[Heycher]

What I learned from the wise folks here, is that that many hours is too long to keep ones that little in a crate.

I also live in a 2 BR apartment. I have a small, galley style kitchen that I close off with a baby gate. In the kitchen she has her pee pad (IN a pad holder that protects the floor and secures it -- I got it at petsmart - it was $24.99 though)... and I leave a radio on during the day with plenty of toys, etc... Also in the kitchen I have her crate, a water bowl, dry kibble.

So far it's working. From everything I have read, not "giving" them the chance to have accidents (i.e. keeping them in a controlled area for a while and then they kind of "earn" privilidge to other areas of the house), is the best way to train these little guys.

Good luck!