Sigh. Small problem since we had somebody take care of Peanutt....
 

We recently took a 9 day trip. We usually board at the local vet, but this time we asked a work friend to take care of him as a cheaper option. She was happy to do it, and it saved us some money too.

The only problem is that since we've returned, he hasn't been the same. He just doesn't seem as happy. Most of the time, he mopes around and even when he's more energetic it isn't at the same level as before. We used to have to tell him repeatedly to settle down and that isn't an issue now.

When we first got back to pick him up, he seemed excited to see us, but also was jumping on the work friend's legs too. When i first went to pick him up, he sort of crouched a bit, like it was a stranger picking him up.

I'm not sure what to think exactly. I guess it's possible he enjoyed his time with her more than he does with us, because she has more time more than we do. She also was able to go home at lunch to be with him, which we cannot. I think she also did more playing and walking than we did. I am thinking she is less of a workaholic than we are overall, so she just had more energy to pass along.

So is this a legitimate problem, or is the fact it's only been a few days mean that it isn't likely a big deal?

I think I have read here from others that oftentimes that is a normal reaction after you have been away for awhile. I could be wrong, though. Give him a few days and see if he doesnt perk up. Was he boarded at her house or did she come to yours?

I think it does sound like he enjoyed his time there more, you shouldn't feel bad about this, at least you found a great babysitter, and I would pay her as much as the kennel charges if not more. While you can't do all the things she does to make his life more pleasurable, can't you do some of them? I understand that you can't come home for lunch, but walking and playing with him are really important. Is there anything you like to do with him?

Did she have a dog? Maybe he misses the other animal

Baby Chloe acted afraid of me after a one day stay with my Mom. I was like "what a traitor!" She got over it quickly. Maybe because your trip was longer, it will take longer for your baby to come around.

No, she doesn't. We have cats though. He probably prefers that she had no others!

Oh I walk and play with him, but she just had time to do it more, that's all I was saying. I think he got more spoiled there than he is here.

Ouch....

It sounds like you think I'm being "too harsh." Sometimes I feel like nobody's very honest because they don't want to sound "mean." If all we ever tell each other is don't worry, everything's fine, will anyone ever learn anything? I know some people have much busier schedules than others, but I think playing and walking a dog is something that needs to be done on a daily basis. We must remember that dogs are pack animals, and like to be a member of a pack, this is especially true of yorkies, that's one of the reasons people call them high maintenance, for they need lots of human interaction. Yorkies aren't for everyone, and I know many people suggest getting another dog for companionship, but with that comes extra trips to vet, and extra grooming time needed. From her post it did sound like daily walking and playing were not possible, and I'm suggesting that she make time for it. After all, yorkies aren't like some dogs that require 45 min-1 hour of exercise. There's nothing wrong with being a "workaholic" as long as others uncluding pets don't suffer because of it.


This is what the OP posted:

"I guess it's possible he enjoyed his time with her more than he does with us, because she has more time more than we do. She also was able to go home at lunch to be with him, which we cannot. I think she also did more playing and walking than we did. I am thinking she is less of a workaholic than we are overall, so she just had more energy to pass along".

Should I have just said, "yes, I agree", and left it at that?

That's what I thought.....

Anyway, When I left Ranger last December for about a week he acted a bit mad at me for a few days. I think it's probably more that he was just getting used to things over there and had to make another adjustment. He will come around and love you to pieces!!!!

When I came back and pick up my little one, he stayed a little away from me as if he is sulking that I left him with the sitter but he was back to himself in no time. He always always always prefers me over anybody else including my family that took care of him because I love him the most and treat him the best.

Both Yorkies I had would act like that after we had a lot of people over for the weekend or for a week visit. Your baby could just be worn out from the extra stimulation. I say don't overthink it, if health is not an issue. It will be fine.

He's just giving you the cold shoulder for leaving him. Yes, as much time as possible should be spent with him but no more so than other dogs. It kills me when people say 'oh yorkies need more of this or that'. If you ever visit any other dog forum they will tell you the same thing about the breed they prefer. Dogs are dogs, large or small, they all need the same things - exercise, discipline, leadership and love. If you do these things you will have a happy dog. No offense for those that choose to treat their dogs as froo froos, that of course is your choice but Yorkies are terriers - one of the most tenacious, tough dogs bred. Yes the smaller they are the closer they need to be watched but they are still terriers! No offense ;)

Melissa and Rambeau (I am a tenacious terrier!!!!!!!!)

Trust me when I say it doesn't bother me.

If I lived life caring what other people thought, that'd be a crappy life.

There is a way to be "very honest" without being "too harsh"... I'm not saying we should candy coat things, but a little sensitivity never hurts. Some people are all about "tough love"....It was clear that she was upset, as we all would be!! I don't think her baby had more fun with the sitter, he is probably just a little mad with mom for going away! thats all!! Most animals do that (as seen in all the above posts)...It's ok to have a career and vacations and dogs!! I personally do vacations with my babies!! And no, we don't all stay at home, me personally, I have a full time career, and my dogs want for nothing!! I don't want to start an argument, JMPO!!