Is a Yorkie right for me?

[PinkMartini]

Originally Posted by eensor

IMHO I think 12 or 13 hours alone is too much.

I completely agree. Even an adult yorkie probably couldn't hold it's bladder for 12 or 13 hours at a time.

[klogan]

My husband and I work full time. Stomper is left alone Mon-Fri for about 10 hours. I have a dog walker twice a week for him. He does just fine. I have tons of toys and music on for him to enjoy. I have heard that this breed does not do good left alone - I think he just sleeps all day like most dogs do even when you are home! I really think a lot of it depends on how the dog is raised in your home. For example, if someone is usually home all day long, of course the dog is going to be sad when you leave him. My Stomper has always been left alone for that amount of time since we got him at 8 weeks old. He is used to it and now knows we will return home to see him! Plus, he is so excited when he sees me (then again, if I leave for 5 minutes and come back home I get that same response!).

Just a week ago, someone on Yorkie Talk sent an email from a professional stating that dogs have no concept of time so they don't know if you were gone for 5 minutes or 5 hours. I would have to agree with my experience thus far.

Most married couples in the Bay Area CA are both forced to work. Does that mean we shouldn't get a dog? I think not...we spend all of our other time with him and he seems very happy (no signs of depression).

I will say, that it is more work than I thought having a needy puppy and working full-time. It is a lot of work. Really! They needs lots of attention, lots of time to train how to go potty, etc. Just realize that you are going to get up 3 times a night with a puppy to go potty and you will still need to to to work the next day! I was so tired and cried the first 2 weeks I had Stomper because of my lack of sleep. By no means is it easy. Thinking back now...I wouldn't have gotten a puppy. I would have gotten a dog over 1 years of age. Trust me...I wouldn't trade my Stomper for the world, I'm just honest to say if I knew how much work it would be working full time and having a puppy - I would have gotten a mature dog instead. Just realize that. If you have kids, you'll already be used to it. I don't so this whole experience is new to me!

My suggestion, if you are not set on a puppy, is to get a dog at least 1 years of age. Less needy, probably already trained to sleep in a crate, goes potty outside, knows commands (sit, don't touch, etc.) which will make your working life easier!

Good luck. I hope I have helped you with your decision!!!!

[cinmn]

Hi Kimberly,

Thank you so much for your thoughtful and honest response... you don't know how much I've been pining for a Yorkshire terrier -- I can honestly say I've wanted one for almost 10 years now! There's always been reasons why I shouldn't get a dog, and finally over the past month or so, I finally took the plunge into more serious research on the breed, searching for breeders, reading books, etc. My fiance's been the same way (though perhaps not as fanatical as I am on the subject). We are both medical residents -- he's a medicine intern, and I'm an Ob/Gyn intern... so our hours are pretty long. After reading many of the responses, I have become very discouraged from adopting a Yorkie, at least the one who I was interested in. I emailed the breeder yesterday and told her that I would no longer be able to buy him. I was really upset, but I guess I have to be realistic about the responsibilities that go along with raising him into a happy adult. Thanks again for your words of encouragement... you've made me a little more hopeful about finding a Yorkie who might be able to fit into our lifestyle

[whispersmom2]

I know how hard it must have been to write that letter saying you could not take him, but you did a caring and loving thing. Your jobs are stressful(to say the least) and a problem child when you get home could be a bit over the top for both of you. Especially, if you have had a bad day at the hospital(loss of mother or baby, comes to mind) you need what I call "self" time. Most of my friends in medicine at all levels have chosen larger dogs. Because of my area, Labs are first choice. But, large dogs are not for every one, including me! And, shedding dogs are not for me. If you have not done so, make a list of every chsracteristic that you feel important in your dog and then search for a baby who has the most of those qualities. Good Luck in your search. AND, thank you for going into OB-GYN med. We are losing them by the hour due to many things, especially the cost of malpractice insurance..

[aimee]

I agree with everything that whispersmom said. I'm so sorry that you are feeling so let down, I think we just were all trying to give you our honest opinion. Bless you for all that you do, I agree that we don't have enough good obgyn people (after two pregnancies, I don't even want to get into that ) Take care and keep us updated on your quest for a doggie

[CC's]

Pups are always a challenge for full time working people. Its very hard to potty train a pup when no one is there to take them out.
Most of the time pad training is what has to be used then.

Have you considered adopting an adult? There are many adults out there that would love to have a home where they could sleep all day, greet you when you come in and sleep some more with you at night.

Petfinder.org would be a good place to look in your area.

[mmyorkies]

Go here and read and see if you would feel comfortable with this information.
http://yorkieviews.com/yorkieforme.htm

Originally Posted by cinmn

Hi everyone

First of all, I'd like to thank you guys for the wonderful advice posted on the forums. Secondly, I just want to say hi since I'm one of the newbies. I was wondering if anyone can give advice on deciding whether a Yorkie is the right breed for me. I've been reading a lot about separation anxiety and, as a prospective dog owner who is seriously considering getting a Yorkie, I must admit that I've become somewhat scared of leaving a Yorkie or any dog home alone. Both my fiance and I work long hours -- sometimes 12 or 13 hours at a time. Would it be just plain cruel (or stupid?) to leave a young Yorkie alone for that long. We've been interested in the breed for a very long time, but on the other hand, we don't want to be careless dog owners. Please give us some advice!!