Lots of people have to leave their dog home alone during the day (or night) while they work. They worry that their dog is lonely while they’re away. Perhaps you feel guilty about leaving your dog home alone. Maybe your dog cries when you leave the house. Or, maybe your dog has some behavior problems and destroys things while you’re gone. Sometimes people think that if their dog had a dog friend to play with while they were away the dog would be happier. What’s the real story?
First of all, ask yourself if your guilt is well-founded or not. Almost all of us have to work and that means dogs will be left alone at least part of the time. Realistically, we can’t spend every waking moment with our dogs and it wouldn’t be good for us or for our dogs if we did. You, as a human, need to have some life away from your dog. And your dog needs to have some down time when he’s not watching your every move waiting to see what you’re going to do. Your dog needs some time to relax on his own.
Believe it or not, most dogs sleep while their owners are away. Although your dog may greet you ecstatically at the door when you arrive home, chances are that five minutes earlier he was taking a nap. Your dog simply has excellent hearing. He most likely hears you pull your car in the driveway, or even drive down the road; he can hear you enter your apartment building. Your dog has plenty of warning so he can be waiting at the door to greet you. Most dogs do sleep and relax while you’re working so there’s no need to feel too guilty about leaving them alone. He doesn’t spend the day fretting and pining for you.
Of course, there are some exceptions. If your dog has separation anxiety, which is a psychological condition, then your dog may bark, whine, cry, defecate in the house and destroy things while you’re away from him. But you should know that there is a difference between genuine separation anxiety, which may require behavior modification and medication to treat, and a dog that is simply sad to see you leave for work. Your dog may bark and cry when you leave the house but as soon as you’re gone he may pick up a rawhide and start occupying himself or take a nap. If your dog does this then he probably doesn’t suffer from real separation anxiety. He knows how to cope with your absence.
This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t get a second dog as a playmate for your dog. Many dogs will enjoy having another dog to play with. But you should make sure that you have time for a second dog. If you’re already finding it hard to make enough time for one dog then two dogs can be even more demanding. There is twice the grooming, twice the exercise, twice everything. Plus, two dogs playing wildly in a house can get on your nerves sometimes. There are times that two dogs can be twice as naughty. Of course, they can also be twice as loving and comforting, too.
You should also consider your dog’s reaction to getting another dog. Not every dog likes to have a new dog come into the household. Dogs can be just as jealous and possessive as people can. If your dog is strongly bonded to you then he may not like the idea of sharing your time and attention with a new dog. In extreme cases two dogs may not get along at all and you may need to rehome one of them.
Even if your dog gets along well with other dogs in neutral places things could be very different if you bring a new dog into his home. Consider carefully before getting a second dog. It could take your dog a while to accept the newcomer and things could be tense until the dogs call a truce.
Getting a second dog as a playmate for your dog can be a good idea but it’s not something that you should rush into without thinking it through. Consider your situation and your time. Consider how your dog is likely to react. Then you may decide that your dog does need a friend but you’ll know you’ve made a good decision.
Tell us your experiences getting a friend for your dog in the comment section below.
Until next time…..
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Just got a second dog (border collie/austrailion shepherd) to play with my border collie. It was a good choice. They like each others company. My border collie looks like he is better shape than ever.
I adopted a second Golden Retriever 6 months after getting my first. I was looking for a “red ” coat golden, passed up 4 other goldens while looking for my next. My family was not supportive and tried to talk me out of it (too much to handle, too much care, twice the expense, etc.)
They changed their mind soon after when they realized I knew exactly what I was getting myself into. I love the breed, one is already a therapy dog (going on 3 years) and the other may or may not be a therapy dog. (he’s still young and learning the ropes for therapy)
Being a trainer, I have the education, and experience to know the demands and rewards of owning 2 dogs. I don’t have a fenced in yard, but enjoy the daily walks showing off 2 goldens and being loved by 2 dogs is the greatest feeling ever.
Awesome Article…my clients are always calling me for my advice in getting a second or third dog. I have 3 of my own (2 Goldens and a Gordon Setter), plus a service dog in training (Golden), so believe me, we have a full house. There is a lot to consider before adding to your pack. Thanks for spelling it out. The only one that doesn’t get enough rest in my house is me!
Wayne, this is a great piece. I couldn’t have said it any better. I have been asked this question numerous times by dog owner, and have told them pretty much the same thing. Keep up the good work.
Thanks for the comments everybody!
Wayne great article. My fiance and I bought our Beagle “Harley” almost 3 years ago. When I moved home to go to school I brought Harley to live with me at my parents house with their SHeltie “Colby” whenever we seperate the 2 of them all the other does is lay around and you can tell they are depressed. They are like 2 peas in a pod. Having 2 dogs is double the responsability but seeing them play and jump around with one another and know they are happy with their “friend” makes it all worth it.
For many years I had a single dog and small children. As the children left home I felt I had more time for a second dog. I got one. My male was nine and did not enjoy his younger sister until she was two and then I would find them sharing face cleaning sessions and going outside together to investigate with a friend. When my male passed my younger girl grieved and so we added a younger sister, who she accepted on sight. We now go to the vet together as the vet is not as scary if you think he might be looking at the other dog. Of course, you need to make sure this is ok with your vet. But two dogs are more work and if you do not have the time for training, playing and can not walk them together, don’t go there. Also, make sure your bed is big enough, even if they have their own beds , musical bed games can occur in the night.
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