Hi:
I have a 2.5 year old yorkie that I got about a month ago. I was his 3rd home in about a month. His last owners only had him for a month and before that he was stable for over 2 years.
He is a sweet boy and doesn't seem to have a mean bone in his body. I live alone and work shift work.
At first I stressed about my schedule but he and I have figured that part out. He gets fed, we walk, we play, we watch tv.
The problem is his severe separation anxiety.
After a few trial and errors he now is in a bedroom with the door shut with a pee pad, water, bone/kong, his crate with the door open and the lights off.
He barks. The entire time I'm gone. I've noticed that he is either chewing or scratching to get out so badly there is dried blood on the floor on the floor by the door when I get home. My heart breaks when I leave and then drops when I see the blood when I get home. He seems to be eating and walking fine so I' not sure what he is doing to cause the blood but my guess is his paws.
I don't know what to do. I have to go to work. I don't feel right crating him when I leave (9 or 10 hours) (I do crate when we go to bed and he barely bats an eye about that. I crated him at home when I first got him and he broke out. ) I leave the tv on but as soon as he heard the door open for me to leave he goes at it.
He doesn't seem to eat or drink when I'm gone.
I have altered my schedule when I leave so it's not always the same but there is only so much change I can do. Especially on the weeks I get up at 5am. I'm not messing around too much before walking out the door.
I don't make a big deal about leaving tho' he knows when it's happening and when I come home I calmly say "I'm back" and then don't pet or play with him until he has calmed down (jumping and flying in and out of the room)
The pee pad is always used but there is also pee on the floor-I'm letting that slide for now. The sheer panic he has when I go is awful.
When I am home he barely barks unless he sees a squirrel or dog out the window.
He does follow me everywhere(unless he's pooped on the couch), which I know isn't a great sign but when he disappears he's generally up to no good.
HE rarely messes anywhere in the house but does occasionally and seems to mark on plastic bags if they are on the ground (like if I have a black garbage bag on the go)
HELP!
I so enjoy his company but I'm wondering if I'm in over my head. I've never been a dog person but had set my mind on wanting a yorkie. I now have one and am glad I do but I feel like I'm not a good mom to him. This can't be a good life for him. HE's all I think about at work and stress about needing to get home and feel guilty if I try and have a life leaving the house other than for work.
Any insight is appreciated.
Thanks!
Lizzie