hi there and welcome to pet talk. i will give you my advice about potty training and you can use it how you see fit. i will preface my advice by informing you that some small breeds like maltese and shih tzu can be a challenge to potty train. ok that said here goes . . .

first 30 minutes is entirely too long to give her to get busy. i would designate an area in your yard where you want her to go. take her outside on leash directly to her potty area. tell her to go potty or get busy or whatever cue you want. if she goes throw a puppy pee party -- lots of treats, toys, play in the yard.

if she does not go in about 5 minutes then take her back inside and crate her for 15 minutes. repeat the process until she goes then potty party. the first couple days she may spend a while in her crate.

also important to note that if she does not potty when you go outside there is no play time (at least until she gets on a regular schedule and can be trusted). be careful because frequently people take their dogs out to potty and then go right back in the house when they are finished. how rewarding is that to a dog? be sure that if she goes you give her a toy or a tiny jog around the yard. they learn to hold it because they want to stay outside -- they know if they go immediately they go back inside.

if she is going outside and coming inside and going too i think the first thing i would do is make sure she doesn't have a medical problem like urinary tract infection. if she is fine and you catch her tell her "outside" pick her up and take her outside to her potty yard. give her a minute to go and then repeat potty training with crate.

always keep an eye on her inside so that you can watch for signs she is about to go. interrupt her and take her to the correct spot. try to help her succeed every time!

hope that helps