Leaving dogs alone
 

Hi All,

I have to say I am learning a lot from browsing this forum. I am in the process of adopting a yorkie. Tomorrow I am going to visit a bonded pair yorkie that is being fostered for possibly adopting them.

They are 3-4 years old and about 10-12 pounds each.

I wanted to get opinions on leaving yorkies alone while working full time or going out. I was talking with a friend today who has a Husky and she is very against me getting a dog because I am single, work full time and go out may be 1-2 nights a week if that. She feels its wrong for the dogs to be alone that long approximately 10 -11 hours if I come straight home and maybe longer if I go out after work. In the wintertime I rarely go out and mostly stay home.

My set up will be to walk them in the morning and when I get home. I will either expen them or gate off my kitchen area. (Once I am comfortable they will have the run of the house) I am going to wee wee pad train them, have a dog bed and a crate, treats, food and water. All the necessities that they need. Also they will have each other to play with.

I am wondering if I am being cruel be leaving them alone for that long as my friend believes. How do others handle having a dog working a full time job and a social life? I would prefer not to get a dog walker if I can help it because I don't want someone I don't know in my apt. However, I will get one if I find it is needed.

I specifically looked into rescuing a yorkie because they are a smaller breed and can be fine in an apartment. I guess I am slightly doubting myself now that my friend thinks I am not capable of caring for a dog.

I would appreciate any advice or encouragement.

Thanks

I mean honestly I do think 10-11 hours is a bit too long for a daily or most of the time basis. Part of having a dog is sometimes having to say "no" to going out after work, etc (or going home first and then going out).

Regardless of if they have pee pads and are able to relieve themselves, I think having human contact and attention is important as well. Many many people work full-time jobs and have dogs. It's totally possible. And I think it is great that they will have each other.

I think on the days that you may know you're going to go out and be longer than 12 hours, you definitely need to have a friend, or family member or dog walker come in for a 30 minute break period.

I personally have left Jackson on occasion for 8-10 hours but it's very occasionally. Usually I don't like to leave him for more than 6-7 hours. Granted he's not pee pad trained so my main worry is him getting outside and of course just being lonely.

I am a dog walker/pet sitter and I find it so sad some of the dogs that I watch. I pet sit for this rich family who is practically never home, decided to get 2 littermate puppies (large breed) and yes... they get the basic care needed to live (food, water, treats, shelter etc) and they have access to a doggy door and a HUGE yard (that they don't even use unless someone is out there with them) but god they are STARVING for attention. They sent them away to training camp for 3 weeks expecting exceptional dogs in return and while they know basic commands, they still can't be left alone in the house (they destroy things out of complete boredom), they still jump sooo much on you simply out of such excitement of seeing a human, and they just have a lonely look in their eyes. I just feel like they're not even a part of the family. Now in your case, I think you would provide much better care, so I'm not saying yours would be the same situation.

So anyway, I'm not one of those "omg!1! animals can NEVER be alone!1!!!1" people (and I do have those clients, too! LOL...) but I do think 10-12 hours more than 5 days a week is too excessive with no break in between and you should probably make accommodations.

I agree with Brittany that 10 -12 hours a day, 5 days a week, is something to be concerned about. The dogs will have the company of one another, but are you prepared after a long day of work to give the dogs attention/physical activity when you arrive home?

Many dogs, even when they are paired in a home, will sleep when their humans are away. When the humans arrive home, the dogs are full of energy and ready to go, go, go. Most dogs are not going to want to snuggle on the couch at that point.

Yorkies tend to be high energy and most of them need a lot of exercise and stimulation (outings outdoors). I think many people have the impression that smaller dogs do not need much exercise.

I am very happy to hear that you are thinking about their potty needs because 10 -12 hours is far too long not to have a potty break.

Best wishes in making your decision.

Adding one more thing: dogs who do not receive enough activity/attention often develop behavioral problems like excessive barking or destructiveness. Or they go the opposite direction and become sullen and depressed.

Just something to think about.

I agree with your friend and the others that have posted about leaving your dog for 10-12 hours and then longer if you go out. This isn't fair to the dog since they are going thru adjustments also, even if you do have them both. They need to be fed, and learn to bond with someone who is going to be around them. Even if I happen to be gone for 7-8 hrs, I have someone come in and walk her. Training them to pads is going to take time just the same as training them to outside. Would rethink this situation in fairness to the dogs. Just my honest opinion.

