Owning a Yorkie-poo while working all day

[Mydogkelsey]

You're more than welcome for the advice, that is why were here! I wish you the best of luck. Im sorry that you didn't get to see the puppy, but God has a funny way of doing things... Maybe it's not your time to get a puppy right now? Or... maybe it's because you need more time to figure things out to give your new fur-baby the best living enviornment/owner it could ever ask for! I wish you the best of luck and keep us updated on your search. Until then you should read the Yorkshire Terrier for Dummies book, it has lots of great info. and advice on the breed that I found very useful.

[Twinkie_love]

Oh no!!!
Im so sorry to hear that. I must say the breeder did not handle it very professionally.
When I spotted Twinkie from her other littermates I made it clear to the breeder that I was interested in getting her but needed a couple of days to get the money. When I went back to get her she told me that another potential buyer stopped by that wanted Twinkie but did not give her away since she felt as if we had made an unofficial contract. I did respect that and think that is how professionals need to handle these situations.
Just my thoughts hope I havent offended anyone.

[ukeka]

Originally Posted by FirstYorkie

I'm afraid that I'm going to have to be the dissenting opinion here. I think that it's too long for a dog to be left by themselves.

I'm sorry, but I think that there's a good chance that your dog: 1) will be next to impossible to housebreak when you're gone that much, 2) will most likely bark all day (probably will start around 4 - 5 months), and 3) will likely be pretty neurotic because you won't have time to socialize him properly to other people and other dogs.

If you could afford to send him to doggy daycare, I'd feel better about it. I don't think someone coming in to let him out once a day is enough contact with others.

I'm sorry. You asked for opinions so I've given you mine.

I'm not sure on this one, I work 9-5 as well and I had a very well behaved dog (yorkie-poo) used a baby gate in the kitchen and left my him with my cat (tabby 4yr old) food,water, toys, and he was NEVER a barker or Neurotic! I have a neighbor thats a stay at home mom and she never heard a peep out of my dog during the day, House breaking was not that difficult .. I have friend with small dog that stay at home all day and there dogs potty training went no faster than my dog being that i work ? Doggy daycare is expensive I would look for a play group or better yet invest in puppy kindergarden which will be nice cause it puppy and you time not to mention that your dog will meet other Local dogs and you will meet other local people (get a weekend doggie play group started)

My situation may or may not be the same but i have 3 children a neighbors with puppy & older small dogs for socialization, I think if you dont make a big deal about leaving and dont make it high tension situation when leaving it makes all difference. you have to be very commited to making your situation work for you. I would plan ahead on a schedule that maximizes your time with your puppy. and that fit your current life style.. once a schedule or plan is started stick to it

i hope it all works out good luck !! and

CONGRATS !!!!!

[alisonJ]

This is just my opinion, but since Yorkies are supposed to be companion animals, I don't like the idea of leaving one alone at home all day long. Before I got Edie, I went to talk with my boss. I asked him if I could bring her to work with me. He said "yes". If he had denied my request, I would not have gotten a dog. Plain and simple.

This is not to say I take her every day, but I never leave her at home for more than 4 hours. Sometimes I take her to work in the morning and bring her home at lunch time. Other times, I leave her at home with my husband, who works out of our house much of the time.

[Francie]

Originally Posted by Yorkie-poo 36

Thanks so much to all of you for your great advice. I am very sad to say that I called the owner today to find out that he is now gone. This really bummed me out as I fell in love with him when I saw his pictures and spoke with the owner and was looking forward to having him as my own. When I spoke with the owner earlier in the week I told him I was planning to see the puppy on Saturday. Well when I called today I found out that would not happen since he was just sold. I guess it was not meant to be for me yet. I appreciate all of your information and am planning to continue to follow his great forum and to learn about yorkies until I am able to find one of my own. Maybe I'll find one who is a little older who would be able to better tolerate being alone for so long. I was already lining up people in my building who could stop in and visit with him during the day while I am gone. Well at least I will be better prepared for when I do find one. Thanks and I appreciate any further advice you may have for me in my search for a yorkie.
Debbie

Aww...I'm so sorry you didn't get the pup...but maybe the breeder thought the other family could give it more attention... I think your idea of getting an older yorkie is great! Maybe you could get an older pup and a kitten, so he/she could have a playmate and wouldn't be so lonely!


Francie

[Yorkie-poo 36]

Wow, these are all great ideas. There is a park right by my place, and I know all the dogs and their owners go there. I may be able to bring him/her to work on occasion. I'm even thinking about the idea of getting a kitten first so he/she will have a companion while I'm not home during the day.

