Crate Training a Puppy

Question
My family is getting a 8 wk old Vizsla in April. We are planning on crate training it with a crate in our den and bedroom. After several days at home with the pup before we will return to work/school. We plan on having a sitter come one or two times a day, for a few months as we will be gone 8-8.5 hours. My question is should we set up a play/kennel(6x4) pen in our basement(dingy) with a potty pad and a bed? Or as the breeder suggested: its adult size crate will be big enough to put a potty pad at the back while he is small(only while we are gone). As he gets older and can hold it longer shrink the potty pad. I'm concerned he may get used to peeing in his crate if I do this, what do you think? If we don't have to buy/set up a basement kennel that would be great!

Answer
Hello Char;
Absolutely, don't keep him in a crate that long..yes, you will teach him that is his area to potty..but, more importantly, that kind of dog needs exercise!!!
He cannot stay that long in confinement!
Seriously cruel, and he will have no correct structure with not using his muscles all day...he will lose his mind as well!!! I cannot believe your breeder did not tell you this!!!!!
So, put a run inside or outside in a garage, or covered area is fine as well.
Best of luck with the new one.
Melissa