But we are slowly getting there!!! He is only just 9 weeks old, so I'm not expecting miracles-he's already learnt to sit on command, and sits without being told to when we let him in, or put his food down, so I know he ain't stupid!!