Lonely Yorkie???
 

Hello everyone. This is my first post.
I just needed some advice. I have a yorkie...his name is Tinker. He just turned a year old. He was a gift from my bf. He has since then become my entire world. No joke. So spoiled...I just cant imagine not having him.
Anyway.....I work full time. I also just went back to school at night. I do have my sister coming to take him out when she gets off work. And I make sure he has enough food & water...etc. The problem is the little sad face when I leave him. That and trying to get him from underneath the bed so that I can gate him. Normally I leave the house around 7:00 a.m. she comes to let him out and play for about a half hour around 5:00 p.m. I get home around 9:00ish p.m. And then I am with him all weekend. My question is how long is too long? I have checked into the doggie daycare thing & dont like that all the dogs (even big ones) are in the same area. My little guy is only 4 pounds. And a friend of mine has a lab puppy & took him there for a day & another dog bit him. Even getting stepped on by another dog would hurt him. So I think this option is out of the question. My question is I am thinking of getting a playmate for him. A little brother or sister. Definetely another yorkie or yorkie poo. Am I over reacting & everyone leaves their dogs and they are fine?? Would getting him a playmate defeat the purpose & I would just have 2 lonely dogs?? I probably think about it too much but the little sad face when I leave makes me think he is sitting by the door all day missing me....What should I do?????

I know you are in a difficult situation having to leave your little guy alone for so many hours every day but getting another dog is not the answer. Can you check to see if there is another doggy day care that would be more suitable. Your little guy not only needs to be with other dogs but needs to be with people. Could you perhaps hire someone to spend several hours a day with him instead of putting him in daycare? Many people leave their dogs alone during the day while they are working but your little guy is still quite young and you are gone for more than 8 hours. Could your sister spend more time with him, maybe take him for a walk, play with him for an hour or so?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flakes I know you are in a difficult situation having to leave your little guy alone for so many hours every day but getting another dog is not the answer. Can you check to see if there is another doggy day care that would be more suitable. Your little guy not only needs to be with other dogs but needs to be with people. Could you perhaps hire someone to spend several hours a day with him instead of putting him in daycare? Many people leave their dogs alone during the day while they are working but your little guy is still quite young and you are gone for more than 8 hours. Could your sister spend more time with him, maybe take him for a walk, play with him for an hour or so?

These are some very good suggestions, Some of the same ideas I had when reading your post Tinkerzmom.

I would agree with the advice given. Another dog is not the answer. Eddie has a doggie friend that comes over, and when we leave them alone together, I always come home to them both sleeping. They really don't seem to entertain each other when we're away.

But ask around. maybe some of your friends or a retired neighbor would be willing to sit for free while you're gone.

I want to agree with alaskayorkie. I think you could probably find someone who would like to 'babysit' during the day. Maybe they need a little company themselves. It is a pretty long day to be alone the entire time. I bet you could find someone that would watch an adorable little thing for you. Check with your vet.

Welcome to Yorkie Talk TinkerzMom.....You have been given some good advice by the other members! Good luck with your situation :)

I feel your pain :(
 

I work also.... it just breaks my heart to leave my new little baby in the morning.... soooo... I am spending a small fortune in gas to drive home everyday for lunch to spend with my Bella-Shai... at least until she gets a bit older (and wiser) :) or the gas prices hit $5....
This may sound like I've lost it... but how about a younger teen... my daughter is just itching to find something to do to make ANY amount of money but she is not old enough to officially work at a real job... She is just wonderful with my Bella... and would be responsible enough to spend an hour here and an hour there with a small dog... what about contacting a Girl Scout Troop (the older girls - there are a few age levels) within walking distance... just my opinion... but I often think that the girls who are Scouts are usually a bit more responsible... a list of rules and a schedule would be a must :)

I think B-Shai's mom has a great idea!! I have a 14 year old daughter who would have been the perfect kid to do that when she was 12 and up to even this age. A pre-teen or teen would be perfect. You need to find one of those kids who LOVES dogs and horses(the horse thing is one of those young animal lover type obsessions-I know alot of you guys know what I mean! They grow up to be vets, trainers....or Yorkie Talk regulars). You would have to carefully choose because there are some kids I wouldn't trust.
How wonderful if a girl scout, etc...got out of school at 3:30 and walks, plays, feeds your dog!! I hope you find someone, because he is definetely by himself too much right now!