I waited until I was "ready to settle into a regular full time job" as far as my Yorkies are concerned, before I ever tied myself down with dogs. When I was working full time, on occasion two jobs, and dating, and enjoying going and doing social stuff, I did not have dogs.....I felt I just wouldn't have time to meet the attention requirements that they deserve, and I liked the idea of dropping whatever was happening at the moment, and taking off for a weekend at the beach or at the lake with friends, and I did not think that was fair to do that to any pets, especially a dog, but ESPECIALLY a Yorkie, that wants nothing more than to be included in your life, every minute of the day. I have read too many sad stories about people that wanted a Yorkie, then after 3-8 months, it was obvious there was just not enough time for the little Yorkie....no walks, no training done, no quality time spent teaching and nurturing and spoiling a Yorkie.....it became apparent this dog was more of a hindrance than an adorable little family member to spend time with, share moments with etc. it was more of a problem, an inconvenience, a deterrant, an attention-seeking spoiled little monster that wont be house broken, barks incessently, chews on furniture and baseboards, etc....so then the "unmanagable, spoiled, demanding, destructive, uncooperative little snot" was rehomed.....

I would suggest for the benefit of the pup, any pup but especially a Yorkie, you wait until you have much more time to devote to the demands of a Yorkie! You are still very active socially and I just dont think you have enough time to devote to a Yorkie, in order for the pup to benefit from the living arrangement! They want to be an integral part of your day, your life, your social schedule....you will only resent the demands this little dog will make on your time at this stage of your life.

I agree with everyone else they should not be left alone that long. Is there someone that could come and take them a walk and little TLC. I think you should come home after work to be with them, if this is not an option I would not get them,They deserve so much more.

Oh YES, I totally agree with everyone here. Yorkies are a breed all their own. They are totally "people" dogs. I only leave mine at the most 4 hrs. 3 days a week. He his outside potty trained. I can't wait to come home to him. Each time he acts as if I was gone a week.
Yorkies need special care. Maybe you should consider Ginny pigs.

:thumbup::thumbup: I love and agree with you more every day....:D

Just today, Andy and I were trying to decide where we are going to go on early holiday next year (these past few months have been sooo yucky, we're getting happily desperate!!!) :rolleyes:

We looked into SO many places that we'd adore - but, what it boils down to, is that it's got to suit our Harry - first and foremost. Safe, enjoyable, with loads of amazing walks and runs, places (English country pubs - woo hoo! :D) that we KNOW we can include him in...our little bubs are actually very high maintenance, tiny (apart from Harry!) though they might be...

aweitzm1....I really respect you for looking into all this...thinking about it all in such depth...and truly wish you loads of luck on whatever you decide. Hugs from over here :) Sally + Harry :aimeeyork x

I wanted a yorkie for years but had to wait until I was able to be home most of the time. I think it is unfair to a dog and to yourself to work that long. I think you are probably young and there is plenty of time for you to have a social life before you get a pup(s).

I have read everyone's response and appreciate the honesty. However, just to be clear I don't have that much of a social life. I possibly go out for a drink after work every other Friday during the summertime. That is about it. I didn't realize having a dog you have to give everything up. I have plenty of friends that work and go out more than I do and still have time to devote to a dog. I am trying to figure out a way to have a dog walker come and play with them in the midday. It is not my intention to be cruel to any animal but I also don't think it is not fair to say if you work full time you shouldn't have a dog. This is the reason I have chosen not to get a puppy because I know they require more of a time commitment with walks and socialization than I have at the moment.

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I was single and had 3 yorkies, worked full time, I was gone appox.9 hours. I drove 20 minutes to my job. My dogs were walked before I left for work7:30AM and when I returned home 4:30PM. When I was home my time was divided between my dogs and house work. Week ends if I went anywhere my dogs came with me, of course there were places they couldn't go like food shopping. I would always come directly home, my babies were on a schedule that I would not break. When I got my first dog I knew there would be sacrifices I would have to make and I was willing to make them. That is not to say I gave up my life for my babies. After jobs meet ups I would go home, walk, feed my babies and meet my friends an hour later, it was easy for me, I worked a 20 minute drive from my home. There was no vacation for me unless my babies could come, or if I had a relative that knew how to care for dogs and could stay at my home if I wanted to take a 2 week vaca. I never and would never put my dogs in a kennel. There are sacrifices when you are a pet owner.....Good luck on your decision.

Joan,

Thanks for the post it's me exactly

I don't think any one is saying if you work full time you can't get a dog. Just that there are sacrifices that do have to be made sometimes.

I was 18 when I got Jackson. Probably a stupid time to get a dog, right? Lol, yep. To be honest I don't even think I had that much idea of how I was going to be with him. Once you get the dog(s) and have that bond w/ them, you will worry so much about them being home alone for that long, you won't even want to go out after work... LOL. I know that's how I was. I went from being like "I can get a dog! He can just stay home with my parents when I want to go out longer!" to "omg, I haven't seen him all day, I really need to get home to my dog" lol.

