Leaving pets at home & housebreaking

Question
Hi Anne,
I have wrote to you previously this month about my two 9 week shih zhu
puppies (male and female) and you were very helpful.

I had more concerns that you may be able to answer. Any advice would be
greatly appreciated.

I have taken about a month or so, off of work to care, and housebreak my
puppies. Because they are under my care 24/7, I do not put them in crates
UNLESS they are having their afternoon/evening naps. They sleep a lot so
much of their time is spent in their crates.

I am aware that they are able to hold in their bowels for about 3 hours,
however i take them out every chance I get; usually every 30mins to 2 hours.
By doing this, it prevents from having accidents on my carpet. Am I taking
them out to elimiate to frequently? Should I teach them to hold in their pee
for a bit longer while in their crates, in preparation when I start working?

I will be starting work maybe next month or so, and I will be away from them
for hours. How should I begin to get them used to me being away to prevent
separation anxiety?

Should I put them in crates while I am away? Isn't 4-6 hours in their crates
too long? I am going to try to come during lunch hours to take them to
eliminate, and then place them in their crates again. I am concerned that they
will be spending too much time in their crates.

Last question, Is it safe to leave them together to play while I am away? Many
people tell me that they are just playing, however I am concerned that their
play gets too rough and out of control.

I am aware that I have overwhelmed you with questions; I will ask my vet  
more of my concerns however, their nexr appointment is in 2 weeks and I am
anxious to get some answers.

Hanna  

Answer
I think it's fine to take them out often, because you are able to reward them for doing their business in the right spot.  However, to avoid them developing separation anxiety when you finally go back to work, you can try taking them out separately, and you should leave them alone for longer and longer periods of time, just not so long that they are unable to hold it.  Also, when they are about 3 months old, do yourself a favor and take them for an overnight "camp out" (kenneled separately) at a reputable kennel, even if you aren't going anywhere.  Pups need to learn that you will always come back for them, even if they are in a strange place.  I would not leave them alone playing at this age - too much chance of them chewing something harmful, or having house training accidents.  Grab a copy of "Little Dogs - Training Your Pint Sized Companion", as it will be a good guide, too, for their schooling as you go along.  And, perhaps the best book I could recommend to pet owners - "The Power of Positive Dog Training" by Pat Miller.