[agilliamesq]

I breed Labs and Parson Russell Terriers. The person who mentioned that dogs are pack animals hit the nail on the head. No dog wants to be alone, unless they are old or ill. Then they go off in a corner to avoid danger until they die. I have had numerous people come to me within one year of buying a puppy to get a second dog. Not only does a playmate releave the pressure to play with your dog constantly (puppies have so much energy), but it gives them a doggy pack when you are gone. You are part of the pack when you are there. Remember the movie series "Planet of the Apes"? Charleton Heston was kept in a cage and his captures and rulers were apes. Until he found a female human companion, he must have been terribly lonely. Having one dog is the same thing. Your dog wants to be with his or her own kind, as well as with you, and when you are gone, the dogs have each other.Other than getting a playmate, which is the best solution, you should give your dog numerous toys that challenge the intelligence. If he or she does not destroy toys with sqeekies, then get some of those. Some of my dogs destroy them, but the ones that do not love them and will spend hours playing with them. Get hard Kongs that you can put peanut butter in (unless your dog is allergic to it). Get one of those toys that you put treats in and they dog has to roll it around to get a treat to fall out. Get balls. I had a dog once that would throw the ball and chase it herself!Some dogs would rather be in the house in a crate if you are gone for a while. I crate most of my dogs at night and they love their crates. Crates are not bad unless the owners abuse them. Dogs can spend up to 8 hours in a crate (if they are old enough to hold their urine and feces). If it is hot, then it is better to keep the dog crated while you are gone so the dog has air conditioning (assuming you have that). Always have a supply of water available whether the dog is indoors or outdoors. My dogs love to lay in their buckets of water when they get hot, so I use really big buckets that are low and wide.Good luck (and I hope you get him or her a companion),Annette