I ended up loving having 1 because I can take him everywhere I possibly can, he goes on most vacations with me, he travels between houses with me, he's a huge priority in my life by my own choice because I love him so much. And even still at almost 7 years old, if he's been home alone all day, I can't just come home and chill on the couch... he needs to play, etc, and get his energy out before just chilling w/ me. And sometimes it's not easy when I've been gone all day and just want to come home and relax. But I wouldn't trade it for anything.

I work 40+ hrs/week and Piper is alone for @9hrs five night/week. HOWEVER, I did not get Piper to leave her alone or hire someone to assist...When not working, Piper pretty much goes everywhere I go; it's as important to her as it is to me (probably more so actually). Yorkies are keenly intelligent and very sensitive and being with their person and truly being part of their life is paramount to these little ones. You'll find that even in the house, wherever you go, your yorkie goes! Their connection and desire to be near you at all times is one of their most endearing traits. I'm sure you're a warm, loving person, but please do more research on yorkies as they are delightfully, wonderfully, high-maintenance. I'm thinking perhaps there's a better fit for you insofar as a canine companion at this time in your life.

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Lots of people told me it was 'okay' to get a dog when working full-time. I ended up quitting my job of five years in 2014, partly out of guilt for having to leave my dog who developed separation anxiety (not from me working - but that certainly did NOT help). After a year, he is more adjusted but he still doesn't like when I go out to work and I still limit activity to suit him i.e. I do not go out a lot at weekends and every time we plan for vacation we put it off cuz we can't seem to be 100% about if we should bring him, how he'd feel about it, traveling with him, etc...

I would recommend to NOT get a dog since you work that long each day. You will feel guilty and regret it and will feel even worse when you start to consider giving your dog up for adoption because, retrospectively, you realize you've made a mistake when the dog won't settle, won't train and whatever else problems arise due to a lack of time in the day. The dog would rather be with you, happy or not, but do you want to be the 'not' part of the one and only life it has??

Enjoy life now as a busy person and get a dog when you're retired or working part-time so the dog can enjoy its life with you.

Speaking from experience..hope that helps.

I think some types of dogs will be fine at home alone while you work, and some won't. By "type" I mean both breed and disposition. Generally speaking, Yorkies are emotional. Some are more confident about being alone, but many are pretty upset about being separated. DH and I did not realize when we got Dinky that we would not be able to travel without him. DMIL might have been to watch him at one time, but she's not able to do so anymore. And Dinky absolutely could not do time in a kennel. he is afraid of almost every person other than us. he might survive, but we can't do it- it would be cruel because we know he would be terrified.
I would check into breeds more, and if you do want to pursue getting a Yorkie, be forthright with the breeder about your situation. if the breeder is any good, he or she will tell you the truth about whether the pup has the disposition for that situation.
I do hope you find a dog that is perfect for you!

While I get what you're saying... can you imagine how many homeless dogs or dogs in shelters there would be if everyone put off having a dog until they worked part time or retired? That's a bit of an over-statement. Many dogs are perfectly capable of being home alone for 8 hours per day, it matters more what you do before/after with your dog. A lot of people work full time but dedicate almost every single weekend to keeping their dogs busy and occupied and exercised, etc.

It's just not feasible and most people do have to work full time to earn enough money to even care for a dog, if they are single and living on their own.

I agree... I remember thinking "oh I'll just bring him to a kennel or daycare etc when I can't be with him"... he is deathly terrified of strangers and would be absolutely horridly miserable in a kennel environment. The only people he lets walk him even in our own house is my dad or mom. And as much as he loves my parents, when I leave for long hours or multiple days, he is anxious and on edge w/o me there they have told me.

Completely get what you're saying. I suppose, however, that I think a lot of those shelter dogs wouldn't be there had there not been a demand for puppies by busy owners who were not given the right guidance by those who had experienced the difficulties of working full time and committing their lives to a dog (and all that entails)

So my point would be make sure you're doing the right thing by the dog because the shelters are full enough of dogs left by owners who thought they could manage things and found later they couldn't. I'm just saying think about it. I wouldn't want that on my conscience and I wouldn't do what I did again even though others told me things would just 'work out'. Those same optimists have no pearls of wisdom now the issues they told me would not arise have arisen.

