Maltese pup

Question
QUESTION: Hi

I really want a maltese pup, I have read up a lot about them and am aware of their temprament, grooming requirements etc. Also that they are a house dog, the dog will be kept indoors whenever we are home, evenings, nights weekends, holidays etc. However, my partner and I both work full time, and I am curious about whether it is ok to leave these dogs alone for 8 hour days, and if so should they be left inside or out? I have a problem with neither, just want to know which is best for the dog. I live in Ireland so we have mild summers & winters, however it can be quite wet. Also we have no problems with wild animals which i have read elsewhere may cause harm to the dog. We will be with the dog for the first few weeks he is with us, as we have arranged to be off work. Please help I am desperate for one of these gorgeous loveable loving dogs!

ANSWER: This used to be our problem it took me ages to convince my partner as he never wanted to leave a pup alone i live in the uk, and would strongly advise to keep him inside in his own sanctury. my pup gets left alone, but i hate doing it and so does he he knows when i am going to go out, but, its a fact of life you cant be availible 24/7 so my advice is this when your home devote your time to him they need so much love honestly when i come in my pup will not stop jumping up until ive picked him up and given him a kiss lol. Also think about holidays never leave a maltese in a kennel they will fret and die. Its not in their nature. regarding maltes being house dogs i do believe that they can be but my dog loves daily two hour walks lol. they can be just as good as normal dogs lol. I suggest taking plenty of time off when you first get him welcome him into your home and get him used to your surroundings and potty train him. Also near the end of your time off leave him alone for short periods of time  so he gets used to it. Good luck your will love a maltese if you need any other advice please contact me
do you have a breeder?

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Yes we have a breeder the dog is registered with the Irish Kennel Club, micro chipped, wormed etc we are going to pick him up in a couple of weeks. cant wait! He is ten weeks now. The breeder said he will grow to 9 inches. I will definitely be giving him a lot of affection when I am home! How will he cope being left for the day if he is toilet trained, will he be able to hold it until we get home or should I leave out puppy pads/newspaper? Or will this confuse the toilet training process? We were thinking of getting a large play pen type thing to put in the kitchen so he won't destroy the place while we are gone! I wouldn't leave him in a crate or cage for the day as I think that is cruel.My mum has already offered to babysit when we are away so no worries about being left in a kennel! Also do you reccommend crate training or puppy pads? Sorry for all the questions just very concerned thank you for the advice much appreciated

Answer
hi well, remember it is entirley up to you but i do not like crates i reccomend pads they are so good but stock up on them lol also if you have a pets @ home near you buy some simple soloution training spray that leaves a scent that makes dogs go to the toilet its great for encourging dogs to go outdoors.
if you train your dog to go to the toilet outdoors dont place a pad down like you said it may confuse him there will be accidents but dont scold for it just state no firmly give him the dissapointed look lol and place him outside to go to the toilet. i have written some previous answers for people on potty training that you may  find helpful. goodluck you will love your puppy lol do you have a name?