8 month old whippet mix: questions on feeding and elimination schedule

Question
I just recently adopted an 8 month old male whippet mix. He is a little under weight. He is a rescue dog and was residing in a foster home where he successfully put on some weight but i think he could stand to put on a little more (he is 17 pounds right now).  He does not have any major health concerns and seems to be acclimating well to his new home (he has only been here 24 hours!).
I do not have much experience raising dogs, but from what i understand, routine is very important. I work full time and want to make sure to get him on a proper feeding/elimination schedule so I can gauge when I need to come home from work and let him out (and how often). I need some help! When should I feed him? How many times per day? How long after I feed him should I take him out? Should I leave food and water with him when I'm at work? He'll be in my bathroom for now and I'll try to make it very comfy for him but the adoption rep said that he does well with a crate (which is another thing I have NO experience with!). lol. Forgive me if i sound like a finicky first time parent, but I just want to do whats best for this little guy and I want to make sure to build a good foundation that will hopefully lead to limited behavioral problem in the future!
Thanks so much for your help!

Answer
I think feed him morning and evening and take him out in about a half hour.  Try to give him a mid day break.  I don't think it is good to leave a dog more then 4-5 hours.  Don't leave any food or water for him.  

I think Whippets may keep themselves on the lean side.  If he won't eat enough to keep his ribs from showing a little, leave well enough alone.  Your dog definitely should be narrower at the waist than the hips and chest. You should be able to easily feel the ribs, but not see them. Each dog is different. Standard recommendations are a good place to start, but each dog must have its food and exercise adjusted to its individual needs. Here is a link to a good illustrated guide, http://www.longliveyourdog.com/twoplus/RateYourDog.aspx

Oh, what ever he is eating now is likely to be as good as anything.  Many people insist premium brands are better, it is all speculation and marketing hype.  

I would go with a crate, perhaps a 24'' plastic one.  Your house and dog will be much safer with the dog in a crate when you are away. The dog may be happier in its den than loose in the house. It relaxes, it feels safe in its den. It rests, the body slows down reducing the need for water and relieving its self. Dogs that have been crated all along do very well. Many of them will rest in their crates even when the door is open. I think the plastic ones give the dog more of a safe, enclosed den feeling. They are harder for dogs to open too. Metal ones can be put in a corner or covered with something the dog can't pull in and chew. Select a crate just big enough for the full grown dog to stretch out in.

Leave it some toys. Perhaps a Kong filled with peanut butter. Don't leave anything in the crate the dog might chew up. It will do fine without even any bedding. You will come home to a safe dog and a house you can enjoy.