Potty training for single people

Question
Hi, again.

I was wondering something. I know I have to potty train the puppy but I have an issue with my work schedule because I leave at 11.30 and don't come home until 8.30, unfortunatelly there's no one home to feed the puppy or give her water.  Her shedule back at the vet's was 10am, 4pm and then 7pm. My problem resides on the  mid afternoon feed.

I was planning on leaving her a dish full of water and some food so she doesn't starve until I get home but I read somewhere that you should not "free feed" them until they're propperlly potty trained? see my dilemma...

I would really appreciate any advide on this matter.

Thanx, Vane
Costa Rica

Answer
Hello, Are you sure you should have a puppy? I am not trying to be rude but realistic.....your gone from 11 am to 8.30 pm? thats a very long time for your puppy to be all alone. The puppy needs to be fed three/four times daily depending on the age of the puppy. I don't reccomend feeding as late as 7/8 in the evening the puppy will need to poop all night the last feeding should be at 5/6 pm to avoid the puppy needing to poop all throguh the night. Feeding at 8/9am, 12 pm, 3 pm and 5/6 pm is perfect for most puppies you can cut the 3 pm feeding if your feeding three times daily. I freefed my last puppy...A 8 week old boston terrier while I was working left her in a large puppy pen covered with newspaper/a bed/toys/food/water she did soil her area when I had gotten home but she Was housetrained very well by 4 months with no accidents by 8 months. I then put her on a shedual for feeding when she was old enough to be crated and hold it for a few hours. I only work for 5-8 hours per day and Had someone to take her out once or twice when I wasnt home soo its not the same situation as yourself. I can only really reccomend calling a relitive or friend and paying them to come feed the puppy and let her out...or you can turn to a reliable dog sitter/dog walking company to come do these things but expect to pay a higher price! Be sure to leave a radio on low near her area when your not home and be sure she has lots of toys she can't tear apart and eat. Be sure she can't tip her water/food bowls over either. Best of luck with your puppy.