Dudley is now 2 1/2 years old. I was actually working when I got him, but I would run home at lunch to let him out -- 5 or 6 hours; and then it would be 5 or 6 hours before I got home at the end of the day. He was crated -- and had no problems. I stopped crating him when I went out when he was about 18 months old...never a problem. I've actually - in an emergency situation -- left him for 12 hours and he's been fine. Of course, he doesn't have to go out overnight -- typically 8 or 9 hours. He's always been really good with NOT having accidents. Such a good boy. Your Buff is gorgeous.