Leaving dogs alone

[aweitzm1]

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

[Britster]

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.

[Maximo]

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.

[Maximo]

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.

[MzLynnC]

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.

[Yorkiemom1]

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.

[patchesmom10]

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.

[Shicks]

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.

[Harrysmum]

Originally Posted by Yorkiemom1

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 love and agree with you more every day....

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!!!)

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! ) 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 x

[Cherie6446]

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).

[aweitzm1]

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.

[patchesmom10]

[matese]

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.

[patchesmom10]

Joan,

Thanks for the post it's me exactly

[Britster]

Originally Posted by aweitzm1

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.

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.