Yorkshire Terriers, like all dogs, require love and attention. They are social creatures just like humans and do not appreciate being left alone for extended periods. They can easily get depressed and nervous and develop separation anxiety. This can be challenging for owners with long working hours.

If you are wondering how long you can leave your Yorkie alone, know that it depends on several factors such as your pet’s age, its character and whether it is used to being left alone.

How Long Can I Leave My Yorkie Alone?

One of the hardest things for any pet owner to do is to leave their precious furry baby alone during the day. It is normal for your Yorkshire Terrier to become confused, sad or even scared when you leave it alone the first few days.

Age is the key element here. Puppies are not used to being alone. They need constant care and attention, not to mention needing to be let out for peeing and pooping. They are very affectionate and rely on you, so leaving them alone for many hours is stressful and can lead to an anxiety disorder. Therefore, pups up to 18 months should only be left alone for 2 to 3 hours a day.

Adults over 18 months can be left alone for 4 to 6 hours. At this age, they are used to being alone and learned to sleep when you are not around. Similarly, older dogs can manage 2 to 6 hours depending on their health.

What Happens If I Leave My Yorkie Alone for 8 Hours or More?

Yorkies that spend more than 8 hours home alone can develop behavioral problems such as biting, scratching, chewing clothing and furniture, getting lost or barking and howling at random stuff. While clothes and furniture can be replaced, if your dog gets lost, that could be a huge tragedy for your family. For peace of mind and your dog’s safety, it is better to purchase a Tractive GPS. This way, you will be alerted if it tries to escape.

Your pet may also become anxious, stressed or depressed. Depression is a serious occurrence in Yorkies. If you have to leave for 8 hours or more, be watchful of any behavioral changes which indicates depression. Here are a few things you could keep an eye out for:

• It is normal for Yorkies to pass time by sleeping because they are bored. However, if it is still sleeping after you are back, this could be due to depression.
• A depressed dog eats less or won’t eat at all. If you notice these significant changes in its diet, your Yorkshire Terrier is going through difficult times. However, before jumping to any conclusion, try alternate food and treats.
• Your dog will lose weight due to minimal eating. However, Yorkies are hairy and small, so any weight change will be hard to see.
• Yorkies are generally very playful and energetic, but if your pet is no longer eager to play or go on walks, it may be depressed.

Despite these signs, I would advise you to visit the vet and get it checked before trying any treatment. Sometimes, things are not what they seem.

What If I Have to Leave My Yorkie Alone Every Day?

If you are living alone and have a long work schedule, maybe you should rethink getting a Yorkie or even any dog. For those who already have one, you can take it along with you if possible or else arrange for a dog sitter to look after it while you are away.

Before leaving, you must prepare in advance. Take your dog for a long walk to burn its energy and to let it be done with its bathroom needs. This way, it will be calmer in your absence. Leave it with food and water. Make sure to give its favorite toys and chews to it. Follow these tips, and you will come home to a happy and content Yorkie.

How Can I Train My Yorkie to Stay Home Alone?

Teaching dogs to be alone is necessary as you cannot include them in every activity outside the house. The training will help reduce anxiety and prevent them from engaging in destructive behavior. They will learn not to panic every morning you leave and accept it as a daily routine.

You must create certain scenarios so that your dog can learn to be alone. Here are some things you can do before leaving for work:

Leave and Return

Practice leaving and returning. Familiarize your dog with things that represent you leaving like your bag, shoes, keys and jacket. Go toward the door with these items. If it panics, ignore so that it can get used to you leaving. Repeat this thrice a day.

After returning home, don’t welcome it. This will send the message that coming home is normal and not some special event. Order it to go to its place and once it settles down, pet it calmly to let it feel your love.

Avoid Free Access

In the beginning, don’t give your dog free access to the entire house. The bathroom, bedroom, kitchen and balcony must be off limits for its well-being and safety. Leave it in the area where it feels most comfortable. Once it gets accustomed to being alone, the restrictions can be relaxed.

Morning Exercises

Tire out your dog with morning exercises. Start with walking on long routes. It is likely that it will fall asleep once it returns to your house. This gives you the opportunity to get out of the house easily.

Fun Activities

Give your pet fun activities to occupy its mind. Keep it busy with interactive and food-dispensing toys. Some even offer different challenges to solve. Mental stimulation is healthy for dogs to keep them active and occupied when alone. It will also eliminate any unwanted business like biting and urinating in inappropriate areas. If you feel so inclined you could even get one of these cool videochat tools that dispenses treats!

Medications

If your Yorkie gets extremely scared and anxious while alone, maybe you should consider calming medications like Alprazolam or Clomicalm. They are approved by the FDA for treating separation anxiety in dogs. If you feel medication is needed, consult with the vet first.

What I Can Do with My Yorkie When I’m at Work?

I know you worry about your dog while at work, and the guilt about leaving it alone is eating away at you. Before you rack your mind any further, let me give you some stress-solving suggestions:

Pet Camera

Invest in a pet camera which comes with night vision, high-quality video footage and two-way audio capabilities. It will allow you to communicate and soothe your four-legged companion with your voice. This will also give you can idea about how it is coping with your absence. I understand a pet camera does not suit every budget, but it is worth a try.

Crate

Try a spacious crate for your little canine to make it feel safe. Even though it might not like it and resist at first, these accessories can save it from life-threatening injuries. According to some dog psychology specialists, it might provide your dog a certain sense of security and safety. However, keep in mind that dogs are not den animals and should never be held in a crate for more than 8 hours. If you don’t favor crating, make sure to dog-proof the house so that your pet won’t harm itself.

Visit During the Day

Offer your Yorkie a break during the day. If possible, visit it during lunch. Even a 15-minute play session and toilet break can be very helpful. If it is not possible, get a neighbor, friend or family member to check on the dog.

Dog Daycare

Another option is dog daycare. If your Yorkie is the friendly type and loves meeting new people and pets, daycare is your best bet. It can work great with long work hours. Plus, you will be frequently informed about your dog’s activities throughout the day.

Occupy It with Another Pet

Get another pet, preferably an easy-going dog like a German Shepherd or a Golden Retriever which will get along well with your Yorkie. You will be providing another four-legged friend a loving home and your furry baby will have good company. As they say, two is better than one. Be careful though as smaller dogs are prone to be stepped on by other dogs.

What Can I Do for My Yorkie After Returning?

Dedicate quality time to your dog once you are back from work, but don’t shower it with too much affection. How? Follow these few suggestions:

• Don’t let it get used to receiving treats when you come back.
• Go out for a walk to let it stretch its legs.
• Play fetch in the lawn to get rid of its pent-up energy from staying indoors all day.
• Plan for a visit to a dog spa to help it relax more.

Leaving your dog alone everyday can be a challenging experience, but practicing simple tricks can make a huge difference. Although your Yorkie may struggle in the beginning, it will soon learn to cope with the situation. Thus, keep following the above suggestions. Not only will your dog be more relaxed, but you will also feel happier and stress-free.