Really long, God bless anyone who reads it all. I've split it into sections so its easier.
Ok so basically Bilbo has separation anxiety. He's very clingy with me while I'm home, following me around, always laying in my lap etc... To be honest, I really love this and think its sweet. However, on the flip side of this whenever I leave, he cries and tears things up... you know, typical anxiety symptoms. He is two years old. My boyfriend lives with me ( and loves Bilbo to death also
) and we have tried crating him and we have tried a baby gate.
The crate, now you won't believe this, but he sometimes gets out of. I'm pretty sure this is my fault, but I've checked and checked and checked again, and I know I'm properly locking it. AND he hates his crate. It makes him cry and bark and it makes me terribly sad. We've spent a few days at home, feeding him by it, playing with him by it, giving him treats in it, but he still hates it! It dosnt mean I've given up on the crate. I know these things take time. The ( extra tall) baby gate, he simply jumps over. Its astounding. I'm seriously considering agility training. lol
Ok so... I thought about another possiblilty, this is what I would really like opinions on. I was thinking about getting another little dog so that Bilbo could maybe not feel so lonely, have a doggie friend etc...
However,
My boyfriend has an aussie shepherd mix. She is very very old and at this point in her life, she really just likes to find somewhere comfortable to lay down and go for an occasional walk. Bilbo tries playing with her but she just is not intrested. I also have a cat. She's your typical Persian. Very docile and sweet and does not want to play with Bilbo no matter how much he tries (which he does). Everyone gets along very very well. I'm just not sure how much throwing another dog into the mix will help. Will it just make his problem worse? We have a very spacious and dog friendly apartment, thats not really the problem. We have a few extra bucks in the bank, thats not really the problem either.
Anyway, thanks for reading. Maybe my idea is terrible, maybe its not. I'm not sure.