[HighlandYorkies]

6-7.5 HOURS during the day seems a *l o n g* time to be shut in a cage, though I'm sure there are those who do this who might also do it overnight as well....eeek !
I agree with the person who said try a play pen with pee-pad instead.
Also, why do you leave them in a crate in the first place ? Are they puppies ?
I crated my Bearded Collie at night time when she was a puppy, but once she had learned training, I got rid of the crate...she goes to her bed in our free range kitchen.
I have never needed to crate my three Yorkies, 2 females and 1 male. If I go out and I can't take them for whatever reason, then the Yorkies have the run of my livingroom, ......and the Beardie has the run of the kitchen or padlocked garden with open kennel.
I never leave the Yorkies more than three hours, and by that time they are needing out(small bladders) - so imagine how desperate they would be in a confined crate.
I know you can teach a dog all sorts of things to get used to, but crating wouldn't be an option long-term in my house, though it's fab for training puppies.
Mine don't chew, pee, poo, or bark when I am gone....they just sleep in one of their many soft beds. They are 7, 4.5, and 4 years old and all 4lbs....and I only had one as a tiny puppy, the other two came to me older, and had to be trained to be left by leaving them 5 mins, then 15 mins, then 30 mins, then 1 hour, then 2 hours, then they were fine for 3 hours.
I do agree that routine is very important though. If they really don't mind the crate that long, and know the commands do peepees do poopoos, then I would try the suggestion of walking them on grass. If all else fails, and they have to be contained, then I'd try a large play-pen with pad.
I do feel terribly sorry for you having to clean up the mess each time you come home....it must be very trying and very exhausting after a day's work.
I hope you find a solution....good luck, I really feel for you.
Best wishes, Debra x x x x
TARA CASPER TAMMY