Leaving my "baby" Mufasa at home! - YorkieTalk.com Forums

Tabatha00 · 06-16-2008, 09:57 AM

Today is the first day that my Mufasa will be left home alone for several hours. I'm at work and my son has basketball practice so Mufasa will be home alone. I've only had Mufasa for a 8 days but I have grown so attached to that little guy so fast and he is soooooooo attached to me. I just wish I could go home and grab him up but of course I can't.

For those of you who work or go to school do you do anything special for your dog while you are gone? Mufasa is 12 weeks old so I'm not sure how he is going to react........I imagine he will cry and whine and pace around but in reality he'll probably just go to sleep but here all along I've been torturing myself. Ha!

What do ya'll do?

kdlmon · 06-16-2008, 10:07 AM

First off...breathe!

I know, leaving them the first time is SO hard. But I am sure that Mufasa will be fine. Cooper stays home while my husband and I are at work and we've had no issues (knock on wood).

Cooper loses his mind when I get home, so be prepared for dramatic welcome. But my guess is he spends most of his time lounging in his crate.

Of course, you should leave a comfy place to sleep, food, water and toys. Some people also suggest leaving a tv or radio on to keep the puppy company.

4doggiemama · 06-16-2008, 11:54 AM

I'm guessing mine sleep most of the time by the way their toys are left. I usually give a little treat when I leave so they know that is a signal for them to each go into their individual ex-pens. No wimpering. But when I get home there is a major ruckus. Pity dh if he's in bed already.

Joanne

xxmxaxrxyxx · 06-16-2008, 12:30 PM

i have setup a puppy cam before to see what all my furkids do while i am at work...hehe...they sleep for the most part...but once they hear me coming in or see me...they start yapping until i let them out of the xpen...hehe

Tabatha00 · 06-16-2008, 01:49 PM

O.k. I just got home from work and it appears Mufasa had a party while I was gone. Ha! My floor lamp was knocked over and I have a greenery arrangement beside my television that was knocked over. I went walking through the house and so far that's the only damage I can see. SO FAR!

He was soooooooooooooooooooooo excited to see me. I was soooooooo excited to see him!!! He ran down the hall barking and practically jumped into my arms. Right now I am sitting on the couch and he is laying behind me with his head wrapped around my neck. I LOVE HIM!!!!

xxmxaxrxyxx · 06-16-2008, 03:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tabatha00

O.k. I just got home from work and it appears Mufasa had a party while I was gone. Ha! My floor lamp was knocked over and I have a greenery arrangement beside my television that was knocked over. I went walking through the house and so far that's the only damage I can see. SO FAR!

He was soooooooooooooooooooooo excited to see me. I was soooooooo excited to see him!!! He ran down the hall barking and practically jumped into my arms. Right now I am sitting on the couch and he is laying behind me with his head wrapped around my neck. I LOVE HIM!!!!

oh no...being that he is a puppy i think its safer to have him in an xpen while you are at work...so in case he knocks something over and it won't hurt him...jmo...

JAVAHSMOM · 06-16-2008, 04:34 PM

Oh My!! Javah was 16 wks when we left him alone and I was worried sick at work but he was just fine. We leave toys, he has his water bottle and before leaving we give him treats. A few times he had some accidents but now @ 6months he's great!! I would never leave him outside of his crate cause I don't want him messing with electrical cords or decide to tear up my carpet. lol

Tabatha00 · 06-16-2008, 04:53 PM

You don't think leaving him in a crate for 8 hours is too much? I would feel awful leaving him in such a small confined space for that long. Not to mention the fact it would hurt MY feelings. ha.

lovelylf1 · 06-16-2008, 05:10 PM

Scooter never bonded with his crete. While I think it works great for most people, it didnt work for us. Instead, Scooter is perfectly content having his own room (mind you it is just a bathroom but he thinks it is great. He has more room to play while I am at work. I have his bed in there with one of his chew-proof toys, and a water bowl. Before he was fully potty trained, I also had room for a puppy pad for him. I have a dog gate that I put up so he can see anyone coming. I have an ipod radio that I turn on and leave for him (regular radio has unpredictable sounds that can scare him).

