We have had a Bichon in our home for over a year now. My wife and I work a lot and our dog Ally is home alone often. Ally is very affectionate and hates to be without us. We see definite behavior changes on the days she is home alone for long periods of time. We are considering getting her a playmate but being an only child I'm afraid she might not want to share our attention with another dog. What advice can you give - Chris

Hi, Chris, They say that owning two dogs is just as easy as owning one I'm not so sure of that, though. I'm glad you've noticed the difference in your dog when she is home alone for long periods - many people don't take this into consideration and wind up blaming the dog for its actions and behaviors.
When you are home and with Ally, make it a point to spend quality, upbeat time with her. Take your wife and Ally out a few times a week for coffee and dessert. Enroll in a weekly dog training group class. Join a Doggie Play- group, or make one yourself. You'd be surprised how many people are in the same boat as you.
You can enroll the aid of family, friends, and neighbors in taking Ally out once a day on those very long days. Many areas now have professionals who specialize in dog walking for a nominal fee. Look in the yellow pages, ask your vet, or call 1-800-268-SITS (Pet Sitters International) for referrals.
If you opt to get another dog, ensure that it will co-exist with Ally, that it is housebroken (you don't have the available time to housebreak a puppy), and that it is of the opposite sex - in this case, a male (that is neutered). The last criteria is important in that of all our problem solving cases involving two household dogs fighting this year - ALL INVOLVED SAME SEX DOGS FIGHTING FOR HIERARCHY. In homes with multiple dogs, the fighters were of the same sex also.

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