Loki is a fully house trained adult - 2 years old. I still put him in the crate when we are not home because he also sleeps and is most comfortable. He *can* be left for up to 8 hours in an emergency and he handles 6 quite well on the occasional weekend when we run errands all day long. Otherwise, on a daily basis, I keep crating down to less than 4 hours. I take him to doggie daycare at least once a week and my husband says the other days he typically sleeps the entire time I am at work, waking only once to go outside.
As someone who worked very hard to have a fully housetrained Yorkie (it is possible!) I would never suggest switching to pads. I would choose a dog walker or daycare over pads. So, that is my suggestion. Could a retired neighbor or someone who works from home possibly let your dog out? I get home quite a bit earlier than many of my neighbors and I am always happy to help let their dogs out if needed. It takes 5 minutes to give their pups a potty break and 10 more to cuddle and play with them! Maybe find someone who is a teacher or someone who works close to home that gets home early? Who wouldn't take $10-20 a week to play with a Yorkie?? |