Another dog?

We currently have a 5 year old collie cross which we got from the shelter 2 years ago. He's a very active, playful, affectionate dog. We are in the process of moving to a house with a big garden and my husband wants to get another dog for company for him. I think he's quite happy being the centre of attention with us and although he likes a play with another dog occasionally he still prefers to have us and his house to himself. What do you think? Would he rather have company to having all our attention all the time?

Another dog?
Of course, he could be plenty happy if it was just him, but from personal experience they like having some one to play with him all of the time, especially if he is young and has a lot of energy. Frankly, I would be more worried about if you would like it than the dog. A couple of young hyper dogs are about as bad as a couple of two year olds. Good luck.
Reply:We have Boston, of course. He's 2 this month. Centre of attention, lovely dog. Recently bought Ruby, 14 weeks Yorkshire Terrier. They love being together and she chases him all over the place. I think he secretly loves the extra attention, so, if your dog is not aggressive, is playful and likes to share toys, bones etc, go for it. I'm not sure I would have got another Collie, the size difference and sex difference removes aggro.
Reply:If he always has one of you for company he may not appreciate another dog taking your attention away from him.


I have two dogs who have been together for 8 years since they were pups and although they squabble occasionally, they do have a genuine affection for each other.


If you can go along to a cat and dog shelter and "try before you buy" so to speak and introduce the dogs on neutral territory you'll find out how your dog reacts BEFORE you take the dog home as a pet. If you take the other dog for walks it'll be a good way to see how they will socialise.


Only you can make this decision though, but there's plenty of reasons why you should get another dog, and plenty of reasons why you shouldn't. I hope you make the right choice, whatever it is.
Reply:it can be good if you have the time to devote to both and he may or may not like the new bunk mate but in time dogs usually learn that the pack jsut grows and they become buddies with the new member of the family
Reply:get him a play mate when you go to the rescue centre take him with you you will then see if they will get on
Reply:Go for it
Reply:I think it would be nice for your dog to have another dog friend, but only if you think you can care and want two dogs. Dogs are pack animals and therefore most enjoy being in a pack. Thanks for adopting an older dog from a shelter too. They need homes and often don't get the same attention. I would say to adopt an older dog again. Tell the rescue you have a dog now so they can meet first. Petfinder.com is a great site for pet rescues.
Reply:When I was pregnant with my son I thought our brittany spaniel needed a friend. It was the best thing we ever did I think. They both get attention but when they are outside all they do is play none stop. They play when its hot out and I dont want to be out there they play when there is 10 inchs of snow on the ground and I wont go out there. They come in they are both get the same amount of attention and they will not go far from eachother. There are times regardless of if you want to admit it or not you do not want to go play with your dog or your done long before your dog is and in those times his "friend" will be there to play with. However take into consideration 2 dogs is twice the expense as one. And it might be jealous to start off with its kinda like the only child syndrome when a new sibling is born.
Reply:Being that he's not a pup anymore, he probably enjoys being the only dog. Maybe finding a neighbor with a dog to be a play companion is a better idea.
Reply:could go either way. dogs are pack animals, by nature. so company is alays good for a dog. introducing a new dog, however, may, no. probably, will take a bit of careful introcuction. your dog may well feel jealousy towards the other dog at first. though a bit of effort on the part of you/your husband should help get through this. hope you can as many animals need a good home. best of luck :)
Reply:The dog will not mind either way, if it is managed properly. All your dog knows is that he is part of a pack which includes you and your husband, and him. Without more information it would be hard to say who is pack leader, but if your dog is well behaved the chances are that he sees you or your husband, or both of you as pack leaders and higher up the pack than him. If you bring another dog into your home you will need to make sure the new dog is at the bottom of the pack, even below your current dog. The best thing to do if you do decide to get another dog is to go to a shelter and take your dog with you, then make sure they have assessed the other adoptable dogs and explain the set up to them, they will then have a good idea as to what dog will suit both yours and your dog's requirements, they can then introduce the two dogs and see how they get on. The dog you take home, should be the one who gets on well, and preferably gives way to your dog. They will then be company for each other, and keep each other entertained and amused and be part of the same pack, which will probably do your collie cross good as they can be active together. I think it is a good idea if managed correctly, however, if you are hesitant about getting another dog, for any reason, you should not go ahead, it has to be right for everyone in the "pack" or it will ultimately be wrong. Good luck.
Reply:Aother dog is always difficult. And you always have feelings for the other dog, like, how would it feel, would he be used to it and things like that. This dog is still in it's "newer" stage and he probably wants to have his own home. Give it a couple of years. Wait 2 or 3. Maximum 5. But for now, it is still to early. Tell your husband this ok.
Reply:We have a 3 year old (very spoiled and needy) Yorkie that we decided needed a little sister. I was fearful she wouldn't accept a puppy in the house considering she's the queen, but turns out she loves it!! The puppy keeps her quite busy and she even shares her toys! Yhey are adorable together!! We made the right decision! Good luck!
Reply:i'm no dog expert but i recently got a collie from a rescue home. they do love to play and maybe if you did get another he would have a playmate to play with and it would stop u worrying about him as he had some company, also they would be giving each other a bit of exercise and tiring the other out x best of luck in your decision x
Reply:getting another would be fine.i know a new dog is exiting,but make sure to give your other dog the same amount of attention

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