Cody is adopted, his previous owner worked full time, the pup was gotten for their 8 y/o daughter. Cody was crated or x-penned the entire day. When family came home Cody had freedom of the house and the devotion of the little girl who carried him around like a baby in her arms, the child doted on this puppy, 2 years later mom had a baby, finances were limited and they were concerned the dog would be jealous of new baby getting lots of attention, so they surrendered him at 2.5 y/o. Cody came to me as a gift from my vet after loosing my 17 girl y/o 6 weeks earlier. I was home 3 weeks with my new boy, then my life got busy with my business, I had to leave him home alone, I didn't know how he would react to being alone, he was still adjusting to his new life. Well the first time went well. over the last 20 months I have had him there are many times due to business appoints he just cannot be with me, sometimes he's alone for max 8 hours and he does just fine. This is not an every day thing, I can be home for 3 weeks, then the next week out every other day. I think it depends on the personality of the individual yorkie. My passed 3 yorkies were left alone every day. My last two were alone for 15 hours a day due to having to commute to my job 2 states away.They did fine. But, when I came home it it was all about the pups, the few hours I had home before having to go to bed were devoted to my babies,weeks ends were for the pups. I believe you can own a yorkie and work full time as long as you give them the time, exerciser, and extra cuddle time. I can only tell of my experience with 5 yorkies I have had, Cody is #5. Maybe I was just lucky with my now 4 passed girls. I think when you get a puppy and train them to your schedule they adapt to your style of living. Cody came from a working family, then to me, I am more home then on the road due to business, but Cody handles being home alone just fine. But you are right when you say these precious babies end up in shelters when the owner sees they cannot give a yorkie all that it needs, again, IMO that falls on the owner not willing to sacrifice and make changes in their own life that will benefit the dog. These are NOT DEVOTED DOG LOVERS that are willing to put their dogs needs before their own. JMO

Hi :). I don't think anyone is categorically saying that if you work full time, it's not okay to get a dog. It's more like they're saying that if you work full time AND have a busy social life - that you really truly need to think about whether to bring a dependent life into your responsibility...which is exactly what you're doing (thinking about it) by creating this post and by being so thoughtful and attentive to your decision - I totally admire that! It's great to see people here who take adopting a dog *so* seriously...so, thank you for being introspective about all of this...it says a lot about your good character.

I do think it can be done, you just have to be mindful and learn how to balance things properly. If you go out every other Friday or so - that really is totally doable. People do work full time, have social lives, and have very happy doggies too - they just know how to balance it all and prioritize. Only *you* know whether you're ready to prioritize taking proper care of a dog at this point in your life.

Well said as always!

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Thanks for all the responses. I met the dogs yesterday and they were adorable. One was definitely the Alpha of the two. He barked at first when I greeted him and jumped on me. (Something both the foster mom and I agreed will have to be worked on) within two minutes though he was fine. The other one just rolled over wanting a belly rub and to sit in my lap. When I was there they were content just to lay next to me. Which I loved.

I did work out a situation where my house cleaner will be coming 3-5 days a week while I am at work to spend some time with them. I will try this for the first month if I see they can stay alone then I will have her only come when I know I will be getting home later than usually.

Either way I am hoping all the paperwork and things go through smoothly and I am able to adopt them. They are adorable. I believe they may be part silky because they are bigger than a normal yorkie size.

I may be late to the gate on this one, but me and my husband both work full time and our son is a freshman in high school. My son and I leave at 7:05 a.m., and my husband leaves at 8:30-9:00 a.m. My husband goes home most days for lunch; however, there are occasions where he can't. My son would usually get home at 3:20, but right now, he has band practice after school every day. I get home at 5:15. On Fridays right now (due to football season), I am home with Zeus in the evenings for a couple of hours, then I am off to watch my son in marching band. Zeus is alone again for an hour or two until my husband gets home. Otherwise, Zeus is with us all the time. If he can't go, then all 3 of us don't go. One stays home with him. School and work are all that keeps him away from us. We hate leaving him but it is a necessity. I would not want to think of life without him, because he has brought so much joy to our family. He is our first pet. He has free reign of the house when we are gone. Does he miss us -- sure, but I don't think it is affecting his personality negatively. I myself would never be able to have a pet if working meant it couldn't happen. I'll probably work until I die. I'm not letting this wonderful opportunity pass me by because I work, and I don't think anyone should have to.

I am gone 10 1/2 hours a day 5 days a week. Both of my yorkies do great. I try not to go out during the week and only during the weekend. I still go on dates or hang once in awhile during the week. It so can be done and I am a veterinarian at a specialty hospital.

That is good to know. It looks like I will be getting them on Saturday :) I will receive the adoption contract tomorrow. Crossing my fingers all goes well.