The hallway is probably too much room for them, when you are not at home. I would make the place they stay, while you are at work, pretty small. I would even crate them. I would make the crate area only large enough so they could stand, turn and lay back down. After they learn to hold it I would expand the area a little at a time, until you know they are going to hold it the whole time you are gone. Do not give them access to food or water while you are away. Millie was 13 wks old and was able to hold it for 8 - 9 hours. Because of the lack of space, she pretty much slept all day. as she got older and I was comfortable with her not going in the crate, I expanded to an x-pen and made sure her crate was there, toys and another doggie bed so that there was no real visible floor space. What you are training your dog to understand is that this is their "den" and they are not allowed to urinate or defecate in it. (Their mother would be training them on this if they were out in the wild).
this progression occurs over time as you trust them more and more. When you are home, you need to keep them with you at all times and keep on a potty schedule.
You will also need to make sure that they poo and pee and go for a walk (yes, even if it's cold) before you go to work and lock them up. After you get back from work, another long walk where they are pooping and peeing, again.
Dogs like routine. They will get used to this routine and learn what you are trying to teach them.
And NO it is not cruel to leave them in the crate that long. If you want a fully trained dog (because you do work) then it's necessary to put the work in first. Eventually, they won't be in the crate anymore and you will have a lovely wonderful behaved dog.
Also, when you are home on the week-ends or days off, I would stay at home as much as possible, during this training period, even if it means giving up social activities. either that or you can bring them with you.
Just remember, this is only temporary and will last about 6 -7 months, but it is well worth the sacrifice |