Would getting a second dog help our dogs loneliness, or could it make things worse?

Question

We have a eight month old yellow lab puppy. We are thinking about getting him a friend. We were looking at a one year old rescue lab.

He is understandingly very sad when we leave him at home alone. Our neighbors tell us that he sits on the side of the house and wines/barks for most of day. The other part of the day he has managed to dig up everything in the backyard. <- We expected the digging.

We have spent a small fortune on toys and bones but it doesn't seem to help. We think that our only option is to get him a friend.

Do you think that this will help the situation (wining / barking / digging)? I've heard in some cases that their could be some animosity from him towards the new dog and could make things worse.

Your advice is appreciated. Thank you!

Thanks for all the comments so far. We take him for walks or to the park almost everyday.

He gets along great with other dogs.

I'm not too worried about the destruction. I just feel so bad at how lonely he is.

Thanks again for all your comments!

Answer 1

i can't believe nobody has mentioned crate training. this is the only way to go. here are 2 links to explain it:
http://www.wikihow.com/Crate-Train-Your-Dog-or-Puppy
http://www.inch.com/~dogs/cratetraining.html

you will be creating a happy, secure, well-behaved dog, plus you will not have your neighbors complaining or getting things torn up. he also needs to be obedience trained. obedience training is really about training not just the dog but also the owner will learn how to handle the dog. if you love your dog, this is the responsible thing to do.

basic obedience does not have to be complicated, only a few commands are really necessary. but you have a smart dog so he can do a lot more. you can train them yourself or take him to a trainer or a class. i have trained my dogs myself and taken them to trainers and classes. they all work. here are some obedience training tips:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RuLyw3rO4IU
http://www.wikihow.com/Teach-Your-Dog-to-Sit
http://www.squidoo.com/train_your_dog
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3uj1IhJmpME
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3uj1IhJmpME

here is what the american kennel club says about why you should train your dog... "Dogs, by nature, are pack animals with a well-defined social order. As you and your family become your dog's pack, your new dog will look to you - the leader of the pack - for guidance. Leadership can be established in a firm but friendly manner. Keep in mind that it is unrealistic to expect the dog to abide by the rules of the household without the leader teaching appropriate behavior!"

"Much like people, every dog is different. Some are hyperactive. Some are laid-back. Some are serious. Others are silly. Some are shy, and yet others have too much confidence. Regardless of these differences, training is necessary for all dogs and beneficial to your entire family."

"Training will: * Help correct nuisance behaviors such as jumping on people, digging, barking, and chewing, while providing mental and physical activities for your dog.
* Deepen the bond between you and your dog, and to increase the enjoyment, companionship and satisfaction of your relationship with your dog.
* Ensure your dog's safety and happiness.
* Nurture good canine companionship for the benefit of your family, neighborhood and community."- this is from: http://www.akc.org/events/obedience/getting_started.cfm

Answer 2

It could be a good idea...and it could be a bad idea.

If the dogs do not get along ALL the time, while your gone, a fight could break out and one or both could be seriously injured. Two dogs, while they do entertain each other some, can also be bored. That's bored destruction x 2! On the other hand, they could get along great and have a wonderful time playing all day. Hard to say.

However, one thing that will help with your current dog's boredom is to just spend more time with him. Be sure to exercise him every day...and make sure you do it long enough. Spend some time playing with him with all those toys you spent a fortune on. Look into those petsitters/doggie fun camp things. You don't have to do it every day, but you could pay to have someone come over and play with him for a while when you are gone. Just some suggestions! Good luck *Oh, and it is wonderful you are considering adopting!

Answer 3

It most certainly would help the loneliness. However, if he is bored most of the time, try taking him for long walks and playing for awhile with him in the yard. Some sort of regulated activity that you two can do together would really help with the boredom. Many dogs also like puzzle toys such as Kongs. If he still is lonely, another dog is the best possible cure most often. An older dog would have the best influence. That's why I have three dogs ranging from one to nine now!

Answer 4

I think it would help a lot to have a friend, but the main cause of destruction from a dog is boredom. Does your dog get enough excercise? Toys aren't enough to keep them occupied. They need to run and go on walks and such. Like a previous answer, you might have 2 destructive dogs on your hands...especially with two dogs so young. I might hesitate on that, maybe an older dog could be an influence on him if it behaves well.

Answer 5

Dogs, since they are pack animals, do like others of their own kind. HOWEVER, two bored dogs are likely to twice as destructive!!!!!!!!!

The problem is that you got a high energy dog and are not home enough to give him the exercise he needs. He should be gatting two 45 min walks twice daily minium. If you can increase his "busy time", he is less likely to be destructive. Maybe paying someone to come and walk/play with him during the day would help.

Answer 6

I think you should take him out for a walk and see if he can interact with other dogs without fighting or being scared. if this puppy loves other dogs to be around you should go to the store and buy him a friend. Having a friend for him to grow up with him will probabley make him and the new dog happy.

Answer 7

it's OK I have like 3 and a lot of people have more.he might have fun BUT some people have problems : don't let them stay with each other every time they will bond with each other more than you. can u afford that?do u have time?will u quit on them?
make wise choices its not my choices hope this helps, Nicoles pupps

Answer 8

don't get an other dog when yours is only 8 months old its normal for him to feel lonely .

Answer 9

yea i think it would be better if he gets too bored thats what i had to do with my dog

Answer 10

When Sparkie died Niki was depressed so we got her Flip Flop and it really helped