Is it ok to leave yorkie at home alone for 12-14 hours on a regular basis?

[TexasKat08]

If you don't already have and know and understand Yorkies I'm sure the posts seem silly to you. Plenty of people have dogs and work and leave them alone, right? But you came to a forum that is dedicated to the health and welfare of this breed and asked a question, appearing to seek advice and input. You are getting answers based on these members' personal experiences. But you are arguing the opposite view and state, "I don't think it's that big of a deal." Well, that makes it sound like you think you know more than ACTUAL Yorkie owners and are not listening to the input these forum members are taking their time to give. You will likely do what you want anyway. So, once again - new member seeking approval for a bad idea, not getting it, and arguing their case. Moving on!

[IsabelleOllie]

Originally Posted by gidget529

It really sounds like you have your mind made up. A friend of mine wanted a yorkie because she liked the one I had and ones other people had that she knew. She also had a schedule like yours. Needless to say, she did not listen about the time requirements for a dog, and she went out on the spur of the moment and got one. The poor dog only lasted with her a couple of weeks. She was frustrated that the dog was not potty training (due to her schedule), that the dog was destructive in her home (due to her schedule), and that her dog was very hyper at night when she was home and would not sleep through the night for her (due to her schedule). She posted the dog on facebook and rehomed her after a few weeks and was very upset that she lost hundreds of dollars.

The most my dog is left alone is 3 hrs in a "play pen" with potty pads. She does not like being left alone this short time and has anxiety. You might want to look into a Ragdoll breed of cat. A friend of mine has one, and they are very dog like and cute - they play fetch like a dog!

I will probably be adding a 5 month old Morkie girl to my family for that same reason. A friend who works full time and goes to school a few nights a week is beyond frustrated with her dog pooping in the crate and barking and destroying her home....

[Ringo1]

I have to second everyone's opinion about maybe this not being quite the right time for you.

I had a little Maltese when I was single and heavily into my career. I had a dog walker come every day (a local teen-age girl) and I came home straight after work and took him for a long walk.

I'm sure he was still very lonely.

After having worked at home for 2 years and now having two dogs; I see how much they need interaction - especially the yorkie. She simply cannot be left alone for hours on end. She's too tiny to hold her bladder for long; and she must eat a little something or risk hypoglycemic episodes.

Luckily, for them, my elderly father moved in with us and plays doorman all day. AND my son is home from school at 2:00 pm to let them out and play. AND I pay for a professional dog walker twice a week (I'm back in an office).

So I understand your want for a dog. . I would just gently recommend waiting a bit until your schedule lightens up OR think about doggie daycare; hiring a dogwalker; you would have to do something or you will have a very lonely and sad little Yorkie.

[BaxtersMommy]

Sounds like your schedule is not suitable for a yorkie. I can understand you wanting a pet, you might consider a cat. Its still a long time to leave them, but atleast they are easily trained to a litter box.

If you must get a yorkie, I would hire a pet sitter to come by twice during those 12 hours to play with your baby.

[yorkieusa]

Originally Posted by jackie200

Actually, it wouldn't really be 12-14 hours on most days; I work from 8-5 (9 hrs) and then go home for around an hour and then leave to work out around 6:00 pm and can get home as early as 8:30 pm (if I rush), so I would be gone 11 hours 2 or 3 times a week but with a break in between....

I am sure there are plenty of people who work 40 hrs a week and still have yorkies...?

Originally Posted by jackie200

I can't rework my schedule; it is what it is and will remain that same. It's not going to change any time soon.

My posts take a long time to show up because they are moderated and when they do show up they are buried among other people's posts (retroactive)so please read my responses on page three. It's not really 12-14 hrs; like I said just 11 hours max maybe twice a week. I cannot not work out and I don't like to do it at home at all.

Like I said; I read some posts from some folks by googling past topics and I've read other owners say that they leave theirs home for 8-9 hours while they go to work and no one else said anything...

Originally Posted by jackie200

Well, a dog is not a kid; they are different.

I also happen to be one of those rare women who do not want kids...

Certainly! I work 40 hrs a week, but my lil girl comes to work with me and is able to go outside whenever she needs.

You're correct! They are not kids. They are needier than children. You do not have the time for a yorkie. They need lots of human interaction, playtime, long walks, and it takes a great deal of time to train them. I have never seen a yorkie in my life that liked to spend time alone. You have to place the yorkie first and you are not doing that. They are like babies all of their lives. They never grow past that stage. A yorkie is not for you, so do not try to convince those of us who have had yorkies for many, many years.