He managed to escape by pushing on the gate one time. My doorway is small so it isnt locked in place, just jammed sideways in the doorway. He made it into my bedroom and chewed up a part of a hamper. He has never been able to jump over it and seems to be much calmer not being locked in a 2x3 or whatever space. Now, I have a small suitcase that I put against the side of the gate that can be pushed and he is fine. I think he is actually comforted because he sees the suitcase and he associates it with travel. He knows I wont leave him for long when he sees it.

As far as letting your baby run free, be really careful. The one time my guy escaped we had to make a vet visit to be sure he didnt get into anything. If you don't like the idea of a crete, dedicate a room (like a bathroom with easy to clean floors) to his "private space" while you are out.

Be patient and see how your dog does. It will take a while to get a system down but once you do, they are fine with you leaving and actually kind of enjoy the sleeping time.

MyPeanutAbbyGra · 06-16-2008, 05:19 PM

How about a playpen? That's what I did with Abby for the first couple months when we'd leave. I made sure she had a potty pad, water and food. Of course she also had her bed and toys. I felt much safer having her confined to where she couldn't get ahold of an electrical cord, or get something in her mouth that she could choke on.

They really do need to be confined to a smaller, safer area until they are older.

I wish you all the best with your little guy

jfalz73 · 06-16-2008, 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MyPeanutAbbyGra

How about a playpen? That's what I did with Abby for the first couple months when we'd leave. I made sure she had a potty pad, water and food. Of course she also had her bed and toys. I felt much safer having her confined to where she couldn't get ahold of an electrical cord, or get something in her mouth that she could choke on.

They really do need to be confined to a smaller, safer area until they are older.

I wish you all the best with your little guy

I agree....we use an x-pen for Brooklyn and she does just fine. At least i know she is safe! Good luck!

winstonw · 06-16-2008, 05:47 PM

I would always leave Winston in my small front bathroom with a light on and the toilet lid closed. I would put his bed in there on the floor also, and a pee pad, although he usually would hold it until I got home. He didn't like peeing in the bathroom unless I would be gone for longer than a few hours. I still don't let him have the whole house while I'm gone. He is 8 months old. The bathroom gives him more room than a crate, but doesnt allow enough running for him to get into trouble. Good luck with everything! And yes they are sooo easy to love!

izzierj · 06-16-2008, 06:02 PM

I know some people who use crates, I can't do it....I know it can be their comfort zone, but my Harlee has anxiety and doesn't like to be confined...I do have an xpen and I think that's better...Can't get in danger unless they are really good jumpers !!! lol And keeping them in the bathroom? I would go bananas if I were in a closed bathroom for more than a few minutes...Hope you make the right decision on how to confine Mufasa while you are out...

Tabatha00 · 06-17-2008, 05:31 AM

What is an xpen? Is that a playpen? I just don't see how I can leave him confined for 8 hours while I'm at work and then confine him at night for 8 hours while we sleep. That just seems excessive to me. Mufasa is VERY attached to me (I am too him too) and follows me everywhere I go and MUST be with me when I'm home. Last night I was in the shower and he was on the other side of the curtain barking and whining and whimpering......I kept talking to him so he would know I heard him and that I would be out soon and the next thing I know HE'S IN THE SHOWER WITH ME!!!! He didn't get out of the shower until I got out and then I had to dry myself off and then dry him off.

I'm just really feeling guilt ridden and I want him to get good training but it just seems like a lot to confine him for such a long time.

izzierj · 06-17-2008, 06:24 AM

Now that I'm reading your next post , I didn't realize you didn't know about the xpen...I got mine online at Walmart...It's called site-to-store once you get in the Walmart site...I think it was $60 for 6 pieces, which if you need to make it larger, let a wall be one side and Musafa will have more room...And like someone said, put water, toys and a bed in there... If you want, leave some dry food, but never a chew stick or anything that he might chew off and get stuck in his throat-never give him greenies or rawhide either-bad, bad, bad) I'm a mom of 4 kids, so I tend to go on a bit more than others, sorry..

