Colossus is a rare bully (Im guessing) and Im a glutton for punishment - I started leaving Colossus out at about 5 months. He never took to the crate and would bark non-stop early in the morning and then through the day, being the softie that I am I let him have run of the house. He does amazing at not chewing on things he shouldnt. He doesnt have any accidents (perse). My recommendation start with short bursts of time - leave him out when you run errands, etc. There are some here who have an "X-Pen" that the put with the kennel to give theirs more room. I built Colossus a "corral" for his safe space.