[Mardelin]

Originally Posted by jackie200

I don't have a yorkie yet but thinking about one...

I work 8-5 and on nights when I take yoga I don't get home until 9pm or 10pm and this is around 3 x during the weekdays... There may be other times when I do stuff after work and won't get home until 10 or 11 pm etc. Can a yorkie stay home alone on a regular basis around 12-13 hours a day?

I did a search on the board and a few folks said their dogs were ok with it once in awhile; but what if it's on a regular basis? (no sitter or neighbor to check in, just me).

I have one question....why do you want a dog, be it yorkie or any other breed? Is it for companionship, to fill the hours when you don't have something to do. You might want to rethink the whole issue; how much do you have to offer a yorkie. Can you make it happy, socialise it, play with it, give it time, it's about the dog and not you.

Dog's have feelings and leaving them at home 9-10 hours a day is not fair to them. Contrary to other posts you've read, it isn't ok. Anyone can justify to make their reasoning for doing this or that ok.

A yorkie is a breed onto itself...they are people oriented....leaving them alone for great periods of time is not in their benefit....they really don't do well in boarding facilities.

If you need a pet, buy a bird or a cat.

[chachi]

What are you going to do if the young puppy has a hypoglycemic attack while your at work and no ones there to help it. It could have disasterous consequences. There are other reasons why a small breed puppy shouldnt be alone like socialization and potty training. How do you think your going to be able to potty train it being gone that long. It is just not a good idea for you to get a puppy and you are getting this advice from past and present puppy owners and breeders who know what is required to care for a young puppy

[chachi]

I know you think this isnt fair but life isnt fair sometimes. We are yorkie lovers and its for us to encourage you to be a responsible pet owner

[Deuce]

Originally Posted by roseylovestosho

A few things to mention about the dogs left alone in the house for 8 hours a day.
1) They were trained incrementally to like being alone. You cannot hope to bring home your dog on one of your "off days" stay home with it all day, and then hope that he/she will be alright and "quiet" the next day.
2) Most (not all) of the people that go in to work all day, come home during lunch to check on the dog and take him/her out for a walk...AND that is with...
3) Waking up two hours before you have to leave for the entire day to give him a LONG walk and then PLAY time.
4) When you get home, that is another two hours devoted to playing/walking your dog.
5) Also, all of your examples of dogs being left alone are probably adult dogs, not puppies. As I mentioned earlier, they didn't just miraculously one

That in blue is my life trust me it is hard but totally worth having Rizzo in my life, and I doubt he likes being alone, but he does have his cat brother to keep him entertained.

If I don't wake up at 0500to get Rizzo playing and exercised out before I leave for work at 7 then something in my house will be destroyed when I get home for lunch or after work. He can't help it, he gets bored and energized and I can't get upset about it because it's my fault for not waking early enough to get him his needed morning exercise.

In addition I make it home nearly every day for lunch, if I don't make it home by noon my landlady will let Rizz out to play and potty. And then I get home at 1630-1700 at the latest. I used to hate working out at home, but I got used to it, I have Zumba videos and a Wii and a Kinect, all fun workout options that entertain Rizzo to no end . Seriously the looks he gives me when I almost fall over trying to "jump" over an object...Not to mention taking 45 min to 1 hour walks everyday are nice and healthy.

If there is bad weather Rizzo won't go out , or he'll be very reluctant to do anything but potty (a yorkie trait mind you). So I have to double the play time to make up for the non walking/running around in my yard time. So, basically, 4 straight hours of fetch in my living room followed by 1 hour of tug-o-war, then 15 min nap and start again! And this is with a yorkie who is a year and a half old. His puppy energy was unmatched by me on most days, it seemed like I couldn't burn him out, ever! He has slowed down, just a tad, and rather than 12 hours of energy burning, it's only 11.5 now

If you have your mind set on getting a yorkie, you will have to make sacrifices to have a good dog, who is healthy and happy. You will have to figure out how to break up the time from when you leave to when you return from work/working out. You'll either need a dog sitter (you will need someone to come to your home until puppy shots are done) or you can use a doggy day care. I really wish there was a ddc in my area, but I haven't found any that appear clean or organized or that speak English.
If you're willing to sacrifice your gym time, and make accomidations for the pup during the day time (if you can make it home for lunch, thats great). If not, maybe a fish?

Cats are just as needy if not more so than dogs. I've met many cats that have SA and I think my cat may have it to a degree. No where near as bad as what I've seen though, puking as soon as the owner leaves, peeing all over the house, meowing all day long, chewing themselves bald and bleeding.

