new cocker owner

Question
First thank you for you expertise it calms my worries as a new pet owner. I'm getting a male full breed cocker spaniel on Dec.11th and want to be fully prepared. I plan to train my puppy to be home alone during the week but will provide lots of exercise and attention daily.
   my question: bringing home a new pup (I will be out of school & home the 1st three weeks)that I want to sleep in his bed close to our bedroom but we're considering crate training or gating to the kitchen when home alone.(1) Which is better to confine to the kitchen area during the alone hours or crating? (2)An do I need to use the same method at night to sleep? I read where you explain a puppy should be feed 4-5 times a day. (3)what is the best puppy food? (4)and what are the best times for feeding? My pup will be two months old and paper trained. Please help I want to be the best pet owner I can be.
Thank you so much in advance

Answer
A puppy this age needs feeding 4 to 5 times a day.  Also needs constant supervision (or confining).  You can begin proper housebreaking immediately but if he's left alone all day that's not going to be easy.

I'd confine in the kitchen using a baby gate but have his crate in there so he knows that's his bed.  You don't want him free to roam at night at this age - accidents are guaranteed.

I'd feed him first thing in the morning - last thing at night and three times inbetween.

For the first few weeks, keep him on whatever food he's used to (let me know what that is) and then you can transition him, if necessary, to a first class food.

It's terrific that you're asking questions now.  Routine is your friend when you get a new puppy.

So whatever you want him to get used to - begin immediately.