Leaving my JR

Question
We have a 9 month old Jack Russell dog. I have recently had to increase my hours at work so now we are both out from 8am - 5pm. We have discussed looking for a new home for Leyland(the dog) but have both agreed if we can keep him we will. He gets good long walks every evening and we are off on weekends so he gets even more walks and lots of attention. He usally stays in our kitchen while we are out but he has started to chew hence we thought this was an unfare situation. We have considered 2 options but dont know how ideal these would be 1- get another dog for company or 2 get a kennel and keep him outside while we are out so he cant chew and has more room. I would rather do the 2nd but still dont know whether he would be likely to get bored. I know with out knowing the dog its hard to say but we woould just like an honest opinion on the situation. THANK YOU, Michelle

Answer
Hello Michelle,
Any change in routine to a dog can cause many different behaviors or "displacement activities". It's not at all necessary to get a new home for Leyland, and he is young enough that any change he is feeling will only be a temporary upset. I don't think I would recommend a new puppy or dog because then you will have two lonely and bored dogs and you can't correctly train a puppy if you're not there. Getting him an outside kennel (with weather protection) will give him more room, stop the chewing inside the house and give him more sights to see and smells to smell. In addition to moving him outside I would highly recommend you hire a dog walker to come once a day to get him out, give him some much needed exercise and a good half hour of human companionship. It's not too expensive and provides a great outlet for the dog. Make sure he's got plenty of rawhide, rope, and other safe items for him to chew and entertain himself while he is alone. Many dogs do just fine with working "parents".  It will be a little bit of an adjustment for him but you sound committed and loving and doing all the right things. Best of luck to you and Leyland!