A dog with lots of nervous energy who craves human companionship will have a much more difficult time being alone in the house than a calm, independent dog. And a mature dog who has outgrown the problem behaviors associated with younger dogs can often can be given the run of the house. So before leaving your dog behind, take a good long look at him and his personality. Try to think like he does. Imagine the worries he might have and what might make him feel comforted. Then devise a stay-at-home plan that best suits your dog’s unique needs. Breeds and Temperament Knowing the innate characteristics of your dog’s breed (or breeds, if she is a mix) can guide you in arranging her environment and daily schedule. There are many books available that describe individual breeds in detail. You can also find information on specific breeds on the Internet. The chart on pages 14–15 provides a broad overview of the general temperament of some popular breeds. Use this information as a starting point in assessing your dog’s needs and what you can do to help her cope with being left at home by herself.
