[tonyleblanc]

Hi there,

My partner and I own a wonderful puggle; Puddles. She is 11 months old, very gentle, loves attention and affection with a healthy dose of horseplay thrown in for good measure.

My partner has returned to work and now our puppy is in our garden from about 8.30 to 18.00 every day. She has a very comfy and warm kennel, a good bit of space to play in and lots of toys. However I am concerned that she is lonely & bored during the day. She isnt acting out when she gets in but I have noticed that she is a very different dog at the weekends when we are both around - a lot calmer and sleeps better.

We have been discussing getting another dog as company for her during the day.
I would appreciate any tips. Puddles is a very loving dog but somewhat shy with other dogs. Especially smaller dogs. Due to the size of our garden & kennel a big dog is out. I know that the dogs will decide who is 'top dog' and I wonder will this negatively impact on Puddles as she has been the centre of attention for many months now?

So I have put together a list of pros and cons and would appreciate any feedback or tips you might have:

PRO:
Company for both dogs during the day
Sleeping companions on colder mornings
Both dogs will be more comfortable around other dogs
More love to give another dog
Saving a dog from the pound
Not feeling guilty about being at work during the day or going out for a meal in the evening

CON:
Puddles (our existing dog) may get upset at the new arrival
Puddles may become the submissive dog
New dog may give her bad habits
Dogs may not get along


I know the pros outweigh the cons but I want to be sure that I dont upset my current dog as she has, bar my concerns about her being bored during the day, a very comfortable, loving and healthy life.

Thanks

Tony

[Lara's mom]

I don't understand why the dog you already have is left outside all day. I would venture to guess that you'd be hard pressed to find a shelter that would adopt a dog out to you, knowing that it will be spending upwards of ten hours a day outside in the back yard.

[tonyleblanc]

I keep her outside as Puddles vet advised me that it is healthier for the dog to remain outside during day. This is my part of my question: will the dog be happier during the day with another dog for company.

[cigwyllt]

Whereabouts in the world are you? Here in the UK it would be a very foolish move to keep your dog outdoors when you are not around. There is the risk of theft, disturbance for the neighbours and advertising the fact that your house is empty.

There are plenty of people who work full time and leave their dog home alone - my husband and I did that for a time - it can work and you can have a perfectly content dog or in our case, two dogs.

I would definitely not bring another dog into what is a far from ideal situation especially as you will not be around to supervise them and monitor their interaction.

[tonyleblanc]

Perhaps I need to make myself cleared:

Puddles is kept in our back garden. Prior to getting her I puppy proofed the garden. There is a very high wall all around our garden. A reasonably large area of grass and a concrete yard which is covered overhead where her kennel is kept so she is out of the breeze or rain. I have asked my neighbours (who are retired) to let me know if she barks during the day and they have said that she does just once in blue moon. Her kennel is raised off the ground and underneath is insulated with aeroboard (which she cannot get at) so in terms of safety and comfort she is fine.

I am following the advise of my vet in terms of keeping her outside during the day, she is a very healthy, happy dog (my vet always comments on this when he see her) what I want to know is will she be happier with another dog for company?

[tonyleblanc]

Thanks for the reply cigwyllt: I have discussed the best way to introduce a new dog to the house with my vet and, if I do get another dog, will follow his advise on this. He suggested a short introductions which get gradually longer and then constant supervision for a week or so to see if they get along. My partner and I will take a weeks leave each from work to do this so the dogs will not be left alone for at least a fortnight.

[Shreya]

It is not just a matter of bringing the new dog home and you and your dog will live happily ever after. You need to take time to think this new undertaking through and mull over these questions:


# Are you prepared for the resident dog to start misbehaving, such as using the house as a potty place, chewing things and just being destructive in general? The newcomer may upset your pet.

# Is your current dog friendly with other dogs and people? If your resident dog is a “bully,” your chances of finding a “friend” for him/her are slim.

The real question here is “is it you that wants a new dog?”

Once you have made up your mind and truly feel that another dog will be an added benefit to your household. There are a few more things to consider such as: puppy, young adult or an older dog. That will depend on your resident dog.

Puppies are probably easier to introduce to your current dog, as a puppy doesn’t appear as an intruder, only as a pest.

If you decide on a puppy, please keep this in mind. Puppies do not realize they are supposed to behave in a certain way until they are about 4 months old.

The puppy will drive the older dog crazy at times. Puppies want to play; older dogs will play for a little while then want to stop.

It is up to you to give your older pet, free time away from “fluff and stuff.”

Do not under any circumstances leave the puppy and older dog alone without supervision.

Adding a young adult dog or an older dog to your household requires a lot more tact along with patience and planning. You are going to need help with this one.

Remain calm and do not be nervous, talk to the dogs in a “happy voice.”

Dogs will fight and if they do not like each other, it can be disastrous for you and the dogs.

In looking for a new dog (not a puppy) try to find a dog whose personality matches that of your dog. If your dog is outgoing and friendly, find one that is equally so. If your dog is quiet and gentle, do not bring home a dog that is very active and playful, the match more than likely will not work.

The important thing here is that you abide by their decision no matter how hard it will be for you.

Expect your first dog to go through some stress and probably some misbehavior patterns as this new addition will be upsetting to it and the dog will need to adjust.

It may take a month or more for a routine to establish and peace to rein supreme once again in your household. If you keep the dogs apart when you are not home to supervise and you make the time they spend together “fun” they will soon become friends, maybe not “best friends,” but close enough to enjoy being together.

all the best..

[Yogi]

Sprry Tony but I have to disagree. I have been raising dogs for over 50 years now and can assure you that is longer than your vet has been practicing and leaving a dog outside covered or not is not healthier when it in fact is not a breed designed for outdoor living. IE: Husky, Malamute etc.
As for bringing a new dog in, the most common way to introduce in this case is to take your dog to see new ones. Watch their reactions. If there is one that Puggles likes and enjoys, then next step is bring that one to your place and see if the interaction continues. Most dogs there will be no problems but on occasion once home, the existing dog turns territorial.

[tonyleblanc]

Hi Yogi

No need to be sorry, I want to know what is the best thing for Puddles.

[Lara's mom]

I can't even imagine what kind of vet would suggest that it's alright to leave a dog outside all day like that. It just doesn't make sense.

[tonyleblanc]

The kind of vet who charged me €58 for the privilege. Me thinks I will be seeking out another practice.

[Lara's mom]

I think that is an excellent idea. 58 pounds!!! Yikes!!!

[tonyleblanc]

My Doctor only charges me €50 per visit!

[Lara's mom]

And I thought my vet was expensive! I'm getting a bargain as compared to you! My vet charges $40 for an office visit. I'm guessing that would be somewhere around 25 pounds.