Is it OK to leave my Yorkie alone

Leaving my yorkie alone while at work/school.

by Audriana(New Jersey)

Question

Im considering buying a yorkie but i have done some research and many sites say that they cannot be left alone. Is this true?

They will probably be left alone from 9 am till 6pm during fall and winter but during the spring they will be left from 9 am till 3pm.

Do you think the dog will get upset from this? If I buy the dog in the summer can i train it to stay home alone for fall/winter/spring?

Answer

You will not be the first yorkie owner who has to work, it is done all the time. I do not think it is any reason for you not to buy a yorkie.

It is very important for your yorkie to be properly trained. As you can imagine, being left alone for that long will cause your dog to get bored and you do not know what they will get up to whilst you are away. You do not want to get back home to chewed up furniture or carpets etc.

I would suggest reading through the housebreaking advice and pay particular attention to the litter training advice as your yorkie will need a place to relieve themselves whilst you are away.

If you do start this process during the summer, I would advise starting to break your yorkie in to being left alone for shorter periods. You dont want to go from being at home all day, to then being away for the whole day. So maybe start with 1 hour then slowly go increasing the length of time until it is time for you to go back to work.

Another option is also to look for a trustworthy dog walker in your area. Someone who can maybe go at lunch time to pick up your yorkie to take them out for half an hour or so.

You should also leave many dog toys out so that your dog is entertained.

I have also heard that some people leave the tv on so that their yorkie can hear voices during the day and possibly not feel so lonely.

Im lucky in the fact that I work from home creating this website and I have never had to leave Harry by himself for such long periods.

Please read further information onleaving your yorkie alone.

Return to Yorkshire Terrier FAQs.

A Guide to Leaving Yorkies Alone (The Truth And What You Need To Know)

Yorkshire Terriers (endearingly referred to as Yorkies) are affectionate and loving little dogs who adore their people and desire company. Unfortunately, in todays times, sometimes leaving Yorkies alone is unavoidable, as tricky as it may seem.

Dont become stressed over this. There are a few things you can do to make it easier for both you and your Yorkie.

Yorkies can be left alone, provided they possess the proper training and tools to cope with this. Some Yorkies will be more accepting than others, though, and you need to consider the individual in terms of personality, age, and health.

Many people say that Yorkies cannot be left alone, that they will suffer from separation anxiety which can lead to behavioral issues.

It may be true for some Yorkies, especially older dogs who are not used to being alone, but this cannot be said for all Yorkies.

As the owner, it is up to you to provide your pup with the training and tools he needs to make his alone time relaxing and even fun.

Issues You May Face When LeavingYorkies Alone

Some Yorkies become stressed when left alone. It can lead to behavioral problems such as destructiveness, aggression, and even self-harm.

If your dog suffers from any extreme anxiety or behavioral issues,it would be wise to call on the assistance of a professional dog trainer or behavioralist to help you.

In some cases, the idea of leaving their Yorkie alone might be more stressful to the owner than the dog. Be realistic and explore the idea that you may be overreacting and that he might be just fine. You wont know until you try.

For How Long Can You Leave A Yorkie Alone?

A well-trained, emotionally secure, and well-balanced Yorkie should be okay alone for an entire working day.

If they feel safe and you have ensured that all their needs are provided in terms of water, food, shelter, stimulation, and comfort, they will be able to relax and keep themselves occupied while you are away.

What To Do If You Need To Leave Your Yorkie Alone

If you are very concerned about leaving your Yorkie alone, there are a few things you can do to prepare (your dog and yourself) for the event.

Train Your Yorkie To Be Left Alone

The earlier you start with training, the better, and if you are fortunate enough to get your Yorkie as a puppy, you will have the opportunity to begin from a young age.

If you adopt an older Yorkie, there is no need to worry. It is never too late to teach an old dog new tricks.

Training Your Yorkie

When training with your puppy or adult Yorkie, start with baby steps and perform the exercise often and in short increments.

Always be patient, kind, and considerate; your goal is to raise an independent and emotionally balanced dog and not one with abandonment issues.

See below a few guidelines to use when preparing your dog for alone time. The following methods can be used for both young and older dogs, and you can adapt them accordingly as your dog becomes more secure.

Designate An Area

Set out an area where the dog will be left alone for short periods while you are home to supervise. A room can be closed off using a toddler or pet gate, for example, or you can build a playpen inside the house or outside if you have a garden.

Its vital in the early stages of the training that you can still hear your dog and that you can take a quick look to see how he is doing.

