I got my, now 4 month old, golden retriever early this summer because I have a work-from-home summer job. However when I go back to school and an out of the house job my dog will be alone 8 or so hours a day. I've been told to crate him because it is the safest for him. He is potty trained as far as I can tell because long road trips and being left the run of the house for 45-60 mins has proved successful. So much so that we paid a ridiculous amount to get his piddle stains steam cleaned out of the carpets. I do plan to walk him in the morning and continue evening walks, I just don't think 8 hours being penned up is fair. The crate is quite larger he has a good foot or so of extra space all around. Are there any alternatives? or can I have a happy dog that is in jail all day?