06-16-2008, 09:57 AM	#1
Tabatha00 YT Addict Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Florence, Alabama Posts: 287	Leaving my "baby" Mufasa at home! Today is the first day that my Mufasa will be left home alone for several hours. I'm at work and my son has basketball practice so Mufasa will be home alone. I've only had Mufasa for a 8 days but I have grown so attached to that little guy so fast and he is soooooooo attached to me. I just wish I could go home and grab him up but of course I can't. For those of you who work or go to school do you do anything special for your dog while you are gone? Mufasa is 12 weeks old so I'm not sure how he is going to react........I imagine he will cry and whine and pace around but in reality he'll probably just go to sleep but here all along I've been torturing myself. Ha! What do ya'll do?

06-16-2008, 10:07 AM	#2
kdlmon ☺Cooper☺ Donating Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Bay Area, California Posts: 775	First off...breathe! I know, leaving them the first time is SO hard. But I am sure that Mufasa will be fine. Cooper stays home while my husband and I are at work and we've had no issues (knock on wood). Cooper loses his mind when I get home, so be prepared for dramatic welcome. But my guess is he spends most of his time lounging in his crate. Of course, you should leave a comfy place to sleep, food, water and toys. Some people also suggest leaving a tv or radio on to keep the puppy company. __________________ Cooper RIP Austin 1999-2011 Member of the Yorkie Moms Who Love Baseball Club: Go Giants!

06-16-2008, 11:54 AM	#3
4doggiemama Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: KS Posts: 3,290	I'm guessing mine sleep most of the time by the way their toys are left. I usually give a little treat when I leave so they know that is a signal for them to each go into their individual ex-pens. No wimpering. But when I get home there is a major ruckus. Pity dh if he's in bed already. Joanne __________________ Joanne Eli ChipperEva Snowboy Rosie(R.I.P. 1996-July 29, 2013) Cocoa(R.I.P 1998-April 26, 2012):

06-16-2008, 12:30 PM	#4
xxmxaxrxyxx Missing Yoshi Everyday! Donating Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Wichita, KS Posts: 15,110 Blog Entries: 3	i have setup a puppy cam before to see what all my furkids do while i am at work...hehe...they sleep for the most part...but once they hear me coming in or see me...they start yapping until i let them out of the xpen...hehe __________________ Yoshi Mei Ling Ting Ting Ting Ki Sun Hye Yukio Kioshi

06-16-2008, 01:49 PM	#5
Tabatha00 YT Addict Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Florence, Alabama Posts: 287	The question.....ANSWERED! O.k. I just got home from work and it appears Mufasa had a party while I was gone. Ha! My floor lamp was knocked over and I have a greenery arrangement beside my television that was knocked over. I went walking through the house and so far that's the only damage I can see. SO FAR! He was soooooooooooooooooooooo excited to see me. I was soooooooo excited to see him!!! He ran down the hall barking and practically jumped into my arms. Right now I am sitting on the couch and he is laying behind me with his head wrapped around my neck. I LOVE HIM!!!!

06-16-2008, 04:34 PM	#7
JAVAHSMOM Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Jerzee Posts: 95	Oh My!! Javah was 16 wks when we left him alone and I was worried sick at work but he was just fine. We leave toys, he has his water bottle and before leaving we give him treats. A few times he had some accidents but now @ 6months he's great!! I would never leave him outside of his crate cause I don't want him messing with electrical cords or decide to tear up my carpet. lol

06-16-2008, 04:53 PM	#8
Tabatha00 YT Addict Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Florence, Alabama Posts: 287	You don't think leaving him in a crate for 8 hours is too much? I would feel awful leaving him in such a small confined space for that long. Not to mention the fact it would hurt MY feelings. ha.

