Need Help Picking A Dog

Question
Hi Emily,
I was hoping I can ask your advice on a dilemma I have.

Here is my situation.
I am planning on getting my very first dog in the next few weeks, and after visiting and playing with different breeds of puppies, I was settled on getting a Yorkie. However, after talking to several Yorkie experts, because of the amount of time I would be away from home, it would be way too long to leave this breed of puppy by itself.  
So I would like to describe to you what my situation is, and perhaps you can suggest to me what type of toy breed dog would be best for me?

So to begin, I go to work, as most people do. My hours are normal 9-5 hours, however, I do need to factor in travel time. So on average, I leave my house at 7am, and I get home about 6:30pm. Now obviously, I know a lot of people have dogs and work, so I'm not sure what type of toy breed would be okay on its own for that long.
I have a small playpen, and I have a cage. (given to me by a friend who's pomeranian is longer using them)
Is it best to put the puppy in the playpen all day while I'm at work? (if so, do I put in the food, water, and piddle/poop pad in with it?)  If the cage is better, then where do I put his food, water and piddle/poop
pad?
I'm very concerned about this, because I'll be worried to leave the puppy by itself for most of the day. Some people said this normal, and the puppy will get used to it, and be fine the day, and will start to "know" around what time I usually will come come. Another dog owner suggested putting a towel I dried off with in with the puppy so my "scent" is around the pup. I have no idea what's best, and I think I need to hear something from a puppy expert.
Also what do you suggest when I need to run out for a little bit, instead of the whole day? (for instance, going out for the evening, maybe 3-4 hours, or going to the gym or supermarket, 1-2 hours?)
As a side note, I only go out for the evening on Saturday/Sunday nights....and never, EVER the entire night (3-4 hours tops as I said above)

Lastly, if my puppy cries at night, do have any suggestions besides putting the cage near my bed, and having me in sight? OR am I am over-thinking this, and the puppy should be quiet if I'm in sight?

ANY other suggestions for this first time dog-owner would be extremely appreciated! ESPECIALLY if you could suggest a toy breed that would best fit into my life.
Thanks in advance!
-Nicolas


Answer
Hi Nicolas, sorry I took so long.

Yorkies are great dogs. And since they are little you can take them anywhere with you. Meaning, when you go out at night, take him with. Put him in a bag and carry him with you. Thats what I love most about the little dogs.

You can leave him in a playpen. This could be fine. Of course some dogs hate it. Especially puppies. Maybe check out rescues and find an older, already houetrained, calm yorkie. Or even doggy daycare. Doggie daycare can be a great idea. Your dog will never be alone, you dont have to worry about him. And some even have cams so you can check in on your dog while your away.

When your pup cries at night, ignore it. Put a toy in with him at night. Make sure he has had time with the puppy pad, to do his "business". Then leave him. A little pp may get up in the middle of the night and need to pee. So take him out and straight to the pad, no talking or playing. then straight back to bed. As soon as you get up, take your dog out.

I think, as long as you spend quality time with yopur dog whenever possible, and he is not alone constantly, you will be fine. But I am kinda worried about the 3-4 hrs. Why is it you need to be out that long. I hope not to go out with friends. Invite your friends over. Your puppy is like your baby. Do not ditch him because you want to spend time with friends. Just imagine being him. That would be so lonely.

Otherwise, I think you cold make a great owner, and I am happy you have thought this through. Good luck, and I hope I have helped.
Emily