I have a four year-old text-book mutt. Lately she hasn't seemed as happy as she used to be. Our family is gone most of the day and she is alone quite a bit. Since dogs are pack animals I think it would be good for her to have another dog to interact with. Would she benefit from having another dog around the house?

Just out of curiosity, why do you have a dog when her pack is absent all day? (I wouldn't be happy either.) Do you crate her while all are at work or school? Does anyone come home to let her out occasionally and spend time with her?

Why make a second dog unhappy?

I've always had dogs (2 or 3), I've always worked full time. I found my dogs (and I've always had large dogs) got used to the arrangement. I "usually" had someone come in during the day to let them out and play with them but sometimes I couldn't find anyone.

I never had any problems and they always enjoyed each other's company. They never seemed unhappy, "down," depressed - unless, of course, they weren't feeling well.

The fenced portion of my property is over an acre so they got lots of exercise when they were outside - maybe that's a factor.

I'm a believer - and congrats on having a mutt! - in giving dogs a second chance (and sometimes a first chance) so I think from that perspective alone a second dog is a great idea!

My dog has free run of the house and my parents usually let her out when they come home for lunch... I think that lethargic was what I was trying to say instead of unhappy.

My dog has free run of the house and my parents usually let her out when they come home for lunch...I think that lethargic was what I was trying to say instead of unhappy.
That makes me feel better! I had images in my head of a dog crated for eight hours straight.

Now I agree with Judy -- rescuing a second mutt sounds like a good idea.

I think a second dog is a great idea. Are you planning on rescuing? If so, you should take your dog along with you to the shelter to meet the dog you're considering. Most shelters demand it, to make sure that the dogs will get along, and reduce the chance that the adopted dog will be returned to the shelter.

Get a dog with the same energy as your current dog. Make sure that you or someone else can be home for the first few days, to make sure they get along.

Should we be considering a dog around the same age?

That was never a consideration for me - and I found a calm, older dog calmed a younger, rather hyper dog, down.

An older dog is probably a better idea... no guessing how big a puppy will get. The shelter said our dog would only be 60 pounds at the most. She hit 60 after two months and is now closer too 100

I would be more concerned with the breed, not the age. I have three dogs, one is almost 16, then a 9 year old and the last is 2. They're all the same energy level (except for the 16 year old, he's really slowed down) so they get along well.

You said your dog is a mutt. Do you know what breed she is? How old is she? If you give us a general idea I can try to help you find a dog in your area.

In our shelter they have a code for dogs. Each dog has a color code based on its personality. There's lively and outgoing. There's lap dog, content to sit by your side, and everything in between. It makes choosing a dog that fits your lifestyle, and those of your existing pets, a lot easier

An older dog is probably a better idea...no guessing how big a puppy will get. The shelter said our dog would only be 60 pounds at the most. She hit 60 after two months and is now closer too 100


This makes me smile - I also have one of those dogs. My one dog was presented as a German Shepherd. She's actually a Gordon Setter. When you are MEANT to have a certain dog, fate makes sure you do.

Again - blessings on people who give shelter dogs a second chance. Or, sometimes, a first chance.

Like I've said my dog is four. She is a mix of about 5 different dogs such as border collie, golden retriever, German shepard ,and possibly a Newfie. We aren't exactly ready to adopt a second dog but the idea is still in consideration.

- If and when you're ready, of course.

My mom wants to start looking. What is this program that will help us find a dog?

Any Animal Protection Group. I don't like specific breed groups (although I always seem to end up with German Shepherds). Petfinder is good. Does your Town/City have an animal shelter?

It does. We used petfinder and narrowed it down to two or three males. We're going to take our dog to meet them soon. Thank you all for you're help

Keep us informed! I LOVE hearing "new dog" stories.

If any of those dogs are looking for me, don't tell me - I can't handle a third dog right now.

I know this thread is a tad dead at this point , but we rescued an adorable pup this weekend! Her name is meg and she is blue healer german shepard mix.

Good for you! Another life saved.

That makes me feel better! I had images in my head of a dog crated for eight hours straight.

Now I agree with Judy -- rescuing a second mutt sounds like a good idea.

I actually have to crate my dog for 8 hours a day. As do most working people who choose to crate. It's not uncommon to have a dog in a working home. My dogs are very happy and well exercised.

I too love hearing new dog stories! I commend you for choosing the adoption option, How are the dogs getting on so far? Any pictures you would like to share? :D

When my buddy Jack died in my arms at the age of 13 I knew I had lost a part of me but I still had a lot of love to give. Jacks partner for 9 years, Midge, would have no part in any of the Petfinder guys I looked at, tried to bite every one. Then came Levi, a Plott Hound from Georgia. She charged at him, rubbed noses, sniffed and they ran off. Sometimes you don't get to pick who you will be adopting, they get picked for you.

When my buddy Jack died in my arms at the age of 13 I knew I had lost a part of me but I still had a lot of love to give. Jacks partner for 9 years, Midge, wwould have no part in any of the Petfinder guys I looked at, tried to bite every one. Then came Levi, a Plott Hound from Georgia. She charged him, rubbed noses, sniffed and they ran off. Sometimes you don't get to pick who you will be adopting, they get picked for you.

Well the puppy has gotten very submissive and our other dog has gotten very motherly. She love's to be outside... Still figuring out pictures.