NAMRATA KHANAL

Hi, we have a chocolate lab and he turned 5 months old today. We have only had him for one month and we have pretty much never left him alone without us in his sight. His access is limited to the kitchen and the family room, but we hang out in the adjacent living room which is separated by a puppy gate. I was wondering what an appropriate age would be for us to leave him alone for a few hours in the day or in the evening either in the crate or out of it (within the barrier) with us out of sight, and ultimately out of the house. Night time: He is very fussy before going to bed but is able to sleep through the night in his crate without waking us up for a potty break. Potty training status: He prefers to go outside and 99% of the time lets us know by sitting by the door.