My Husband wants to get a friend for my dog. She is 10 yrs old and hates when we both are gone... She loves to play with other dogs, but I am skeptical... I would rather have a kitty, but my husband thinks another dog would be best. What is your opinion?
2007-07-09 08:30:13 · 21 answers · asked by CoolNickname 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Honestly, a dog would be better then a cat, if a friendship is what you want for your older dog. Maybe you could rescue a dog around the same age. I think a puppy would be a little too much for your older dog to handle.
2007-07-09 08:33:59 · answer #1 · answered by Les 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The dog misses YOU. Why would your husband want another dog? So that dog can become attached to both of you and you then you have two cases of separation anxiety?
Buying a "friend" for your dog rarely fixes separation anxiety.
What happens if the dogs end up not liking each other? How many people on Yahoo! Answers alone are asking how they can get their old dog to get along with their new dog? Think about it. Do you have the money for both dogs? Do you have the time to play with, exercise, and love both dogs? Do you have the time to train your new dog?
If both you and your husband work, you won't have much time to establish who the leader is and to adjust and train the dog to a new set of house rules. You're going to have to have unbelievable patience because the new dog is going to make mistakes (such as destroying your property, going to the bathroom when he's not supposed to, etc.).
What happens if the dogs do get along, but end up fighting when you're not there? Fighting will happen sooner or later, whether you're right there or not, and it doesn't take long for two dogs to rip each other up. Dogs should never be left alone together, I don't care what the situation is--any "nice" dog can get annoyed with another dog and pick a fight... just like ANY animal.
A cat (SEPARATED FROM YOUR CURRENT DOG) is a good idea. They don't really mind that you're gone a lot and you don't have to spend your time training.
2007-07-09 15:46:16 · answer #2 · answered by Daisy 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have always had a two-dog household for precisely the reason your husband suggests. If your dog likes other dogs, it should work out fine and she will be less lonely. I suggest a dog of the opposite sex as long as both are spayed and neutered - this combo works best.
However, I also believe everyone in the household should want a dog. If you don't want a second dog, then perhaps you should not get one. A cat however most likely won't want to be a buddy for the dog.
2007-07-09 15:40:17 · answer #3 · answered by ? 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
We recently got another large dog for outside. It was a puppy coon-hound. We have a lab that is 11 and she was always outside by herself. We did not want another dog but it was blind and the breeder was going to put it to sleep. We took it. It is the best thing that has happened to us. I have never seen our lab as happy as she has been these last three months. My husband and I feel bad we never did this earlier but were nervous about the responsibility. We have four miniature daschunds we keep in the house. We now have six dogs but it is not overwhelming. If you did get another dog have it be of the opposite sex. I think they will get along better.
2007-07-09 15:46:49 · answer #4 · answered by Jennifer F 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
well getting a dog would be better considering the fact that most dogs hate cats and if u do get another dog dont get a puppy your dog is an adult dog and the puppy would only be an annoyance 2 her get a dog that is at least older than 2 years old in other words get a mature dog
2007-07-09 15:38:33 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think another dog is a good choice a kitty is a different approach but the dog sound best a puppy maybe to playful for your dog its up to you hope you find a good friend for your dog :)
2007-07-09 15:34:25 · answer #6 · answered by Kathryn R 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think another dog is just the answer. I have always had 2 dogs. The seem to bond closer than with the owners. Tried the cat thing, but its not the same as dog friends. Remember dogs are pack animals. Most cats are not.
2007-07-09 15:34:29 · answer #7 · answered by Peter R 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
A dog would be better then a cat but don't get a puppy get one from the pound there are lots of dogs there that need a good home.
2007-07-09 15:41:09 · answer #8 · answered by sweet 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Either would be good, but I've always preferred to have 2 dogs so they could play with each other. Dogs can play rough and cats usually dont play tugging type games that most dogs enjoy.
2007-07-09 15:34:07 · answer #9 · answered by The wolf runner 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My dog was 10 when we got him a companion. What a great thing. My dog spruced up and got more active and now has someone to keep him company. I say go for the puppy! Good Luck
2007-07-09 16:17:13 · answer #10 · answered by Lisa T (Stop BSL) 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