Could I get a companion for my dog?

[Eliza17]

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I live at home with my parents, sisters and our 11 year old Shih Tzu who is healthy, active and sociable. My mum used to work part time until 18 months ago when she went to working 4 long days a week. Our dog is now on her own Monday - Thursday 8.30-4.30. She has a dog flap and we have a very big, secure garden, she is also walked half an hour in the morning and an hour in the evenings. She has coped very well to the adjustment of being home on her own and is still her happy playful self however we all feel really bad that she is on her own. She is very sociable and although quite timid at first she loves being around other dogs so we are considering getting another dog over 12 months old as a companion. We love Shih Tzu's and would love another one in our family but would we be able to give a dog a home they deserve?

We are also willing to consider getting a dog walker but would it be worth it if the dogs have access to the garden whenever they want?

 

[Biker John]

My thoughts are that a dog walker would be good for your girl, as well as any toileting issues having a visitor is good for a sociable animal like a dog.

 

[Cash_Dolly]

A dog walker may be good to let your dog have some socialisation and exercise in the middle of the day

As for a companion that is your choice. Personally I have always kept at least 2 (but usually 3) dogs together. I believe, as pack animals, they should be kept with their own kind. Yes we do become their pack but we don't speak/socialise "dog" in a way that a dog does. I like knowing mine have company of each other too, when I am out. Plus they are whippets who do enjoy snuggling up together!!! That said every dog is different and every owner is different so it really depends on your circumstances etc. If your dog is happy with the current arrangement you may not want to risk rocking the boat by adding a new one?

In my honest opinion if it was me, I would look into another, but as I say everyone is different and its really what you would believe to be best.

Is your dog sociable with other dogs? Playful with them? Is she generally quite clingy/possessive over you?