My vet said 7 days for the cone. He also prescribed an anti-inflammatory and recommended I roll the pill up in a piece of bread and cover it w/peanut butter. Very good idea...it worked great.
I took the cone off for walks around the block, play-time at home, and trips to the beach. Because I couldn't watch my Welsh Corgi every second (and it only takes 5 minutes to tear the stitches out) I did keep the cone on the majority of time at home. You probably know your dog pretty well, but I still trust the advice of a Vet.
BTW, I did take the week off after my dog was neutered so I could hang w/him. Just felt like being there for him.