I have a miniature maltese.  He is a little over a year old.  He stays in a dog crate while I am at work.  He has never been upset about it.  Actually, now, he seems to know when I am leaving and goes to the crate by himself.  I keep his chew toys and a blanket in there, along with food and water.  

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: I've just recently started my search of purebreed dogs and the Maltese is one of the few breeds that fits what I would consider to be an ideal breed for myself.  
: My question though is this.  I know that most puppies and adult dogs can suffer from seperation anxiety.  Of course I wouldn't want to cause undue anxiety to my best friend, but I do work during the day.  If I planned on coming home every day at lunch to play with my puppy and let them use the potty (I plan on trying the litter box training technique) would I be asking for trouble in the seperation anxiety area?
: If I haven't been very clear I'm sorry, guess my only concern is how the puppy/dog would adjust to having me home in the morning until 7:30.  Home again for 40 min at lunch.  And then home again by 4:30.
: Thanks,
: Heather