Hi I just got my puppy a few months ago too...I work from 8-4:30 as well and I have a playpen I purchased on amazon which has helped me a lot... my mom helps me take care of her because I do work all day...she looks after her for a few hours because she works too...so I would say she is home alone for about 6 hours...we leave her in the playpen which is pretty large (with toys)...it gives her room to move around.... peep pad inside the playpen by the door...now I dont know how silly your baby is but mine sometimes when at my moms she chews on her pee pad ( a lot less than before)...which can be a little annoying and hoping it will be better, shes only 7 months...she poops and pees on pad...I live in SOCAL weather is not bad here (still cold though)...but I just prefer it that way...I do recommend placing the pad by the doors..We feed her both wet and dry food....we do leave dry food when she is alone...sometimes she eats sometimes she doesnt ...she waits until we get home...this is what I do everyday....maybe others here have other ways...this is just mine ! has worked...when I am at home she gets to be out and goes on her pee pad 98% of the time... Good Luck!
PS provide treats...my little girl understand what that means...every time she does on her pee pad she gets one...