I only put him in there for long extended hours when i have to. When I first started crate training (potty training) charlie he was in there for most of the day. He was 4months at the time. I got him in December. I only take him out to potty outside, feed, play for 30 minute, potty again (if they need to) and then back in the crate. He stays in the crate for 4-5 hrs..then I take him out again to do the same routine..then back in the crate for another 4-5..sometimes 6 hrs. He was pretty good..in about a week he learn to like his crate and that when he comes out it is to potty only. You mention that you are gone from 7-12..that should be ok to put her in the crate for that time period. charlie goes to potty at 5:00-5:30am and is in his crate until 11:30-12 before his next potty break and playtime.
Charlie only have a few toys..he loves his stuff animal so I put that in there with him along with his kong toy stuff with treat. I don't put anything else in the crate during the daytime except for a blanket.
It is good to put them on a schedule so that they will get use to it since you are working. Here is charlie's schedule..We do go off the schedule sometimes for potty depending on how much water he consumes..it is getting hot here so he has been drinking a lot of water and has been wanting to pee a lot..he will bark to let me know..
5-6am: potty, feeding, and playtime (let him roam around the kitchen and living room while i make coffee)
6am-12pm: crate
12-1: potty,feeding (he usually don't eat at this time b/c of his big breakfast), playtime, potty (don't usually go)
1- 5:30pm or 6: potty, feeding
6-7:30pm: crate b/c it is dinner for his mommy and daddy...I don't feed food after 7pm..water is 9pm this way he will last all night.
7:30pm-9pm: playtime
9-9:30pm: crate b/c shower time for mommy
9:30-11pm: playtime, and last potty break for the day |