06-16-2008, 05:10 PM	#9
lovelylf1 I ♥ Scooter Donating Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Austin, Texas Posts: 533	doggie gate Scooter never bonded with his crete. While I think it works great for most people, it didnt work for us. Instead, Scooter is perfectly content having his own room (mind you it is just a bathroom but he thinks it is great. He has more room to play while I am at work. I have his bed in there with one of his chew-proof toys, and a water bowl. Before he was fully potty trained, I also had room for a puppy pad for him. I have a dog gate that I put up so he can see anyone coming. I have an ipod radio that I turn on and leave for him (regular radio has unpredictable sounds that can scare him). He managed to escape by pushing on the gate one time. My doorway is small so it isnt locked in place, just jammed sideways in the doorway. He made it into my bedroom and chewed up a part of a hamper. He has never been able to jump over it and seems to be much calmer not being locked in a 2x3 or whatever space. Now, I have a small suitcase that I put against the side of the gate that can be pushed and he is fine. I think he is actually comforted because he sees the suitcase and he associates it with travel. He knows I wont leave him for long when he sees it. As far as letting your baby run free, be really careful. The one time my guy escaped we had to make a vet visit to be sure he didnt get into anything. If you don't like the idea of a crete, dedicate a room (like a bathroom with easy to clean floors) to his "private space" while you are out. Be patient and see how your dog does. It will take a while to get a system down but once you do, they are fine with you leaving and actually kind of enjoy the sleeping time.

06-16-2008, 05:19 PM	#10
MyPeanutAbbyGra I love my baby girls! Donating Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Indiana Posts: 2,718	How about a playpen? That's what I did with Abby for the first couple months when we'd leave. I made sure she had a potty pad, water and food. Of course she also had her bed and toys. I felt much safer having her confined to where she couldn't get ahold of an electrical cord, or get something in her mouth that she could choke on. They really do need to be confined to a smaller, safer area until they are older. I wish you all the best with your little guy __________________ Tammy, Mama to Abby Grace Daisy Mae RIP Peanut & Chloe, ABBY 's WINSTON Within the heart of every stray Lies the singular desire to be loved

06-16-2008, 05:47 PM	#12
winstonw Donating YT Addict Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Boonville, IN Posts: 2,018	I would always leave Winston in my small front bathroom with a light on and the toilet lid closed. I would put his bed in there on the floor also, and a pee pad, although he usually would hold it until I got home. He didn't like peeing in the bathroom unless I would be gone for longer than a few hours. I still don't let him have the whole house while I'm gone. He is 8 months old. The bathroom gives him more room than a crate, but doesnt allow enough running for him to get into trouble. Good luck with everything! And yes they are sooo easy to love! __________________ Winston Packer & Pokey Proud member of the CrAzYcLuB Winston Abby

06-16-2008, 06:02 PM	#13
izzierj YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Arizona Posts: 710	I know some people who use crates, I can't do it....I know it can be their comfort zone, but my Harlee has anxiety and doesn't like to be confined...I do have an xpen and I think that's better...Can't get in danger unless they are really good jumpers !!! lol And keeping them in the bathroom? I would go bananas if I were in a closed bathroom for more than a few minutes...Hope you make the right decision on how to confine Mufasa while you are out... __________________ Michelle ~ and the girls ~ Harlee and Izzie ~ and our boy ~ Cole

06-17-2008, 05:31 AM	#14
Tabatha00 YT Addict Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Florence, Alabama Posts: 287	What is an xpen? Is that a playpen? I just don't see how I can leave him confined for 8 hours while I'm at work and then confine him at night for 8 hours while we sleep. That just seems excessive to me. Mufasa is VERY attached to me (I am too him too) and follows me everywhere I go and MUST be with me when I'm home. Last night I was in the shower and he was on the other side of the curtain barking and whining and whimpering......I kept talking to him so he would know I heard him and that I would be out soon and the next thing I know HE'S IN THE SHOWER WITH ME!!!! He didn't get out of the shower until I got out and then I had to dry myself off and then dry him off. I'm just really feeling guilt ridden and I want him to get good training but it just seems like a lot to confine him for such a long time.

06-17-2008, 06:24 AM	#15
izzierj YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Arizona Posts: 710	Now that I'm reading your next post , I didn't realize you didn't know about the xpen...I got mine online at Walmart...It's called site-to-store once you get in the Walmart site...I think it was $60 for 6 pieces, which if you need to make it larger, let a wall be one side and Musafa will have more room...And like someone said, put water, toys and a bed in there... If you want, leave some dry food, but never a chew stick or anything that he might chew off and get stuck in his throat-never give him greenies or rawhide either-bad, bad, bad) I'm a mom of 4 kids, so I tend to go on a bit more than others, sorry.. __________________ Michelle ~ and the girls ~ Harlee and Izzie ~ and our boy ~ Cole