I go alone a lot,especially in years gone by... not really preferable, though preferable than not going for a dig if your terrier is ready for action then you must provide action, right?... you get to know places that are not too hard...but you go through the mill of proper slogs, long into the night, Ive left digs and gone back next morning to carry on... had some awful gruelling digs on my own absolute hell at the time... best bet is to have mates that you can call up if you get into a long hauler. You also find yourself trudging miles back to the motor for a pick axe, or a saw, or food or a