I feel really dumb but...
 

I just dropped Rylie off at the groomers and I can't stop crying. :( I feel really silly, but I can't help it! I thought I'd get to stay with her or something I guess... Now I know what my mom felt like when I went to school for the first time. I seriously feel like I'm overreacting, but I can't stop myself.

I'm just worried because I took her out yesterday and she seemed really scared at my bf's house (we didn't stay long). She was really scared at the groomers too and I just had to leave her there! She looked at me with those eyes... :( I feel so guilty. I brought her pineapple for treats (the lady thought I was crazy I think, but Rylie likes pineapple a lot and we're doing it to deter her from putting her poop in her mouth a tip I got from YT). I also left her raccoon that she loves and a blanket that smells like me.

I guess I didn't take her out enough when she was younger, but she wasn't vaccinated and I didn't want to expose her and then it got really really cold outside so even *I* wasn't going out. We've had plenty of people over our house and she LOVES new people when they come over (I made sure of that part). It seems though that she's scared when we go out. Any tips? Should I just take her out more?

I'm hoping that just leaving her there hasn't traumatized her for life or anything. I thought she was doing well socially because she loves strangers when they come here, but I guess I failed in the mommy department in that respect.

Great... now I'm sitting here crying because I miss my baby and I'm worried about her and I feel guilty for leaving her there and NOW I feel like a terrible mommy. :(

Awww. I felt like that too. Just call them and tell them to call you the minute Rylie is ready to go rather than left sitting there waiting. You'll see when you get there that Rylie will just be happy as can be and smelling pretty and waggin that little nub. xox

Awwww alot of us cry when we drop our babies off and they go for grooming or procedures. You're not alone!! Have a nice cup of tea and relax, I'm sure your baby will be fine. She will be very happy (and all beautiful and clean) when she sees you again and gives you a million kisses.

My wife waits out in the car when she takes our Yorkie to the Groomer.....If she was inside, Maxine would keep trying to get to her. Funny. I just dtop the Cane Corso off at his training Facility for his baths, and say I will be back later in the day.

I know how hard it is to leave them in a stranger's hands. I think that is what is bothering you. I would take her out as much as you can and let her experience all sorts of different activities and places that you can. She might surprise you and really learn to enjoy it, too.

Thanks for the kind words guys. I feel less silly now. :) I knew you lot would understand. :D

shodanusmc: The groomer said that is why owner's shouldn't stay. It makes the pup more anxious and harder to groom. I can understand that, which is why I left... it doesn't make it any easier though :rolleyes:

Seriously though, did I do Rylie a disservice in her socialization process? Or is being that hesitant/scared normal in new places at her age? I did my best with her, but I feel like I didn't do something I was supposed to...

I cried when I dropped my pomeranian off at the groomer, and then cried when I picked him back up because they shaved him.

I'm sure your puppy will enjoy it though.

Maybe she's sensing your anxiety ?

I understand! It's always hard. I cried when I left Jackson for his neuter.

Honestly, Jackson is a really socialized dog and he's over 2 years old and still hates the groomer. It's just something he knows he has to do... and he doesn't like it but he's always happy when he's done. I found an amazing mobile groomer so it's just one on one in our own driveway and he's done within 45 minutes-1 hour. So it's not too bad!

You've just had her a little while, haven't you? When was she born?

Yeah, you're right. I don't really know them all that well and you hear those stories of grommers yelling at the pups and stuff... I've just never had her away from me with someone I don't completely trust. If it was my neighbor or my bf or my mom I have no problem.

I'll start taking her out more for sure. I just feel like these beginning experiences are not setting a good enjoyable tone and I worry! My mom said she'll start taking her with her when she goes out too. I just thought if we took her everywhere she'd never learn to deal with separation and then develop some kind of complex from that! :rolleyes: These guys are like little kids! You worry that if you raise them wrong you will ruin them for life :p

She was born early August 2010. I was always of the philosophy though that once she had all her vaccines that the socialization process starts early. I want a dog that is happy and well adjusted and confident, so I worry that I have limited her somehow.

Edit: I worry that these beginning experiences are not the tone I want to set either. e.g. leaving her alone and scared at the groomers...

I believe they should learn to stay by themselves some without being upset. If I leave mine, she looks at me with a very sad look on her face and then proceeds to her bed.:( She's never alone very long, either. I think it's good to take them to different activities: parks, parades, group outings, sports events, shopping... You're right. They are like little kids and we all worry whether or not we are doing the right thing at the time. No matter how many you raise, they are all different in their personalities and react to various situations differently. I know that's been true for me.

Nice! They told me 3-4 hours, ick. I know she'll be better off though with trimmed hair so she can actually see :p and trimmed nails so she doesn't accidentally scratch people anymore. I'm hoping the pineapple will keep her happy and make it more positive for her. She REALLY likes the pineapple.

I know I'll cry when it is spay time (January) because I'll just be a giant ball of worry over putting her under anesthesia.

I planned on taking her to a lot of things, but the thing is I got her right during Buffalo winter season so there isn't a lot going on. I can't take her outside too long, let alone to the park, because 1. a lot of them are closed this time of year and 2. she can't stay outside too long without risking illness (she starts shaking after any longer than 10-15 min depending on the temperature). There isn't much going on in these parts :rolleyes:. I'll take her shopping and to other indoor locations more now. It is also hard because she isn't fully potty trained yet, so I can't take her everywhere or for long periods of time.

