I have a maltese/poodle who I love, but I feel bad because both me and my fiance work most of the day so she is alone for a good 8 hours a day. She is really good when we are gone (rarely any accidents), but I want to get another dog to keep her company. And also I just want another dog in general. I don't want another puppy, but if I get another dog I doubt it will be as good as she is about staying home that long. Is there any type of dog that is good for long periods of time as long as there is another dog with them? I know this is a weird question, because most people would say it is bad to leave a dog that long alone, but my fiance stops home sometimes to take her out. Just want some opinions..thanks!!
2006-10-02 04:40:00 · 15 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
just remember when you have to travel some one will have to look out for 2 dogs . most people will take one dog but don;t like taking two dogs.vet bills will double.i know i have two dogs its a problem when going on vacation.
2006-10-02 04:51:57 · answer #1 · answered by oyster bay bob 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Having another dog will change things, but I think most people work and understand your concern. I find dogs generally do better when they have company. Although you might want to make it a long weekend when you get the new dog because it might take some time for them to get along. Also, if one dog has accidents, don't expect the other not to follow, you might want to crate them the first couple of months, then you know there will be no fighting, and it will save your carpet, or your time cleaning if you have tile. Once they bond they will be buddies for life. I work four 10 hour days so I know what you mean about leaving them alone - most of the time my fiance and I stagger our days off so the dogs aren't alone much - I can't change my days off, but he is a GM in a restaurant so he can. At most we take one day off together, I also foster dogs so our dogs always have lots of company, but they are still very happy when someone comes home. I think your dog will be much happier with a playmate and there are lots of dogs that can stay that long by themselves. There are probably some types to avoid though unless you want to crate them for years. The smaller dogs I have fostered that were good in the house for longer periods include a miniature poodle, pom, maltese, bichon, mini australian shepherd, the ones I haven't been so lucky with jack russell, chihuahua - although I once foster a chihuahua mix that was excellent, yorkie, and another terrier mix.
Good luck!
2006-10-02 12:19:37 · answer #2 · answered by alis_n_1derland 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hey there
I was in the same situation that is why I now have 2 Bichon Frise .. I got Bonnie from a breeder a little over a year ago and just recently got her a little sis Mollie (now 15 wks) I thought it would be good for her to have company while I wasn't there but I've also noticed that when I am home she is much more playful and loves the extra company ... If I had to make the decision again I would buy 2 next time and not just the 1 ... hopefully not for a long time tho :wub: my 2 girls :-)
It took a while for me to train her that I had to go to work but eventually I used the word WORK as a key that I was leaving and she calmed down .. so far both girls are fine when I am gone ... Best of luck with your decision
2006-10-02 11:52:00 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would not get another dog just to keep your dog company. Sometimes the dogs don't "like" each other. And they could cause havoc together. As long as your dog gets a good 40 min walk (not just to pee) each day and lots' of love when you are there she will be fine. You also might want to consider if you can afford it, doggy daycare. You could send her once a week or more. It's important for dogs to socialize. If you can't afford that then don't sweat it. Your dog is fine during the day. She probably sleeps most of the time anyway.
2006-10-02 11:46:03 · answer #4 · answered by bella 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My husband and I got another dog for the same reason. It turned out not to be a great idea because they seem to be kind of ambivalent to each other. They seemed to get along when they first met, but when we got them home, our original dog immediately started to display her dominance in the house over the new dog. We feel bad for the new dog because she's just the sweetest little thing and tries to ignore all the pestering and ankle nipping. It makes us sad that they can't get along.
The best thing if you're serious about getting another dog is to see how the dogs interact in the house, not just out and about. Either way, good luck!
2006-10-02 11:54:30 · answer #5 · answered by alex's mummyc 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have 5 dogs and 1 cat and a pig, i love them all... but i'ts not good they all don't like each other .. and there its lots to clean up. just love your little dog, hes ok get him some toys , if you can drop him with a friends dog for a play date, i take 1 at a time with me to have there nails painted or to the lake swimming but all would make me more crazy,,if i had just 1 i would spoil the hell ot of it. your lucky and so is your little dog
2006-10-02 11:49:30 · answer #6 · answered by fuxaround 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, you could always look into getting an older dog to keep her company. My best dog at home is my 12 year old Dachshund. I got her from the humane society and she is a sweet heart.
2006-10-02 11:45:47 · answer #7 · answered by SHELLBELL 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
IT is up to you , dogs will adapt to any environment that they are put in if she is happy she will be fine but just remember ( as i have learnt the hard way ) that dogs are like kids on their own they are great but put 2 together and they will get into mischief
2006-10-02 11:47:12 · answer #8 · answered by moccaebby 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes i think that is a wonderful idea! to tell you the truth, once you have one dog its not really that much harder to care for two(i have two dogs). its good that your fiance takes him out but you dog is still loneley and bored when hes not there... and another dog would make her much happier. i think you should deffinatly get another dog and adopt it from the pound. that way your saving a dog's life.
2006-10-03 08:40:44 · answer #9 · answered by christine 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I always think all animals should be able to have one of their own kind to be with. Can you imagine never seeing or being around another human. I recently was given a kitten she was driving me crazy she did not want to be without her touching me, the ones that gave her to me gave me her sister a couple days ago they play and watch each other and 90% of her attention went to her sister.
2006-10-02 11:52:00 · answer #10 · answered by g-day mate 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