I too agree!
8 hours for a small dog IS in fact TOO LONG, like I said. I'd go no longer than 6 if it can be avoided.
As far as leaving her in the bathroom or in a larger crate, if she's good (not chewing/digging/being overall chaotic while you're away) then why not? Go ahead, at that point however, you do run the risk of her using the pad properly or even at all.
And as far as dogs being roaming animals and it being in their genes....dogs aren't solitary animals either. THEY ARE WHAT WE MAKE THEM. That's what the wonderful this is about owning a *domestic animal*.
