We didn't have the luxury of 2 months to "break my dog in" it was more like 2 days. My fiance and I both work, and since we weren't sure how Gunner would behave while unattended we started crating him during the day right from the start. It took him 2-3 weeks to adjust, but now he goes in on command and sleeps or chews his bone.
My fiance has an hour lunch break so she's able to take him for a 35-40 minute walk in the middle of the day. But I also get up early and walk him for at least 40mins/2miles in the morning, and then we walk him again for 3+ miles after work.
Everyone is different with their preference of crating v not crating, that's up to you. But keep in mind it's not just about protecting your belongings, it's also about protecting your dog. We have a great dog who is totally fine while left out, but we choose to crate him. I don't think you necessarily have to go the doggy daycare route, but you should consider a dog walker 1-2 times a day. Actually where I live the price between daycare/dogwalker is close, in which case I think daycare makes more sense. But it may be different where you are.
In general I'd recommend that your dog get outside at least once during the day.
My fiance has an hour lunch break so she's able to take him for a 35-40 minute walk in the middle of the day. But I also get up early and walk him for at least 40mins/2miles in the morning, and then we walk him again for 3+ miles after work.
Everyone is different with their preference of crating v not crating, that's up to you. But keep in mind it's not just about protecting your belongings, it's also about protecting your dog. We have a great dog who is totally fine while left out, but we choose to crate him. I don't think you necessarily have to go the doggy daycare route, but you should consider a dog walker 1-2 times a day. Actually where I live the price between daycare/dogwalker is close, in which case I think daycare makes more sense. But it may be different where you are.
In general I'd recommend that your dog get outside at least once during the day.