I feel really dumb but...

[Furbaby Friend]

I just dropped Rylie off at the groomers and I can't stop crying. I feel really silly, but I can't help it! I thought I'd get to stay with her or something I guess... Now I know what my mom felt like when I went to school for the first time. I seriously feel like I'm overreacting, but I can't stop myself.

I'm just worried because I took her out yesterday and she seemed really scared at my bf's house (we didn't stay long). She was really scared at the groomers too and I just had to leave her there! She looked at me with those eyes... I feel so guilty. I brought her pineapple for treats (the lady thought I was crazy I think, but Rylie likes pineapple a lot and we're doing it to deter her from putting her poop in her mouth a tip I got from YT). I also left her raccoon that she loves and a blanket that smells like me.

I guess I didn't take her out enough when she was younger, but she wasn't vaccinated and I didn't want to expose her and then it got really really cold outside so even *I* wasn't going out. We've had plenty of people over our house and she LOVES new people when they come over (I made sure of that part). It seems though that she's scared when we go out. Any tips? Should I just take her out more?

I'm hoping that just leaving her there hasn't traumatized her for life or anything. I thought she was doing well socially because she loves strangers when they come here, but I guess I failed in the mommy department in that respect.

Great... now I'm sitting here crying because I miss my baby and I'm worried about her and I feel guilty for leaving her there and NOW I feel like a terrible mommy.

[Theodore]

Awww. I felt like that too. Just call them and tell them to call you the minute Rylie is ready to go rather than left sitting there waiting. You'll see when you get there that Rylie will just be happy as can be and smelling pretty and waggin that little nub. xox

[107barney]

Awwww alot of us cry when we drop our babies off and they go for grooming or procedures. You're not alone!! Have a nice cup of tea and relax, I'm sure your baby will be fine. She will be very happy (and all beautiful and clean) when she sees you again and gives you a million kisses.

[shodanusmc]

My wife waits out in the car when she takes our Yorkie to the Groomer.....If she was inside, Maxine would keep trying to get to her. Funny. I just dtop the Cane Corso off at his training Facility for his baths, and say I will be back later in the day.

[yorkieusa]

I know how hard it is to leave them in a stranger's hands. I think that is what is bothering you. I would take her out as much as you can and let her experience all sorts of different activities and places that you can. She might surprise you and really learn to enjoy it, too.

[Furbaby Friend]

Thanks for the kind words guys. I feel less silly now. I knew you lot would understand.

shodanusmc: The groomer said that is why owner's shouldn't stay. It makes the pup more anxious and harder to groom. I can understand that, which is why I left... it doesn't make it any easier though

Seriously though, did I do Rylie a disservice in her socialization process? Or is being that hesitant/scared normal in new places at her age? I did my best with her, but I feel like I didn't do something I was supposed to...

[YorkieMom82]

I cried when I dropped my pomeranian off at the groomer, and then cried when I picked him back up because they shaved him.

I'm sure your puppy will enjoy it though.

[kjc]

Maybe she's sensing your anxiety ?

[Britster]

I understand! It's always hard. I cried when I left Jackson for his neuter.

Honestly, Jackson is a really socialized dog and he's over 2 years old and still hates the groomer. It's just something he knows he has to do... and he doesn't like it but he's always happy when he's done. I found an amazing mobile groomer so it's just one on one in our own driveway and he's done within 45 minutes-1 hour. So it's not too bad!

[yorkieusa]

Originally Posted by Furbaby Friend

Thanks for the kind words guys. I feel less silly now. I knew you lot would understand.

shodanusmc: The groomer said that is why owner's shouldn't stay. It makes the pup more anxious and harder to groom. I can understand that, which is why I left... it doesn't make it any easier though

Seriously though, did I do Rylie a disservice in her socialization process? Or is being that hesitant/scared normal in new places at her age? I did my best with her, but I feel like I didn't do something I was supposed to...

You've just had her a little while, haven't you? When was she born?

