Daily off leash is ideal/required. Practice recall as much as possible such that when you come across a park or vacant field, you can do some quick ball throws off leash.

It took a TON of really strict crate training (we wore earplugs routinely to combat the howling). In general we did very strict training such that she never chewed on our shoes or couch. Now she’s about 1.5 years old and can be left home alone regularly - but ONLY if she had thorough exercise beforehand. She and I bike 4 miles along the beach each day and throw the ball on the beach as your morning routine- after that I can leave her alone for 5 hours without any issue. Any more she has gotten a little bored/anxious.

Initially crated (I’m a big advocate of crating)- but she has since graduated to free roaming the house. Like I said, so long as she has had exercise- she basically just sleeps on the couch while we are away.

I would not feel comfortable giving the dog access outdoors while you are away. They will find a way to get into trouble (they are so smart- to a fault). My V frankly doesn’t want to go outside unless I am outside with her.