Start Small For Leaving Yorkies Alone

In the beginning, leave them alone in their area for a few minutes, once or twice a day, and gradually lengthen the time. They will soon learn that being alone isnt terrible and that you will always return for them.

Supply Entertainment For Leaving Yorkies Alone

Leave a few toys to keep them entertained. Age-appropriate chew toys and puzzle games will help keep them occupied. Have a look online or speak to your local vet store to see what different toys are available.

Leaving Yorkies Alone? Meet Their Needs

Ensure that there is always fresh water available. Supply food at feeding times. Beware that you dont overfeed your dog to provide comfort. If your dog will spend time outside (when the weather is suitable), ensure he has shelter and a comfortable place to relax and take a nap.

Potty Training For Leaving Yorkies Alone

Make sure there is a spot for them to do their business. If they need to go, especially as puppies, they will not hold it in for very long.

Laying down some absorbent floor sheets will (hopefully) prevent them from going potty on your living room carpet. If you are giving them access to a garden, you can train them to go outside.

Keep It Calm

If you overstimulate your dog before leaving and then again when you return, you will create a habitual behavior of over-excitement or anxiety every time you go out or arrive home.

You want your dog to see this as a regular occurrence, and you dont want to encourage a hysterical emotional response.

Special Precautions For Leaving Yorkies Alone

Consider age and health. Until puppies are about a year old, they require more care and attention than adults. They need to be fed up to four times a day, and they crave affection and contact with their owners.

Dont leave a small puppy alone for more than three hours in total per day. Equally, dogs with poor health or severe medical conditions will need special care.

The Last Step To Leaving Yorkies Alone

Decide where you want Yorkie to stay while youre away. You may choose to give them the run of the house.

If they tend to be a little on the destructive side, you will want to keep them out of the bedroom where they will find and (utilizing chewing) customize your favorite pair of shoes (utilizing chewing).

Some Yorkies prefer to be left outside, provided the weather is suitable, and they have shelter.

Some people crate their animals. For a short period, this is acceptable. Some dogs feel safe in their crates and spend time in them by choice if they are left open.

It is unwise and unkind to leave them confined to a crate with little space to move for the entire day.

Minders And Monitors

Try to visit your dog during the day. If you are unable, you could ask a neighbor or friend to pop in. Alternatively, there are pet services that could pay a regular visit to your dog to see how they are faring.

If you would like to monitor your Yorkie remotely while youre away, you could invest in a pet monitor, such as a pet camera.

Some have 2-way interaction options where you can speak to your dog, other applications also include alarms to alert you if your dog is barking, and the fancy ones can even dispense them a treat.

General Guidelines To Leaving Your Yorkie Alone

Perform a risk assessment of the area where you intend to leave your baby while you are out.

• Ensure any hazardous objects or poisons are out of their reach.
• If they like to chew on things, keep precious items locked away, and provide appropriate toys.
• Check all windows, perimeter gates, and fences for any spots where they may escape. They can squeeze through surprisingly small spaces.
• Make sure they have food, water, shelter, and a comfortable place to take a nap.
• If you have a swimming pool, ensure it remains covered with a solid pool cover, a pool net will not keep your Yorkie safe in the event of him falling in.

Conclusion

It is okay to leave your Yorkie alone. Some Yorkies (and their owners) may take a little longer to adapt.

Still, suppose you handle the situation systematically and mindfully and take the correct steps to ensure their comfort and safety. In that case, there is no reason the experience cant be painless and stress-free for both of you.

Sources

Can Yorkies Be Left Alone During the Day?

In a perfect world, youd get to spend the whole day with your Yorkie. But sometimes we will need to leave our Yorkie. Can Yorkies be left alone during the day?

For most of us going to work is a necessity. How else are we going to buy treats and toys for our Yorkies?

Can you leave your Yorkie home alone while youre working, shopping, or socializing? Its a question every Yorkie owner has considered at some point. Oodle Life offers this advice on whether to leave your Yorkie alone during the day.

When is a Yorkie Old Enough to be Home Alone?

Puppies are babies, after all. They arent prepared to be alone during the day for long periods and enjoy being around others. Puppies also need to be taken outside for bathroom breaks more often than adult dogs. They also like to play and have energy that needs to be burned off.

For all these reasons, its best not to leave Yorkie puppies home alone for more than two to three hours at a time. As Yorkie puppies grow up, they can be alone longer on their own while youre away.

How Long Can I Leave My Yorkie Alone During the Day?

Adult Yorkies that are at least a year and a half old can be left alone for four to six hours a day. Senior Yorkies can be home alone for about two to six hours a day, depending on their health. A Yorkie should have learned to sleep while youre working and shouldnt become distressed by this time.

