am_808's Profile

As someone who works with dogs on a day to day basis, here's my take on things.

About the destructiveness..that's usually a phase that they grow out of. I've found that you need to wait until the dogs are around 2.5 before they are trustworthy enough to leave unattended at home for long periods. Again, every dog is different, and you might know one that matured faster, but in general, it does take some time before they outgrow the destructive phase. Also, training is key. Give the dog a job or something to do at home, or they will find something to do... (i.e. redecorate)!?

And to those who think owning a dog if you work outside the home is unfair/cruel - well, at least these dogs have a nice place to live, owners that care for them, and companionship, good food, and toys. There are just too many dogs out there without a home at all. I say it's better to have a home in a family where the dog is left home alone for 8 or 9 hours, then a no home at all!

Besides, who's to say the dogs don't enjoy their alone time? I know my dog seems to enjoy the fact that she no longer has to share her space with 5 other dogs (at the rescue facility). At our house, she has her own personal chef, masseuse, personal trainer, and a large king sized bed to sleep on (she has us trained well...haha). Not to mention all the toys, bones, and other things. As she's gotten older, I've found that she actually doesn't like the company of other dogs. She keeps to herself at the dog park. She'd rather have us humans fawn over her at home in her comfy space.