You are probably asking for breed recommendations , but that depends on your lifestyle. I can really, highly recommend crate training though. Proper crate training (not just stowing away an animal all the time) keeps your dog from learning bad habits, because whenever he/she is out of the crate, you are watching. They also practically potty train themselves this way. Though small dogs are supposed to be harder to potty train (regardless of the method).
It also creates a safe place for your dog to be alone. It's like his/her den. I harrass my dog a lot so he will be used to being poked, prodded, petted, anything without pulling an attitude with anyone (and it is a lot of fun heh). When he is sick of me, he takes a toy and goes into his crate to lay down and be alone. I only close the door when I am gone or just can't watch him at that moment (Im in the shower, or sleeping, ect).
Eventually, when he is a year or two old (depending on the maturity of the dog/breed), you can start leaving the crate door open when you are gone, starting with small intervals of time and moving up. The idea is, because he only had proper toys to play with when you were gone, that when he/she is mature, they will only play with proper toys instead of chewing furnature and getting into trouble. That's the theory anyway heh. I haven't got that far, but for potty training, and keeping him out of trouble when I can't watch him, it has been great.
It is also nice if you need to take your dog on the road, or to a family members house. Many hotels won't let you have a dog unless it is in a crate when you are out of the room (if they allow dogs at all).
Anyway, maybe you've had other dogs on your own, and know all this stuff. But I didn't, and maybe it is helpful to you. Also, if you are going to adopt, keep breed specific rescue organizations in mind as well. You can get some really nice dogs either way on the cheap, and keeps them from getting PTS in many cases.
EDIT:
OH, and try the clicker. I worked with my dog for hours doing simple things they showed us in puppy kindergarten. Even just getting him to go into his crate on command was confusing for him, and frustrating for us both. Using the clicker, it literally took us 5 minutes and he has been going in on command ever since. It is such an awesome communication/training tool.