Dog question

[Yogis Mumma]

My vet said don't get a second dog for company for the first dog; all it wants is to be with us. I'd only have 2 dogs if they were brought up together.

I'm not sure what your dog does, but mine sleeps most of the day so I try not to feel too guilty when I'm at work.

[Balloune]

If you want to try a second dog I would recommend to foster care a dog for two weeks at the animal league just to see how your dog reacts and at least you don't have to commit if it doesn't work.... Our dog was a little anxious before (but she is young) and we bought her an anxiety coat and she is doing much better (more relax) when on her own (we spy on her) the coat puts pressure and the dog feels like he's getting a cuddle

[monnie24]

Some dogs are born as leaders and some are born as pack followers I have a pack follower so I need a second dog! As my dog is anxious etc without company...

Yours seems content and I think a puppy or something might upset him. I wouldn't change what's going on but maybe you could look at someone to walk him?

[sunnygirl79]

I think you need to trial another dog for a weekend and see how they go. I know my (9 year old female) lab would love another dog but that dog would have to have a similar temperament to her - social, playful (but not jumpy or boisterous), etc. And they would need to establish who is boss etc (as with any dogs that have to co-exist). We had her stay with her 'cousin' golden retrievers once and they all got along very well and entertained each other.

If attention is the only thing you're concerned about though, maybe explore other options before committing to another pet. We have an older neighbour who actually asked us if she could walk out dog as hers passed away and her hubby wouldn't let her get another. We have her a key to our side gate and she takes our dog for a walk most afternoons, regardless of whether we have already walked her. It's so nice and our dog now waits for her at the side fence each afternoon!
There are people who walks dogs as a job, not sure on the cost but another option.