He's a great dog, but freaks out when we leave him alone...like to go to work or whatever. I thought maybe getting another dog would help...to keep him company and be a playmate. What do you think? Thanks.
2006-10-31 05:02:24 · 17 answers · asked by KT 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Perhaps. But he may also feel the new one is an intruder and become aggressive. Is he social and friendly with other dogs? Anyway, if you get another one, better be it a female, 2 males is too competitive. If they get along, sure it will be better for him, dogs are social animals and they form packs.
2006-10-31 05:05:26 · answer #1 · answered by cpinatsi 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've got a 2 1/2 yr old black Lab, and he used to absolutely freak out when we'd leave him! I got another dog about a year ago (a German short-haired pointer), and he seemed to help a lot with our Lab's anxiety when we leave (although that is not the reason we got the new dog). He still freaks out for a minute, but it is no where near his reaction before we got our other dog.
If you do get a new dog, I'd suggest getting a puppy. This will probably make sure he doesn't feel threatened by a new dog, especially if it is another male. My Lab got along GREAT with the new puppy right away, and they have never had any major problems with each other.
Both of mine are male, but my Lab is fixed so we didn't see any aggression problems at all. I'm sure bringing in a puppy also helped calm any aggression he may have had. I also haven't noticed any real battles to get the alpha dog position (even though our pointer isn't fixed)... they play fight constantly, but nothing serious.
Hope this helps... Good luck :)
2006-10-31 13:29:36 · answer #2 · answered by Amy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i have 3 dog and one of them is a lab and some times she is mean when the others come around her toys so before you go get another dog maybe dog sit for a friend to see how your dog will do. he might just need some noise in the room so try leaving a tv on or get something that smells like you for him to have though out the day
2006-10-31 13:26:15 · answer #3 · answered by kristy b 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually - Labs - Love attention - They love other smaller dogs that htey can be a big brother or sister too, if you get another puppy - which for the record I think is a great idea - look at something slightly smaller then a lab
Good Luck
2006-10-31 15:30:36 · answer #4 · answered by Dawn B 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As with everything, there are pro's & cons. you should first try to leave the tv on for him, or the radio. I have a bird and I leave the radio on for her. She loves it. If you get another dog, it may make your dog extremely jealous. I think that you should try everything else that you can think of before getting another dog. we have a dog, and we are so busy that she never in the past used to get alot of attention, but our cat had kittens so we make sure to give our dog most of our attention, and that isn't enough. she gets more attention now than she ever has, but because there are more animals here she looks at it like the attention that they get is attention that she could/should be getting. Pets are very funny creatures, they have unconditional love for there owners and can become very dependant. I hope my answer was useful. Gina
2006-10-31 14:56:23 · answer #5 · answered by Gina 2006 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
when you leave, do you make a big fuss to your dog? ie "oh fido mommy is leaving come give me kisses, im going to miss you so much, oh fido be a good doggy while mommy is gone" - that is not a good idea, also make sure your pup isnt getting bored. give him some toys, try a stuffed kong to keep him entertained and some nice slow music on the stereo!
your best bet is to get a female if you want another dog. but remember two dogs = 2 times the money. make sure you have enough to support two dogs in your household.
2006-10-31 13:08:56 · answer #6 · answered by star4danielle 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you can afford to, yes, get another dog. This will not only offer companionship to your current Lab, but also ease your own feelings of guilt about leaving. I used to rush to get home to my dog - because I knew he hated to be alone - so I could never really enjoy myself while out. Now I rarely worry since acquiring another. They get along well for the most part, but since they are both male they do sometimes squabble. Try to get one of the opposite sex. Also, it would be best to get one of the same age or younger, not older.
2006-10-31 14:23:28 · answer #7 · answered by 13th Floor 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Separation anxiety is often a sign that you have not established yourself as pack leader. He's frantic with worry when he can't protect you and guide you. Some training sites may offer suggestions in this regard. One thing I have done with mine is at feeding time to eat something like a cracker, it really doesn't matter what, in front of him before putting his dish down. That tells him that I am top of the pack because I eat first. He need not worry about me, I take care of him and I am in charge.
There are a lot of little things of this sort you can do to put his mind at ease about your ability to take care of yourself when he's not around. Another dog is not an answer unless you can top one first.
2006-10-31 13:28:40 · answer #8 · answered by character 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
this is the perfect question for me!! I have a lab also and he is the same way. He has a sort of anxiety. When my dog is alone he will tear things up and bark and whine non-stop. It sometimes works if I leave the television on for him but I also took him to the vet and got him a certain kind of anxiety pills for pets.
2006-10-31 13:11:49 · answer #9 · answered by JenniB 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I do think this would help him. The only thing you have to think about with getting another dog is it will take the focus of the dog off of you, and put it on the other dog. Neither of the dogs will be as affectionate as they would with just 1 dog.
2006-10-31 13:11:34 · answer #10 · answered by Jenna 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