Can

[squeaky]

Can you leave a Yorkshire Terrier on its own all day if it has a Kennel in the garden

[andy hughes]

Assumuing the dog has access to its kennel -dog flap or what ever, and he has food and water, he should come to no harm. Remember though, dogs are pack animals, they thrive on social interaction with their pack - which in the case of domestic animals, is the family they live with. So make sure your dog has a good walk when you get home, and lots of attention, to make up for the boredom during the day. A few toys and a comfy bed - he will sleep for much of the time you are away - will also help.

[sueemery]

I totally disagree with Andy Hughes' answer about leaving a yorkshire terrier in a kennel in the garden all day. I have had yorkshire terriers for a number of years and I can assure you that they feel the cold. They are small animals and should never be left outside. Why not get a cat.

[andy hughes]

Hello sueemery. If you re-read my answer, I did say that the dog shoul,d have access to its kennel - dog flap or what ever. From this I meant that the dog should be able to go from the house, outside to its kennel, and back again, hence the flap, I did not state, or infer, that the dog should be shut out of the house all day. Hope this clears up any misunderstanding.

[Postie]

Sorry Andy but the answer to the question is no! The idea of having a dog is to give IT a home not as a plaything for you when you return. Or is this a special breed of Yorkie with a tap on its head that can be turned on and off to suit a very selfish owner?

[andy hughes]

I tried to make my point without actually criticisning the questioner, but I do agree that one should not leave a dog all day alone. However, if the questioner is planning to do so, my answer was designed to offer advice that would reduce the boredom and discomfort for the animal involved. If the questioner had asked "Is it right to leave a YT on its own all day ..." then my response would be no, but that wasn'w what was asked.

[Mrs_Pegasus]

My family have had Yorkies for donkeys years and one dog would spend all day outside in all weathers on her on accord! She died at 14 from compications not attributed to her outdoor life. I agree dogs should not be left alone all day but I would be very very surprised to learn that every dog in this country has company for all of the day. 'All day' may mean 5 hours or 10 hours depending on the day. Maybe we should have asked the poster what they meant by 'all day' and whether they were intending for this to be a long term arrangement or just for the odd day here and there, when I cant see there would be a problem?? My thoughts only!

[HGKinsey]

If it barks ALL DAY just like the one who lives in the garden next to me then the answer is 'NO'. He is obviously very upset at being left alone and is quite quiet and pleasant when I speak to him over the garden wall. My neighbour doesn't seem to think there is a problem as he is silent when she is there. She thinks I am an interfering old woman (I am 26!)I may ring the RSPCA, what do you think?