You can make your life work for any animal as long as you are willing to make your life work for them, animals can't exactly adjust their lives to suit your needs. That said, just because you work full time doesn't mean you can't have a pet. But being away from home for 11 hours any day of the week without providing some sort of human companionship during that time will destroy any animal (and possibly your house!)

Good luck with what you decide, just remember, all animals, especially yorkies require lots of love and attention to remain happy and devoted pets.

[Evie the evil]

Originally Posted by Princess10

I only leave Princess for maybe 3-4 hours a day, maybe 3 times a week max and that's not every week. If I do have to be gone for an extended period of time I always bring her to my parents where I know she will be spoiled & loved.
I worry about hypoglycemia because Princess will not eat or drink when I am gone. She will not play with any toys or chew any chews. (everything is untouched when I get home, her eyes are sleepy, she runs to go drink water, etc.)
When she was younger she would find things to destroy, now she just sleeps. Neither of those things are benefiting her at all. Yorkies are very social beings. I think it is rare a yorkie owner can even go to the bathroom without an extra shadow, they thrive on and crave human attention literally 24-7.
Good luck with whatever you decide!

Few I thought I was the only one that had a dog that followed me into the bathroom and watched me pee.... but she pushes the door open and insists on being in the room with me.

[Evie the evil]

Originally Posted by jackie200

Actually, it wouldn't really be 12-14 hours on most days; I work from 8-5 (9 hrs) and then go home for around an hour and then leave to work out around 6:00 pm and can get home as early as 8:30 pm (if I rush), so I would be gone 11 hours 2 or 3 times a week but with a break in between....

I am sure there are plenty of people who work 40 hrs a week and still have yorkies...?

Here is the better question. Does having a yorkie mean enough to you to give up Yoga? If you feel that commited and intent on getting a Yorkie give up Yoga and take your Yorkie for a walk, Or do Yoga at home with your dog. A pet is a full time commitment.

Yes, I work 40 hours a week; however I have two teen daughters that are home most of the time, a 7 year old that worships her and a b/f that works a different shift than me.

Our little girl is alone for 3 hours max. (most days not alone at all) When she is home alone I always feel very guilty... and want to get back home to her.

[My lil friend]

Someone may of already said this but I recently had it refreshed in my life. Bringing home a puppy,especially a tiny puppy, is not really any different than bringing home a people baby. You are pretty much bringing home a child. If a young dog isn't loved,cared for and trained as you would a child,you end up with attitude issues and a dog that you not only may not be able to take out in public,but one that has to be locked up when people come to visit you. This makes for misery for everyone for a very long time. Owning a dog can be a 15 +yr commitment and that means not only caring for a baby but at some time down the road caring for an aging friend,I am living this as well.
I brought home Mina,Monday night. Nothing got done around here yesterday,there are baby toys EVERYWHERE in my den,I am having to help the other dogs (5) get used to a new baby sister,dinner did not get cooked by me last night and I wont see the gym this week. On the flip side,she is the cutest,sweetest and one of the smartes furbabies that I have ever owned. The joy that I feel with her can only be matched by the other dogs and my people children.
Ask yourself what changes you would need to make if you were bringing home a people baby.

[Evie the evil]

Originally Posted by jackie200

Well, a dog is not a kid; they are different.

I also happen to be one of those rare women who do not want kids...

Jackie- don't take this wrong but your approach is a bit selfish. Let me stress there is nothing wrong with being selfish and doing things for YOU. BUT having a dog brings someone else into the equation.. it is not longer about YOU. I have three kids... When I brought my yorkie puppy home... she was as much work if not more work than having a baby (human) in the house....

If you are willing to change your life, and what is important to you that is one thing... but if you are adament that you will continue your life the way you live it now.. I don't see the point in having a pup.

..and sorry for three posts in a row.. I responded to people as I read the entire thread..... so some of my post is probably redundant.

[IsabelleOllie]

Originally Posted by Evie the evil

Few I thought I was the only one that had a dog that followed me into the bathroom and watched me pee.... but she pushes the door open and insists on being in the room with me.

Belle follows me into the bathroom, too. She'll even jump into the shower some mornings

[AlicetheYorkie]

Originally Posted by kionini

I've never had a cat, but it does sound logical that they should not be neglected for so long either

Actually a cat would be 100% fine, especially if it was kitten when she got it and was used to that schedual. One of my 2 cats actually wants attention and affection, but really, only for about a few hours at night. As long as they have things to play with and be mentaly stimulated by, they're fine. They sleep most of the day anyway LOL.