Help! My Yorkshire panics if left alone

Dear Connie,

We have a miniature Yorkshire terrier who is almost three years old. She is a great dog during the day but panics if we leave her alone and is terrible at night.

We always let her sleep in the bedroom, mainly because she was so small I didn’t think it was fair to put her somewhere else.

If we give her the run of the whole bedroom she ends up weeing and pooing and if we close off an area near to the bed and put paper on the floor she doesn’t go to the toilet but has started panting constantly!

We are at a bit of a loss of what to do as we have a baby due and cannot have this!

If there is any advice you could give us?

Jessica White

Dear Jessica,

Because you have allowed her to sleep with you in the bedroom this is the result. The weeing and pooing means your dog is not getting sufficient exercise.

I recommend you clean the area with warm water using washing powder. Then clean again with plain cold water. When dry, spray with a methylated spirit or similar. Do not allow the dog in until it is dry. 

This removes the odour the dog can smell and provided the dog is exercised and relieves herself , you will have no further problem.

Your dog must now be trained not to sleep in the bedroom, put her basket away from the bed and over one week move it to the door, then outside the door until reaching the kitchen.

Best wishes, Connie.