I am returning to work tomorrow (after a holiday break) and it is the first time that my 14 week old Maletese will be staying by himself. I should explain -- we have a bulldog but he does not bother the Maltese --they do not have much contact due to their respective sizes. I plan on leaving Henry in his travel duffel carrier (where he sleeps at night) with the carrier door closed from about 8:00 a.m. to 3 p.m., in an room with the radio playing. I plan on feeding him before I leave, and will male arrangements fro someone to take him out around 10:00 a.m., which is normally the time he poops. My question: (1) is it ok for me to leave him there for that period of time without any water?? or should I buy a bigger crate??

Right now I feed him at 8:00 am (1/2 cup kibble) and at 4:00 1/2 cup kibble?? Is that enough?? Thanks again!!

I started to leave him in the carrier in the room today for 3 hours so he can get used to it. I just want to make sure it is no cruel!
Thanks to all again!

IMO: I'd get a wire kennel or a hard plastic instead of something soft. Soft kennels are made be be broken out of.

Everyone has opinions about leaving puppies during the day. I have done it my entire dog owning life. I've always had school of work, and my puppies have never suffered. Expect accidents sometimes, and the FIRST thing you do when you get home is let the dog out and to the bathroom. I don't care if you are about to pop yourself, puppy comes first.

If you leave food or water, you are setting yourself up for accidents.

As for feedings, a small breed like that I'd feed at LEAST three times a day still until around 6 months or so.