by mickala
(virginia)
Question
Are yorkies okay to be left alone for 6 hours, usually Monday through Friday?
Answer
I think the effect this would have on a yorkie would depend on how old it is.
Of course the dog will survive the time alone, but it may eventually be affected in a behavioural sense.
The younger the yorkie is, the more noticeable this will be. The dog may become unsociable and even scared to interact with other people or animals.
There is also the chance that the dog will lose the ability to be house trained as it becomes second nature to do its business in the house.
An older dog might cope better in situations like this.
While it will not be possible to spend every waking minute with the dog, an effort should be made to keep alone time as short as possible.
Left alone
I would recommend that you consider getting two vice one, this is what I did and it works out really well.
The boys get time with me in the morning before I go to work, keep each other company during the day while I am gone and I ensure that they have “mind games” and toys to chew on.
When I come home we spend a while in the yard letting them “reaffirm” their territory and have some playtime.
I would recommend that if you do not have the time or the patience for two puppies then do adopt a Yorkie that is house trained and does not need the constant attention and training that a puppy will need.
By keeping them socialized with neighbors and other dogs, this will also help keep barking down and if they play escape artist neighbor will know who they belong to.