I'm thinking about getting a second dog...?

Question

I have a dog that's about 3 years old that I adopted from a humane shelter, she's a corgi/lab mix. I used to live in the country with my parents and their 2 dogs and now I've moved into the city with my dog, so she doesn't get to run free like she did. We don't have a fenced in yard but I do take her for walks. I'm thinking about possibly getting another lab mix cuz she's a very social dog, doesn't try to be dominant nor too shy. And I work about 8 to 10 hours a day and although she has toys and stuff I'm wondering if a second dog would make her happy. She met my brothers puppy at christmas and they were having a blast playing outside in the snow in the country. But would she still enjoy another dog if they're both mostly inside dogs, and only get to go out on a leash? Also, she is a spayed female so would it be best to get another spayed female or a neutered male? She doesn't misbehave when I'm gone though, but like all dogs she gets very excited when I come home.

Answer 1

I agree, with Morro....I just bought a new Boxer puppy for my wife for Christmas and we also have a 3 year old boxer in the house, actually our apartment! I told my wife that this was a gift to both her and Rya our 3 year old Boxer! Not to mention when calling around to find a boxer in Dec it was hard to find one. Meet this really well spoken lady named Shelly, Drove out to her home to find this well spoken women had 7 puppies all in a old baby's crib, the home smelled of.. well.. lets just say it smelled and leave it at that! I knew that even thought I didn't want one from here I needed to give that dog a better home! paid $400 for her and took her to the Vet this past Monday to find she has a few typical problem which has cost me an additional 150 dollars, trust me I'm not rich but to know I've given a gift to my wife, family( 3 kids), dog and this new puppy a real chance at a happy home I would do it over in a heart beat! you dog could live on longer then ever with a new guy running around with him! I say go for it! However if you get a puppy be prepared to deal with that ball of wax but the older dog will help, well it seams so with my Doggie!

Answer 2

As long as you have the time, energy, and finances to support 2 dogs. Is there a dog park near you? Having multiple dogs can be very time consuming and expensive, but very rewarding-there's never a "cold" side of the bed! I have 4 dogs and they take up all my spare time, but I wouldn't trade them for the world!!!
As far as being excited when you get home, that's pretty normal. You can teach her to sit immediately when you walk in the door. Then when you get your new dog, you could do the same thing. That way, there is less of a chance for squabbling over who gets to see you first! Opposite sex tends to get along a little better, but I have 2 females and 2 males. The sexes have paired up so it's the girls vs. guys! It's funny because the girls prefer my husband and the boys are all mine!!

Answer 3

It sounds like you and your dog have the perfect relationship, even though you are absent from the home so much due to your work.
Since they cannot be loose in a yard to play while you are gone, I'm afraid that bringing another, rather large breed, dog into this circumstance just means that you would have two bored dogs, instead of one, during the day.
As long as you continue to take her with you for social outings like the visit to your brothers, she will probably be just fine as things are.
As much as I admire you for thinking about providing a loving home to another dog, some day your situation may change and things may be better for two dogs. But good luck to you whatever you decide to do!

Answer 4

Seriously. No you don't need another dog.

You say so yourself that you are working for over 40% of the day. A pet owner needs to invest at least 1 or 2 hours daily to walk, feed and exercise the pet. That releases frustration, improves body mass and maintains the animal in a good social frame of mind. They don't become possessive or territorial.

Again, you don't have the time for two pets. If I were you, I'd return the one you have to your family's farm until you have reached that age when you can spend lots of time with your pet. Until then, you're treating the poor fellow like a rag doll.

Answer 5

I would get a male dog if you are getting another dog, simply because i have heard 2 female dogs in 1 house fight allot, as they have to compete. If she has had them before she would probably be fine with another dog, just make sure they are properly introduced and both are trained well ( or you could have serious problems)

Answer 6

i don't think she needs another dog, but from what you're saying, she would probably enjoy one. also, if you're at work most of the time, who's going to be home to leave the new puppy out and to make sure the dogs are getting along?

Answer 7

Dogs need other dogs to be happy. They will fight, but they will love each other. Put away your breakables and get another Dog. Dogs don't need big yards, they need loving homes. As long as they have a human who truly cares and another dog to play with, they will be happy.

Answer 8

I think if you are capable of taking care of a second dog, then go for it! It would keep her company while you are gone at work.

Opposite sex tend to get along better than same sex.. so a neutered male would be your best bet.

Answer 9

of course! i think u should get another one...nothing will lose if u don't try...

Answer 10

I WOULD SAY YES BUT WITH YOUR HOURS IT MIGHT MAKE IT HARDER ON YOU TO KEEP THEM BOTH HAPPY AND ENTERTAINED. THEY DO GET TIRED OF EACHOTHER SOMETIME JUST LIKE WE DO WITH OUR SIBLINGS