Finding a Playmate

[dwells1959]

Harlie is a year and a half old now and since the kids are gone from the house, she's home by herself for ~10 hours a day. I think about her every day being by herself and it kills me. She has a big kitchen area to herself, so she's not cramped for space.

We've been considering a companion for her and want to ask you all what is typically the best fit. New pup, same age, male, female? Or, is she OK by herself?

[DBlain]

I guess a lot would depend on how she gets on with other dogs, if real social and enjoys playing with other dogs it would probably work well. I have had it go both ways. My first yorkie was playful but did not seem to like other dogs. But I wanted another dog and brought home a Bichon, puppy, it was a diaster he fought with the puppy and started to spend most of his time under the bed. The puppy brought other problems as well and I could not housebreak him so after about a year I gave in and found a new home for the puppy and before long my fist one was back to normal. But each dog is different so all I can say is take your clue from how she is around other dogs. good luck

[MorkieMomma]

Originally Posted by dwells1959

Harlie is a year and a half old now and since the kids are gone from the house, she's home by herself for ~10 hours a day. I think about her every day being by herself and it kills me. She has a big kitchen area to herself, so she's not cramped for space.

We've been considering a companion for her and want to ask you all what is typically the best fit. New pup, same age, male, female? Or, is she OK by herself?

I really think that if she's home all by herself for that long, she definitely needs companionship. She's "ok" by herself, yes..but do you want her to be okay or do you want her to be happy? The problem with getting another animal is that you won't be home to supervise them. If one gets injured while playing, they'd be injured for 10 hours without human intervention. Or...if one decides the other one is getting on their nerves, and gives them 'what for' again, no human intervention.

Another problem would be training. A puppy needs supervision. They chew things they shouldn't, eat things they shouldn't...get into things they shouldn't...and need to be taught where to potty. If nobody's home, there's still no human intervention and they'll potty wherever they want...making it 10x harder for you when you are home, and 10x harder for them because they won't understand...and you can't keep a puppy in a crate for 10 hours.

If you choose a young or older dog, there's no guarantee they're housebroken. I can't even tell you how many times I've seen people get dogs and say "Well the seller said they were housebroken"...and the dog is nowhere near housebroken.

...any chance you could take a vacation from work when getting this new dog? =/ If the answer is yes...everything above can be remedied!

As it is now...we've had Bella for a month and I still have to watch her like a hawk when she has free reign in the house. lol She wants to make sure she has tasted everything and anything she finds, and as we're moving soon that's clearly a no-no for her to do (unsafe at the moment).

Speaking of which, time to log off! LOL

Good luck!! I sincerely hope you DO find a little playmate for your furbutt...she'll be happier I believe, and with a little time off work it would be SO much easier on everyone involved, including you.

[dwells1959]

Thanks so much for the response. It seems there's a lot to consider bringing in a new one. Unfortunately, my wife and I have very little time off to supervise . What about other types of entertainment for a sole yorkie? We do leave a stereo on for her and she can look outside through the back door. Maybe she is content and it's just me that feels lonely for her.

Best,

Don

[DBlain]

do you have anyone in your neighboorhood that you trust and would be willing to come over some time in the day. I used to work full time and had several neighbors that I would pay, (not much) to come over and take the dog for a walk or play with them. I use to have them sign on a log so I knew they were there. Also check out doggie day care, a day or two a week might be good, just make sure there are small dogs and that they seperate them.

[Potter]

I have the same problem and I got a dog walker from my neighbourhood that I trust. She is a real sweet lady who have 2 dogs of her own. She doesn't cost as much as those commercial dog walker who charges arm and leg because she lives nearby.

If you have not much time for one dog, don't get another dog is my advice. As much as they will keep each other company, you still need time to spend with each one, training, general care and the biggest thing is double the vet care if they get sick. I know some people have it easy going from one dog to two but it is not always the case. It depends on if they get along, housetraining, what kind of bad habits the new dog may come with, health etc etc. Also, your first dog will probably spend some time being jealous until he/she is sure that the newcomer will be better for him/her and you have to be ready to deal with that.

Also, when I have my day off, I make it a point to bring him to a park, get a long walk in and then go to the store with him to buy some goodies. That way, I feel that at least two days in a week, he gets to see new people, new dogs. It is also harder to bring two dogs out then just one.

Unfortunately, we have to work and as loving, caring pet owners we try to make it work as best as we could time wise while still being able to provide a home, good food.