Could I get a companion for my dog?

[Eliza17]

Join our free community today.

Connect with other like-minded dog lovers!

Login or Register

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?

 

[gypsysmum2]

I think that, if you asked your dog, she would say "no thank you". She has a very comfortable, settled life and may not take to the new dog at all. I am not a believer in dogs needing other dogs for companionship. They really want our company and do not want to share it with another dog. Yes they cope when we have more than one and some have known no other way of life and may enjoy having other dogs around. Your dog may resent having to share your attention and have another dog sleep where she wants to sleep and take her toys etc.

If, as you say, she is happy and relaxed then why rock the boat?