I was kind of surprised that the owner gave the puppy to someone else, he definitely knew I was interested and that I was planning to go to his house on Saturday. I told him I would call Friday to set the time and he even asked me to give him a call if I changed my mind about him. I think he gave the puppy to the first interested person who went to his house to see the puppy. This was their first litter and they are planning another next year, so I'll consider that along with my other options.

[cheryl000]

Originally Posted by Yorkie-poo 36

Wow, these are all great ideas. There is a park right by my place, and I know all the dogs and their owners go there. I may be able to bring him/her to work on occasion. I'm even thinking about the idea of getting a kitten first so he/she will have a companion while I'm not home during the day.

I was kind of surprised that the owner gave the puppy to someone else, he definitely knew I was interested and that I was planning to go to his house on Saturday. I told him I would call Friday to set the time and he even asked me to give him a call if I changed my mind about him. I think he gave the puppy to the first interested person who went to his house to see the puppy. This was their first litter and they are planning another next year, so I'll consider that along with my other options.

I agree with an earlier post that the breeder doesn't seem very professional. It is messed up to play with someone's heartstrings. I know I would be heartbroken to get excited just to find out the dog has already been sold, without any kind of heads up or phone call. Esspecially if he didn't even mention a deposit. I wouldn't even deal with him anymore honestly and start looking for a more professional breeder with better ethics.

[Yorkie-poo 36]

It really did upset me when I heard the news. I figured he wasn't certain about me wanting the pup since I wasn't there yet to see him, but he could have given me a heads up. I had spent the past week mentally preparing myself for a new puppy. He even told me he would keep him for me until Christmas Eve. He said that they are not a true breeder and didn't like some of them because some are unscrupulous. I will look elsewhere. If anyone knows of a GOOD breeder in the Philly area I would appreciate it.

[ilovemyabbie]

I have a yorki-poo too and I work 4 10 hour days a week . I block off the kitchen so that she and my yorkie can be in there together.. easy clean up if there is an accident. She is using pee pads right now... I don't see a problem with it.. Mine are okay.. well right now the yorkie poo is sorta confused cause she is in heat- and on top of that... my yorkie just had pups.. .so I have to keep them separated.... so... right now she may not be the happiest... but like I said she will be okay.. as will yours... just make sure it has plenty of toys...


welll just read that you aren't getting him... well atleast you have advice if you get another one. Good luck.. and I am sorry.. I have a male yorkie for sale.. but i am in Ga...

[SnowWa]

Sorry you didn't get your pup.

I am gone 6 hours a day - four days a week - and hate to leave my little pup home alone that long.

I really think your work schedule is too long for a little puppy.

I have another dog and a bird that stay at home with my puppy while I work. And, I leave lights on and the radio on. I also have neighbors who come over and play with my pets almost every day.

So - if you get a puppy - please get him a playmate - and make arrangements for both of them to have contact with someone when they are left home alone all day.

Please make some sort of arrangements -- especially for the first few months. They are such playful, loving, affectionate little guys. It just isn't right for them to be alone that much. They will be so lonesome and so bored. They need someone to play with and love. Especially puppies, this is an important part of their development.

I know if you really want a puppy(s) -- you can work something out. My puppy stayed at my sister's house during the day for the first two weeks I had him. I just couldn't take him away from his mother and litter mates and leave him alone for hours every day.

And - there is no way you can train a little dog - when you are never there. It is a constant watch!

Sorry - Can't agree with your having a puppy when you have to leave him home alone as much as you will. I know you want a cute little pup - who doesn't? But you have to put the welfare of the little puppy first.

If you can make some sort of arrangements - so the little guy won't be alone so much - then getting a little pup will work out a lot better.

Good luck!

Carol Jean

PS - I know a lot of people with dogs work and their dogs are left home alone. But I"ll bet every one of you wish you didn't have to leave them alone so much. I think adult dogs do much better. They usually aren't as active, curious, and playful. And they aren't in the process of developing their first relationships with people. Puppyhood is a special time - a time for a lot of love and play and learning what life is all about.

[FirstYorkie]

I'm sorry you didn't get your pup, YorkiePoo. I know you are disappointed.

Originally Posted by SnowWa

I know a lot of people with dogs work and their dogs are left home alone. But I"ll bet every one of you wish you didn't have to leave them alone so much. I think adult dogs do much better. They usually aren't as active, curious, and playful. And they aren't in the process of developing their first relationships with people. Puppyhood is a special time - a time for a lot of love and play and learning what life is all about.

Very well said, Carol Jean.
You worded it much better than I did; mine came across much too harsh.