I have 8 adults in my house now, plus 5 puppies...some are allowed to roam freely, and the one's who haven't earned my trust are baby gated to other rooms, but with full view of everything. (you will actually have to step over 2 seperate gated doorways to even make it to my bedroom, lol) I never close doors on them; they like to see what all is going on in all of the house. It can be very hectic, but it has never really bothered me. Well, I take that back...it did bother me when I used to work during the day. It bothered me to have to leave them and the mess was worse when I got home due to not being there to stay on top of things. I said to heck with that years ago and I stay home with them now and Hubby says my job is harder than his. And yes, it can be a JOB at times. I think it just depends on the individual. I am the type that enjoys taking care of them all day and night. It isn't something that can be taken lightly. Vacations and social life are a thing of the past. When I do get to go on vacation I hire a trusted pet/house sitter, and never do i go out of town when we have babies. It takes a really patient, caring, giving person to live with several dogs in their home. Sometimes my patience is tested...but my love for them always over rides any frustration I may feel.
There is only one crate in my home. It's used for one of my girls who actually likes a crate and having her own "den". I use playpens for pups and moms (or heat cycles) and other than that, everyone is out in the open, freely doing whatever they please. I have beds out for all of them, but seldom do they all get used at once, they all tend to pile up in doggie piles in one or two big beds.
I do all of the things that other people do on a daily basis...I watch tv "some", I usually have a few of them with me even if I'm lounging. I go out to dinner, I go to movies on weekends with my husband, I shop, I just have to make sure that everyone is taken care of before I go out. On any given day, I usually make a quik run to the grocery store and I'm right back home with my gang. I understand what Irene said about "my time" hee hee. I have "my time" whenever I'm able. I've been known to be up grooming until 3 am because I didnt have time to do it and make dinner for my family and get all the washing done on a paticular day. I just kinda do things as they come. I'm on no real schedule other than mornings when I definitley do have a routine with them and the things I want to get done.
I have a gift for paper/pad training dogs.
Don't know why, but I always have. My yorkies know where they are supposed to do their business. And they also have a large fenced in area right off the back of my house, so they do get to go out and potty, run, play at different times of the day, weather permitting. On the other hand, I do not have a gift for teaching them not to bark at the wind blowing and chewing the feet off of barbies
(my daughter has learned a valuable lesson over the yrs that if you leave a barbie on the couch un-attended, make sure it isn't your favorite one) Lets just say she puts them away now!
We actually have the least number of yorkies right now that we've ever had as far as adults. We had up to 11 at one time, and we lost a beloved girl earliar this month which has put us down to 8. To be honest, it feels empty at times even still having our 8. That number is most likely going to rise again this year
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by YorkieRose You haven't lived until you have a legging cocking, peeing machine in the house..you have my deepest sympathy! LOL |