[big black dogs]

I've always crate trained all of my pups and even rescue dogs....till they were ready to venture free in the house. With some pups it takes longer ,and some are quicker to not need the use of the crate. Start with short...coming and goings and make sure to puppy proof the area you plan on leaving them in. You can always put a baby gate in a laundry room or bathroom or even in a hallway. It's a matter of learning and the dog maturing. Make sure your pup is well exercised and has had a chance to pee/poop before trying to leave them even for a short time. Usually by 12 -18 months mine were crate free. No use having a protective dog if he has to spend a lot of time crated.

I want their presence known.

 

[big black dogs]

That's an awful lot of time in a crate!! The older they get they need more exercise...and more time out of the crate they need. The schedule you presented, the poor dog is only out of the crate for 5 hours per day ...that means the pup is crated for 19 hours per day. I would have the dog tethered to me and out of the crate for more free time, and I would get up earlier and do more with the dog in the morning. I would set up a baby gate and have the pup at least in a one safe room so there is more freedom. If everyone is out of the house during the day....I would have a dog walker come in twice per day when the dog has to be crated.