We currently have a 10 year old westie and my husband and I both work during the week. We leave her home alone, and she seems to do fine. We love the breed and are thinking about getting another one. Will another dog make a good companion for her during the day, or not necessarily? Everyone I know who's got two dogs says it better than having just one.
2007-03-21 08:30:18 · 13 answers · asked by Allie M 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Dogs are pack animals. They need and enjoy the company of their own species. Two dogs also exercise each other which is very helpful for humans with limited time available for pets.
2007-03-21 08:36:07 · answer #1 · answered by W. 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
My mixed breed rescue dog was about 11 when we got our Boston Terrier. The BT plays often and enthusiastically and loves to engage the older dog into chasing, play fighting, tug of war, etc.... after 15 months I can tell you it is definitely keeping my older dog young. I would suggest "borrowing" a younger dog for a few days and see how the Westie likes it. Some dogs are very happy being Only Dogs but have no idea how much fun it can be to have a little friend until there's one there. It is a lot of fun to have a young, playful dog around, too, and I can tell you from my own experience that BTs are about as much fun as you can get in a little dog. Hilarious. Try it out if you can and see what your Westie thinks about it.
Good luck!
2007-03-25 04:38:16 · answer #2 · answered by jussamagin2 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You shouldn't ask me LOL. I have 5 (all chihuahuas). I love having a group. But going back to when I had 2. 2 really aren't much more work than one. I recomend that unless you are able to find a recue that will let you try a westie at home with yours before finalizing the adoption, to get a puppy. The older dog can help you train a puppy and puppy is more likely to be accepted by the older dog (and can actually have a good effect on her by getting her to play and act younger again).
2007-03-21 11:46:58 · answer #3 · answered by SabrinaD 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We had gotten a Chiuaua puppy, which was very timid. he would sometimes hide under our sofa and would not come out once we came home from work. Most of this was due to him being traumatized while at a very young age. We decided to get another dog. Which would provide him compainionship while we were out throughout the day. We decided that if we got the same breed he might feel left out or have other emotional reactions to this. So, we decided to find another breed, and took him along to help us decided which puppy he would get along with. We saw approx 10 diff puppies of various breeds. We all fell in love with the a Golden. The golden was just as sweet as can be. He was very gentle towards the chiuaua. he always submitted infront of him. Let him eat first, let him go in through the door first. Now they are life long buddies. I guess it all depends on the dog. See what he would like.
2007-03-21 08:45:49 · answer #4 · answered by pooja2000 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have 3 newfoundlands. I had only one for two years and in the last month have added two more. My male, (my first one) was neutered and the youngest female really loves to play with him. She is still a puppy at 14 months old and loves to run. It works out well as he is more hyper than the average newfie. My other new one is a 3 1/2 yr old female. She goes out okay, but would rather be curled up in front of the couch with me. I will be adding two more in the next year or so. So yes, I think having multiple dogs are great.
2007-03-22 03:55:15 · answer #5 · answered by jennifer w 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think in your situation a 2nd Westie would be an excellent idea!
I have a Westie, too! Aren't they the best! She loves her brother! (he's a Jack Russell)
Since your dog is already a senior, I would suggest getting a slightly older dog (no younger than 3), a puppy might driver her crazy!
2007-03-21 08:43:56 · answer #6 · answered by Tiff 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As long as both dogs are trained and have had proper socialization with other dogs, then bringing another Westie into the family should be no problem.
It'll definitely cut back on the boredom when they're left alone.
2007-03-21 08:37:02 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have 3 dogs and have to say that I do think it's nicer for them to have a companion. Our dogs play together alot. It helps to distract them for being bored and chewing stuff if they have someone to interact with.
I think the main thing though if you are getting another dog is to make you match their energy levels. If your dog is 10 a 3 month old puppy may irritate the older one by being too boisterous and playful. I would look for an adult dog companion.
2007-03-21 08:36:20 · answer #8 · answered by Claire G 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have 5 big dogs and they have a great time together. I don't feel so bad when i have to leave them home alone because they have each other to play with, my only advice is that you have male & female or more females than males ( i have 2 males & 3 females) and try to figure out if the dog you have now is the dominate one. Two dominate dogs will just fight. You nedd one dominate & one submissive. Try to test out your dog with a friends dog... he will let you know if he likes being the only dog or if he wants a friend!!
2007-03-21 08:38:18 · answer #9 · answered by latifa 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A lot of the time it's great for a dog to have a companion. But sometimes it's not a good idea they might fight make sure they get along before you make the adoption definate.
2007-03-23 11:44:13 · answer #10 · answered by mikay 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