@matthewtaylor I had to start going into the office and mine is 7 months old. I started before I went and would put him in his crate while I was working from home. The first few weeks were rough, just because he wasn’t used to holding it, so now I feed/water him so it won’t affect him while I’m gone.
Here’s how I handle it:
1. Let him play outside with his sister for about an hourish each morning while I get ready.
2. Give him a treat/quick chew when I put him in his crate.
3. When I’m home, he eats only using puzzle toys.
4. We play fetch/go on walks every evening for at least an hour or two per night. If it’s bad weather, then I usually give him a chew for the afternoon. We have a no playing in the house rule, so he knows to settle when we’re inside.
5. My weekends are dedicated to the dogs. Hiking, swimming, playing, mental activities.
6. If friendly enough, use a dog sitter to come by and play fetch/let them out for a half hour during the day.
7. Repeat.
I don’t think it’s cruel if they have to be in their crates while you work, as long as you pretty much dedicate any time you can to mental/physical stimulation. It’s been a blessing teaching the dogs that inside means it’s time to settle, because rainy/bad days happen. I work every other day in the office, but even when I’m working from home, they’re in their crates for the most part. When I’m at work, I’m gone from 6:50am to 6:00pm. They’ve been totally fine so far, but I always tell people the reason it’s okay is because I dedicate almost all my free time to the dogs. I have a border collie mix as well. You’ll be okay, just takes some extra dedication!