Im new and have a question
 

Hi everyone! I don't yet have a Yorkie but will have one in November. My current apartment does not allow dogs (although they did when I first moved in here). So I have to wait until my lease is up.

I want to know if it's okay to leave your Yorkie at home alone while you're at work? I work full time during the day but don't really do much after work. Is it okay for me to leave my new Yorkie alone? Does anyone here do it? Thanks!

I got Archie at 12 weeks (he's 2 1/2 now), and after his first week home, I returned to work (guess you could call it my puppy maternity leave!). When I'm away from home (I have a long work day) he's in his X-pen with his pee-pee pads, water, food, toys, blankies, a rug and bed. We call it his "condo." Because I started him doing this so young, he happily accepts his X-pen as a safe place to be when Mommy is away. After about a week of crying when I left home, he settled down and has been fine with it ever since. When I come home and he hears me in the house before I come to let him out, he's calm and waits patiently for me to come. A few tips:

1. When you leave, do not make a big deal of it. Get him situated and quietly leave the house (even if he's protesting). When you come home, approach him calmly (don't rush in and make a big fuss over the poor baby who has been home alone all day!)
2. Make whatever area you put him in comfortable and puppy-proofed (try also leaving a shirt of yours with him so he can smell your scent).
3. Do not leave him alone with clothes on or his collar -- he could accidently injure himself by getting hung up on something.
4. Leave a TV or the radio on for background noise.
5. As a puppy, they can get hypoglycemic of the don't eat and expend too much energy -- make sure he eats before you leave for the day (as he may not eat properly when you are gone). Always leave him water, of course, and I think it's good to leave a little food.

I'm sure others in this forum can give further advice. You are going to LOVE having a Yorkie! Congratulations.

:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup: Great advice! I do all of that when I have to leave my little guys.

Well, I'm not sure this is much to add to this. Archie's Mom has it all covered well. :thumbup:

I just wanted to join in and welcome you!

Thanks
 

Thank you all for replying. I will definitely take your advice Archie's Mom. Hopefully my new pup will fit right in to my lifestyle. I think that leaving a radio or the tv on will be great and make him feel like he's not alone! I never grew up with dogs but always had a love for small dogs. I've been wanting one for about 5 years now. I'm finally ready and financially able. I just have to educate myself beforehand. Thanks again for your replies! :)

:thumbup::thumbup:

All good advice. Good luck.

Welcome to yorkie talk!

Very good advice. :)

hi!
i'm just wondering why you shouldn't make a fuss when you get home. I have had my little guy for 2 weeks and when i come home i make a really big deal because he seems so happy to see me, and i am so happy to see him! :) so, why is it bad to make a fuss? thanks! i hope i don't sound like an irresponsible owner...

welcome to YT...glad you found us...sounds like you are getting some great advice...hehe

I think it has to do with making your dog think there isn't anything unusual or wrong with your leaving. You leave and come back...no big deal. He's happy when you are gone and happy to see you. Also the more excited they get at your return, the more likely to start barking when someone comes into the house.

I'm sure you are a very responsible owner! I mean only that being low-key on coming and going makes your returns seem more routine, nothing to fret over, etc. I usually greet Archie with a hug and kiss and then let him down to run around the house. I don't squeal (!) or start playing with him right away. Believe me, we get some kisses and playing in later -- but coming home time is just part of the daily routine.

welcome to YT :wavey: -- how great that you are educating yourself first!!