I currently own a beautiful 20 week old Staffy x Boxer pup. He is the most affectionate, loyal and loving pup imaginable. When we originally bought Chino, my hubby and i were both working part time so there was always someone home with the little tike. Now our situation has changed and hubby has gone back to full time work, leaving little Chino alone a lot more than before. I'm tossing up whether or not to get a second dog to keep Chino company - an idea my husband is dead against. Chino only seems to be showing two signs of separation anxiety: he doesn't eat while we're out and when we get home, his greetings are overwhelming, jumping up, scratching and then following around the house for the rest of the evening. Help!! Does anyone have some advice on this, whether it be the pros and cons of two dogs, or whether you've been in a similar situation. It would be much appreciated. My email addy is melfunb@yahoo.com.au

I am fully prepared for having others disagree with me, but, I would say that I would not consider taking on another dog at this point. You want Chino to completely bond with you, a process which could well be interupted at his young age by the introduction of another dog which he may well find far more interesting than you and your husband (no offence intended but it does happen).

While it is not an ideal situation for a pup, if his only signs of being discommoded by being left alone a bit longer is refusal to eat while alone and enthusiastic greeting when you return I would be inclined to accept the situation. With the caveat that the over-attentiveness is ignored, i.e. do the usual things to discourage jumping up etc.

We had the same problem some years ago. Our dog, even if given a juicy bone, would not touch it until we returned. She just settled down until we came back then got the appropriate fussing and would then tuck into her bone/biscuit/whatever. (It is not wise to leave a dog alone with bones, chews, etc.)

Of course, if he is left alone for many hours this is very hard on him, and his training, so it would be ideal to have someone pop in and let him out for toilets and socialise with him for a while.

I agree - you need to train your dog to accept being on his own - make sure it is ALWAYS a pleasant experience as far as possible. Introducing another dog at this age will encourage your dog to bond more with the new dog than you and have the potential to end up with TWO dogs with sep anxiety :(

Agree entirely. You would be splitting what time you have between Chino and the puppy, so poor Chino would be getting even less of you :( Also, you are not in the ideal situation to housetrain and give enough feeds to a young puppy.

Can't disagree! Far better to wait until Chino is older & better trained.

Afraid I'm going with the majority on this one and saying he'll get used to it better without another dog to distract you too :)

Is there anyone who could come in and help break up his day a little? The staff in him will be missing you desperatley but with the boxer I imagine he's going to be quite a size so going beserk when you come in has to be discouraged.

If he's not being destructive try getting him a kong to play with and fill it with sticky stuff like cheese or peanut butter - will keep him amused for ages ;) Do watch it for signs of chewing though.

hi

i agree don't get another dog apart from it being hard work coping with 2 and working they may not necessarily be good company for each other, staffies are a people dog and so are boxers so what you don't want are 2 dogs fighting for your attention ,he will be ok left on their own, dogs have no idea of time so as long has he has food,water toys warmth and space with time he will get use to your routine.