Yorkies shouldnt be alone for longer periods than that as they need exercise, bathroom breaks, and play.

Signs My Yorkie Isnt Doing Well Alone

Yorkies who are left alone for too long during the day can develop separation anxiety. About 20 percent of all dogs can exhibit signs of separation anxiety, so this is something to watch for when leaving your Yorkshire Terrier alone during your workday. Separation anxiety signs include:

Excessive Barking

Anxious barking in a Yorkie sounds more high-pitched and frantic than normal barking. For a Yorkie, this is a cry for help.

Bathroom Accidents

A Yorkie with separation anxiety due to being left indoors too long without a bathroom break will have accidents in the house as a symptom.

Destructive Behavior

Separation anxiety can also manifest as destructive behaviors such as chewing items around the house and scratching at or near doors.

Is My Yorkie Depressed?

Another sign your Yorkie is spending too much time alone is if it is showing signs of depression. Here are some of the symptoms of depression to watch for:

Excessive Sleeping

A Yorkshire Terrier sleeping while left alone is normal, but if your Yorkie sleeps for long periods after you return home, it might be depressed.

Weight Loss

A depressed dog will eat less, resulting in weight loss. If you notice weight loss in your Yorkie, talk with your veterinarian to rule out other health issues.

How Should I Prepare My Yorkie for Being Home Alone?

Dont go from letting your Yorkie be alone for an hour or two to leaving them home alone all day. Instead, gradually let your Yorkie spend longer periods alone during the day, so it gets used to it.

As you leave your Yorkie home alone longer, prepare so your pet is less likely to become anxious. [Minimizing separation anxiety when returning to work]

Spend Extra Time with Your Yorkie in the Morning

Before you leave for the day, play with your Yorkie at breakfast and take it for a long morning walk. This lets your pet expend some energy and have plenty of time for bathroom needs.

Leave Food and Water

Bowls that dispense food and water as needed can keep your pet happy while youre away.A self dispensing water fountain can be perfect.

Favorite Toys

Chews and other toys can give your Yorkie an outlet for energy while youre away. Familiar favorites can keep them calm.

Interactive Options

Some interactive toys can give your Yorkie a treat when they chew it the right way. Another idea is to put a favorite channel on TV YouTube and other platforms and channels even have videos filmed with dogs in mind.

Crate Training

Not all dogs are comfortable roaming the house freely while left alone. If you are crate training your Yorkie, letting it be in a large, roomy crate with a favorite blanket, toys and treats can make time alone less stressful.

Open the Blinds

Being able to see outside can make your Yorkie happier during your workday. Sunshine brightens everyones day.

What if I Have a Long Workday?

If you are working long hours or traveling for work, you might want to reconsider getting a Yorkshire Terrier or any dog. Dogs thrive on interaction with their owners and need attention, walks, and playtime. If you cant provide that regularly, owning a dog might not be suitable for you.

Long workdays do happen sometimes, so here are some options for helping your Yorkie deal with your schedule.

Enlist Help from Family

If you have a partner or older children who arrive home earlier than you, ask them to play with the family pet and take your Yorkie on a walk.

Hire a Pet Sitter

Professional pet sitters can keep your Yorkie entertained while youre away working or running errands. If you live near a university or know a teenager in your neighborhood, they might be thrilled to be paid to play with and walk your adorable Yorkie.

Stop in to Visit

If you have a lunch break and work close to home, make taking your Yorkie for a walk part of your lunchtime routine. Your Yorkie will be happy, and youll both be healthier.

Doggie Daycare

Another option for long workdays is to let your Yorkie go to doggie daycare. Canine daycare centers allow dogs have the interactions they need during the day while you work.

Bring Your Dog to Work

Unfortunately, this isnt an option for most workplaces, but ask if this perk is available. Your coworkers might love seeing your Yorkie during the day.

Hybrid Schedules

Working from home part of the week can ease anxiety for your pet and maybe for you as well.

Exercise your Yorkie first thing in the morning before a long day out. Yorkies love to walk, and can even do some running.

Keep Your Yorkie Happy and Healthy

Yorkshire Terriers love spending time with their owners, which is why these adorable dogs make great pets. However, Yorkies do require love, care, and attention during the day. Playtime, walks, bathroom breaks and plenty of petting keep your Yorkie at its best.

Working is a fact of life for most of us, but you can leave your Yorkie alone for part of the day. Consideration and preparation can make workdays easier for you and your Yorkie.