Any tips on taking a pup that isn't fully potty trained yet out? (Note: She is potty patch trained too, not outside trained yet because of the cold weather... I plan to work on that once the weather gets nicer).

According to Janet Jackson's book, "Yorkshire Terriers", during the juvenile period (14 weeks to 6-14 months) they need to be introduced to strangers (adults, children, and other dogs).

She's old enough now to start experiencing all that life has to offer.:D

But I do agree about the groomer. I did and insisted on staying at my groomer's the first few times. I know they all don't allow that though. I admit I am very protective.

I take mine to an individual who does grooming in her home. She works at a shop but does some at home. I could not stand to leave Rosie for so long and she has her done in less than an hour out of her home. However, with that said, she was always fine once I picked her up when she did have to stay awhile. It was more me than anything I think. It will be worth it when you pick her up. She will be so pretty! You will need to post a picture for us. :D

I can't stand leaving my babies at the groomer either. One thing that helps me is not to go home to the empty house. I just stay out and run a few errands and it helps a little. When I'm home and they are not here, it just feels so lonely in the house without them that I can't stand it.

Me, too. I usually just do my shopping.

My wife gives ours a bath the night before or the morning of taking her in for a Grrom. This way it saves some time, and Maxine is usually in and out in 45 minutes or so. Also, if it is cold out, better for her

Believe me everybody here knows what you're going through. I wasn't as upset leaving Zach at the groomers as I was when he was neutered. That scared the hell out of me. I must have smoked a pack of cigarettes that day but he came back just fine. It's always hardest the first time and I think after that it becomes a little easier when you see your baby happy. I usually go to my computer and log on to YT and that passes the time because there are so many great people to talk to and reassure you.

I have tried all different things for grooming. I tried doing it myself but I am not very good with it. I have used a groomer that came to the house, that was the best but she moved away. I did find a groomer who let me stay and a couple that worked on appointments so they did not have to stay long. But the best groomer in town has all dogs dropped off in the morning and then you get to pick them up in the afternoon. I don't like leaving them so long, but she is the best and loves on the dogs so much they come to know & love her. Still, my Ben will pout for the rest of the day when he comes home from the groomers. He likes the lady but he makes sure to show me he does not like being left. The cage probably upsets him too as I never crate him. By the next day, he is always back to himself. I feel more confident that this groomer cares for them safely, lovingly, and professionally -- so I deal with the separation.

Like others, I try to occupy myself outside of the house while they are gone so I don't have to look at an empty house with empty doggy beds and toys left unattended. Just too sad.

It's always hard to leave them but grooming is part of owning a Yorkie. I use a home groomer and always take the 3 together that way they are not really alone. She super quick too and I usually have them back in a few hours. Just wait when you pick her up~she will be so happy to see you. :) I do have a visual of you leaving snacks, blankets and toys for her~very sweet and shows how much you love her.

Don't worry yourself so much about socialization she is still a baby. Maybe you can join a puppy class or a meet up in your area. They both will provide excellent opportunities for socializing too.

I really like my home groomer and was able to find her through my vet. Maybe you could call and ask if they recommend a home groomer in your area. It's nice to be able to know your groomer one and one in a small setting.

Socialization is so important for dogs, she is not to old to start being socialized. Meeting new people, pets and places.

Don't hold back because your worried she'll be scared, as she grows, she'll be less timid and more open to new situations. Plus I think socializing your dog also helps establish a trust bond. :)

I was anxious too when I thought about leaving Trixie at the groomer....I asked around and found a mobile groomer who comes to our house, parks her grooming truck in the driveway and out Trixie goes. She is usually done in about an hour. Ask your vet and ask your friends that have dogs who they use to groom. If you were in my area I would recommend my groomer.....she is super nice to Trixie!! As for the neutering/spaying...ugh!! Just plan on keeping occupied that day.

Thanks for all the support guys! I really do appreciate it. They called me to come get her. I was surprised she was done already! I guess the 3 hours is a "just in case."

They said she was super good and they got to do a full cut she was so well behaved (they said they might not have been able to because it was her first time).:D Such a proud mama! She looks ADORABLE and so much better. :thumbup:

They were really nice there and she seemed happy and not traumatized (she wasn't in a hurry to get back to me or anything, just her happy self). I'm so glad to have her back though! I'll handle dropping her off next time a lot better now that I know she was okay and looks great!

I'll post before and after pics here as soon as I figure out how to attach pictures to a thread.

They have puppy socialization classes (like you mentioned) free every Monday night, maybe I will look into that for Rylie. She's content and happy and napping now next to me, too cute.

You guys will have to deal with me next month though when she gets spayed :rolleyes: lol.

Just go shopping to kill time and buy her some new things. ;)

Here she is before and after!

Edit: There are more pics in my albums. I tried to pick the ones that gave the most impression of the cut and not perhaps the best ones of her :) Jeez they are hard to take photos of! My little one won't stay still.

She is adorable! And she looks so proud of her new cut and hair bow in that last picture. :)

Thank you! She is adorable, but then again I'm biased. :rolleyes:

I just wish that I didn't get eye shine in almost every photo I take of her :p It makes her look like she has laser eyes! :D

I might try to put bows in her hair more often, but she tends to go after them when I do it.