Getting a second dog, good idea or not?

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crazyhorsegirl

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I currently have a 9 month old border collie bitch. She is perfect in everyway, well nearly, but seems lately to be a little lonely and depressed when OH and me are out. She is not destructive or barks, just seems a bit down.
So....i was thinking about getting another dog for company. Do you think it is a good idea? it seems mixed reviews from what i have read!
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Thanks!
 
We have recently got a second dog for the same reason, best thing we could have done. Our 12 month old Weimaraner seemed lonely when we left her so we eneded up getting a 7 month old collie x lab to keep her company. Watching them play is great and they get on really well. Just be careful that you choose the right dog !!!
 
Not meaning to be funny but how do you know she is 'depressed' if you are both out & can't see her? The fact that you come home & find her 'quiet' doesn't necessarily mean she is miserable, honestly! (I have two Border Collies & unless they are working or being exercised, they are as quiet as mice, doesn't mean they are depressed!)

Getting a second dog can work out well, it can also be a nightmare, ending up with two youngsters charging around & getting into mischief!
Maybe you could spend more 'quality time' with your collie, take her to agility or something once or twice a week (when she's old enough), which she will appreciate just as much!

IMHO, stressed dogs are far more likely to be noisy and/or destructive rather than quiet, unless they are very depressed, which sounds unlikely!
I wonder if you are perhaps attributing your own guilty feelings at leaving her on her own to your dog & assuming she is lonely, when in fact, she probably spends her time alone snoozing perfectly happily! lol
 
No idea how you can know that if you aren't there but anyway, I would never have a single dog; I think it is unfair on the dog.
 
I know because she is off her food at the moment. A few weeks ago she was a lot more bouncy when we were around the house, now she just mops (sp!) about and isnt herself. Thats why i have noticed it. Maybe Depressed is the wrong word but thats how she seems to me.
 
I've got a GSP and am in a similar situation to you. It's a tough one!! I live in quite a small house and so couldn't cope with another bigger dog but I think I might end up getting a terrier at some point. At the end of the day two dogs doesn't make much more looking after than one, and if it would make your dog happier then I say go for it!
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If my dog didn't have the zillions of dogs here in the city to be friends with, and if I had a bigger place, I would get a second dog in a heartbeat. Maybe you could rescue a slightly older dog, so as to avoid the chaos of two pups in the house.

My dog is a solo pooch, and she does just fine; everyone who meets her says what a happy-go-lucky little soul she is, and, truth be told, as much as she's thrilled to be around her dog friends every day, she always makes a beeline for the owners first.
 
my dog gets separation anxiety, we've had her 3yrs and she's now nearly 4. we've been considering another one for ages, but last week a 5yr old male came up needing a home so we've taken him on trial and so far things seem to be ok - they get fed separately and their own toys and there has been a bit of jealousy but nothing major, and they seem to be gradually making friends. i think introducing a puppy is easier than an adult and it's always a bit of a risk.
 
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Not meaning to be funny but how do you know she is 'depressed' if you are both out & can't see her?

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I would know. My old dog used to get very down if I had to work longer hours than usual and I used to have to gee him up by lots of play and games for a few days to get him out of it.

I think a second dog would help enormously. Imagine being at home by yourself all day with no company and nothing to do and you will understand how she might be feeling.
 
I have always had 2 dogs and would never have one on there own, unless you are home most of the day. Its easier having 2 than 1 as they entertain themselves and keep each other company, I ended up getting a 3rd dog last year but then one of my dogs died so I am back to 2 again now. Plus if you get a pup they learn good manners from the adult dog.
 

Good idea, but I wouldn't get a puppy - two young dogs in the house could make future training very difficult - especially as you have to leave them alone during the day. Also consider, two young dogs now means two old dogs later on - better to stagger their ages a bit ... a young dog keep an older dog mentally young and an older dog helps with puppy training (if you see what I mean... very hungover this morning, hope this makes sense
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I agree totally, however it is causing major rows in our house at the moment with OH, he definitely doesnt want another dog in the house and thinks it will be twice the work and not a viable solution. How do i convince him that it is the right thing to do by our coliie?! he is very stubborn!
To top it off he has very little experience with dogs, im not saying i have tonnes but more than him and i can see when things are not right.
I am worried i am going to have to re-home her if we dont sort something out for her.
Sorry....having a bad morning!
 

ok, in that case, if your OH is not 100% committed to getting a second dog then I would persevere with the situation as it stands.

There are ways you can make her time alone more bearable, give her special toys/treats reserved only for those ocassions when she will be left, leave tv/radio on, give her a blanket/old jumper with your scent on etc. Can you limit her time alone - could someone perhaps pop in during the day for 10 mins or so just to say hello to her?

also stimulate her as much as possible when you are with her - border collies need heaps of exercise - they thrive at dog agility for example.

I would try and get her to accept her current situation before leaping in and getting a second dog. Dogs have long since mastered the pitiful woe is me look you know
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Do you have "doggie daycare" or a walker in your area, preferably someone who'd be willing to walk them with another dog or two?

I put Stell-a in doggie daycare once or twice a week. I know in England it tends to be run from homes, but here they have actual facilities where the dogs play together, and are walked 2-3 times a day with well-matched animals. I even get to watch Stella on a web cam when I'm working, and the facility often send me photos of her having a good time (or causing trouble, as these ones clearly show
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I would ask at your vet's office for recommendations...

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