I have a dog that is about 7 months old and is also an outside dog mainly (he comes inside at night). Well lately we have not been home much and we (my husband and I) were thinking that mabe we should get another dog to keep him company and play with him while we are not home. We were also thinking about this because the only other dogs that are around him are our reletives dogs which are all little dogs like yorkies or small poodles which are intimidated by him (he's a sharpei and german shepard mix). We feel sad because he wants to play with the other dogs but he's too big for them so they run away from him. So my question is, do you think it would be a good idea do get him a play mate??
No hatefull comments or answers please, I already feel bad that we cant be with him throughout the day :(
Thanks!!
2007-07-06 16:16:57 · 17 answers · asked by dabster 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
He's a very well behaved and smart puppy and when we are with him he is shown plenty of love. I WILL NOT give him away due to the fact that I LOVE him and don't know what will happen to him and how the people will really treat him if I give him away. He is truly loved in my home, just a bit lonely at times. I don't think thats a reason do go and give him away, this is why I am asking about getting him a mate.
2007-07-06 16:37:29 · update #1
OHH and he has a fenced, large, covered kennel that he stays in during the day or sometimes he is left loose in our TOTALLY fenced yard to get plenty of exercise in case some of you were wondering :) And yes he has a FULL bowl of food and 2 FULL bowls of water which are in the shade, that get cleaned and filled daily.
2007-07-06 16:42:17 · update #2
If you are prepared to deal with a second dog, then it is a great idea. Dogs like companionship, and if you can't be there they like to have another dog as company. Ever since I have had more than 1 dog, we have never dealt with separation anxiety issues. They play together and wear each other out so they are not wild on walks so it's a bonus for us. The biggest downside is the increased vet bills and such for immunizations and emergencies like when you walk in the kitchen and a whole chicken breast WITH THE BONE has been eaten and you have to have them BOTH X-RAYED because you aren't sure which one ate the bone!! BUT, all in all, more then one dog is a blast.
2007-07-06 16:42:17 · answer #1 · answered by Shanna 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i think that you should really get him a playmate. but you said that all of the small dogs run away from him, so you should probably consider a medium to large dog, but not too large, then your current dog might feel threatened, and that could result in fighting. the other dog should be about the same age too. you also might want to introduce the dogs regularly at first because many dogs enjoy playing with other dogs but when they come into their homes and play with their toys, that's another story!
2007-07-06 16:40:43 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think its a good idea to get him a playmate. Since from the way you talk he is friendly with dogs.You can also try taking him to dog parks. Or have a friend take him to dog parks to socialize with other dogs. It might be hard handling two dogs. And since you dont have much time during the day for your first dog imagine two. I mean dogs are gonna want there owners attention whether they have a playmate or not. But its sweet you thought of your dog :)
Adopt a dog rather than buying them from petstore or breeders. Try www.petfinders.com for dogs near you. :)'
2007-07-06 16:32:47 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you think he would like a playmate, it's a good idea. Why not?? But I would try to adopt one that you had already introduced to him, just to make sure they get along.
I will say that it's a good idea to consider keeping him inside during the day, too. Big dogs overheat easy, and all kinds of terrible things can happen to them outside.
2007-07-06 16:21:41 · answer #4 · answered by Bambi 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Getting him a friend might be a good idea but you will have to make sure the two dogs will get along well together. You cannot just bring another dog home and expect your first dog to welcome it with open paws. The last thing you need is a major dog fight and it could happen.
2007-07-06 16:29:27 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
perfect idea we did that for our extremllly hyper golden retreiver huskie mix. she had no one to play with and we are hardley ever home. SO we got her a play mate that was about the same age and was golden retriever If you are to get another dog get aither another sharpie german shaeperd mix or A german shepard or a sharpei. that way they are alike .
it helps alot
2007-07-06 16:24:19 · answer #6 · answered by Chelsea Rae 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
yeah i think u should get him a little play mate.. but make sure u dont get a bread of dog that is aggrasive cause then he might not wanna play with him.. or they could get into really bad dog fights just becareful in the bread that u pick.
2007-07-06 16:42:51 · answer #7 · answered by jessicahowe2004 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Outside, as in - with a fence? Then go to a local shelter with him and let HIM pick his mate. He'll be happy to have a companion and the other dog will be happy to be out of the shelter...
2007-07-06 16:32:18 · answer #8 · answered by Alexander D 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Why don't you consider putting him up for adoption? It doesn't sound like a second dog would be good idea if you are already feeling guilty for the lack of interaction that you have with the first. At 7 months old he can still be trained and socialized. Let him have a good life somewhere else. Shepards and Shar Peis are both pretty intense breeds that require a ton of socialization and structure to prevent bad habits that make the dog very hard to control and be around.
Good luck,
2007-07-06 16:27:56 · answer #9 · answered by mom 2 4 3 · 2⤊ 4⤋
i think if u have the money u should get him a playmate but if u dont i think its still a good idea 2 just play with him at ur house or get a babysitter when ur not home 2 or sumeting like that hope it works out=(
2007-07-06 16:25:25 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