[Furbaby Friend]

Originally Posted by yorkieusa

I know how hard it is to leave them in a stranger's hands. I think that is what is bothering you. I would take her out as much as you can and let her experience all sorts of different activities and places that you can. She might surprise you and really learn to enjoy it, too.

Yeah, you're right. I don't really know them all that well and you hear those stories of grommers yelling at the pups and stuff... I've just never had her away from me with someone I don't completely trust. If it was my neighbor or my bf or my mom I have no problem.

I'll start taking her out more for sure. I just feel like these beginning experiences are not setting a good enjoyable tone and I worry! My mom said she'll start taking her with her when she goes out too. I just thought if we took her everywhere she'd never learn to deal with separation and then develop some kind of complex from that! These guys are like little kids! You worry that if you raise them wrong you will ruin them for life

[Furbaby Friend]

Originally Posted by yorkieusa

You've just had her a little while, haven't you? When was she born?

She was born early August 2010. I was always of the philosophy though that once she had all her vaccines that the socialization process starts early. I want a dog that is happy and well adjusted and confident, so I worry that I have limited her somehow.

Edit: I worry that these beginning experiences are not the tone I want to set either. e.g. leaving her alone and scared at the groomers...

[yorkieusa]

Originally Posted by Furbaby Friend

Yeah, you're right. I don't really know them all that well and you hear those stories of grommers yelling at the pups and stuff... I've just never had her away from me with someone I don't completely trust. If it was my neighbor or my bf or my mom I have no problem.

I'll start taking her out more for sure. I just feel like these beginning experiences are not setting a good enjoyable tone and I worry! My mom said she'll start taking her with her when she goes out too. I just thought if we took her everywhere she'd never learn to deal with separation and then develop some kind of complex from that! These guys are like little kids! You worry that if you raise them wrong you will ruin them for life

I believe they should learn to stay by themselves some without being upset. If I leave mine, she looks at me with a very sad look on her face and then proceeds to her bed. She's never alone very long, either. I think it's good to take them to different activities: parks, parades, group outings, sports events, shopping... You're right. They are like little kids and we all worry whether or not we are doing the right thing at the time. No matter how many you raise, they are all different in their personalities and react to various situations differently. I know that's been true for me.

[Furbaby Friend]

Originally Posted by Britster

I understand! It's always hard. I cried when I left Jackson for his neuter.

Honestly, Jackson is a really socialized dog and he's over 2 years old and still hates the groomer. It's just something he knows he has to do... and he doesn't like it but he's always happy when he's done. I found an amazing mobile groomer so it's just one on one in our own driveway and he's done within 45 minutes-1 hour. So it's not too bad!

Nice! They told me 3-4 hours, ick. I know she'll be better off though with trimmed hair so she can actually see and trimmed nails so she doesn't accidentally scratch people anymore. I'm hoping the pineapple will keep her happy and make it more positive for her. She REALLY likes the pineapple.

I know I'll cry when it is spay time (January) because I'll just be a giant ball of worry over putting her under anesthesia.

[Furbaby Friend]

Originally Posted by yorkieusa

I believe they should learn to stay by themselves some without being upset. If I leave mine, she looks at me with a very sad look on her face and then proceeds to her bed. She's never alone very long, either. I think it's good to take them to different activities: parks, parades, group outings, sports events, shopping... You're right. They are like little kids and we all worry whether or not we are doing the right thing at the time. No matter how many you raise, they are all different in their personalities and react to various situations differently. I know that's been true for me.

I planned on taking her to a lot of things, but the thing is I got her right during Buffalo winter season so there isn't a lot going on. I can't take her outside too long, let alone to the park, because 1. a lot of them are closed this time of year and 2. she can't stay outside too long without risking illness (she starts shaking after any longer than 10-15 min depending on the temperature). There isn't much going on in these parts . I'll take her shopping and to other indoor locations more now. It is also hard because she isn't fully potty trained yet, so I can't take her everywhere or for long periods of time.

Any tips on taking a pup that isn't fully potty trained yet out? (Note: She is potty patch trained too, not outside trained yet because of the cold weather... I plan to work on that once the weather gets nicer).