[Vcwdldva]

I've had Dylan for about a year now and I've noticed quite a drastic change in some of his demeanor.

The biggest is the way he acts when there's other dogs around. When he was fresh from the shelter, he didn't get overly worked up when a dog would pass us on our walks. He'd trot by happily, completely content. Even the dogs in the cages next to him, he'd ignore or pay little attention too, just happy to be getting attention from people.

Now, though, he acts like he's desperate to get to any dog he can. And not aggressively either, just HAPPY and excited. We've taken him on heavily supervised and prepared play dates (break stick and all) and he's hasn't met a dog he didn't like. We were even attacked by two off-leash great danes a few weeks back (which, let me tell you, I was completely pissed about) and he did not attack back; instead he tucked tail and tried to get as close to my boyfriend as possible, while we both attempted to get the dogs off of Dylan.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that I know the general philosophy of "your dog doesn't need dog friends" but are there ever exceptions to this? Dylan is probably the most dog social dog I've ever met. On some level I feel like he'd really benefit from another dog to play and interact with on a daily basis, because he seems to really enjoy and want dog interactions.

So I'm torn. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

[gghrdfffhfyj]

How old is he? Odin was social until about 2.5 years old. He's not aggressive now, but he doesn't care about other dogs being around. He has a few friends that he gets very excited to see. He'll play for a couple of minutes and then he seems content they are around.

He does get grouchy, though and will let a dog know to back off if they get in his face too much.

As long as you know the other dogs, there's no harm. Just make sure to keep it in the back of your mind, his personality could change at any time.

[bmwservis]

My dogs are all extremely dog social. They are just like Dylan, when they see other dogs, their little brains go "BFF!!!" All of them have had dogs go after them (usually on leash) and have never once tried to defend themselves.. my friends GSD put a hole through Piper's ear one time and she did nothing, just yelped and ran to me.

I honestly couldn't imagine not having multiple dogs.. my dogs thrive on each other for companionship and do everything together. They are VERY rarely laying by themselves.

Of course, I realize this could change some day, but for now I am very happy that all of my dogs LOVE other dogs.

[Lorionasodi]

Just because these dogs don't "need" same-species relationships doesn't mean they can't have them.
If your dog is social and you enjoy having him/her interact with other dogs - by all means do it.
Just be cautious and logical about it, of course.
Make sure that any dogs he is allowed to play with are owned by individuals who understand the risks involved, but I am sure you know that.

[Heclailia]

I honestly couldn't imagine not having multiple dogs.. my dogs thrive on each other for companionship and do everything together. They are VERY rarely laying by themselves.


Of course, I realize this could change some day.

This fits us as well, and we have 5 of them. I do know who is most likely to piss who off and also know when each of them are getting tired of Nyx (the youngest one) so I always make sure that they don't get 'too much' of one another. (For example, Tyson and Harlem enjoy playing together like retards for about 5 minutes but Harlem is older so when he's done playing Tyson isn't. I always split them up when harlem is done because Tyson will keep annoying him.)

My one dog that is quite DA is only so outside of our house. She is the most loving playful pup here with other dogs, and any dog that comes TO our house will be treated nicely. However, if we're at a class or out on a walk and she see's a new dog she isn't allowed to interact with them. Any dog that she meets at our house THEN comes across outside is fine as well, she's a bit finicky but I know it and handle it because it's the same thing every time.

I say if you're comfortable having supervised play dates go for it! It sounds like you're prepared if anything happens and you know to watch for warning signs.

[Vcwdldva]

Dylan is about three to those who are interested.

and actually, my post is about obtaining a second dog of my own, more than just supervised play-dates. I'd really like another dog he can interact with and play with daily instead of trying to line up schedule's with people we know who own dogs.

[bmwservis]

Dylan is about three to those who are interested.

and actually, my post is about obtaining a second dog of my own, more than just supervised play-dates. I'd really like another dog he can interact with and play with daily instead of trying to line up schedule's with people we know who own dogs.

I don't see a problem with adding another dog, as long as you're prepared to crate & rotate if you have to! I'd suggest going with a female, and bringing Dylan along to meet any prospective dogs.

[luffyplayaz]

Dylan is about three to those who are interested.

and actually, my post is about obtaining a second dog of my own, more than just supervised play-dates. I'd really like another dog he can interact with and play with daily instead of trying to line up schedule's with people we know who own dogs.

Just because a dog doesn't necessarily need canine companions, it's not necessarily the end all way it has to be. And I think it really depends on the individual dog. I'm starting to think some dogs actually need it. I'm seeing more and more lately how not having a canine companion is hurting my dog. Ofcourse she went from having two constant companions that she hung out with all the time, to none. Plus we lost several dogs in the family in 2010 that she had known her whole life. And The dog she was closest too in the whole world was Trouble and he passed away a year ago last May. And it wasn't long after that that her other playmate that belonged to a relative of ours was rehomed. She has other companions but she doesn't see them often.

When she is around Sircey she is the happiest she has been. Its the only time I see Sasha as the dog she was. But she hasn't seen him recently, she will soon though. I wish more than anything I could give her a companion. But its not an option at this time. And she is just downright mopey all the time. She had never been an only dog. Mind you she adjusted very well and I think she has a wonderful bond with us and our daughter. But there is just some spark that just lights up when she is around other dogs. I mean there are certain dogs she can't be around but overall she does well with other dogs.

I say if your dog gets on well with other dogs, and you find the right fit for your family and your dog and the new dog gets on with each other okay. Why not?

[Abebpabeniemo]

I have dogs that, although they can be dog aggressive, they can also be very dog social. Sounds odd but it's true! lol Tanks a prime example. Strange dogs are for killin', but he LOVES the ladies and will play all day with dogs he's friends with. I don't allow my dogs to socialize with strange dogs out and about, but there has been dogs over the years that they got along with fine and they were allowed to play with, supervised of course. It always had to be with an owner who was realistic about dogs and the potential for a scuffle. Last thing anyone needs is a scrap to break out on a play date and have the other person whining. I have enough of my own dogs that they have a choice here who they want to socialize with, or not. Fostering was a great fun for some of the more social dogs. Tank thought it was the shit that non stop new girls would appear for him to wrestle! Salem is very dog social still. I'm hoping that if she remains so Moonshine will take Tanks place as the wrestle master for the girls. Tank is too old and gets too sore. The only dog he can wrestle with right now is Moonshine.

[SmuffNuSMaxqh]

How old is he? Odin was social until about 2.5 years old. He's not aggressive now, but he doesn't care about other dogs being around. He has a few friends that he gets very excited to see. He'll play for a couple of minutes and then he seems content they are around.

He does get grouchy, though and will let a dog know to back off if they get in his face too much.

As long as you know the other dogs, there's no harm. Just make sure to keep it in the back of your mind, his personality could change at any time.

My dog is the same. I tend to think of her as being polite & well mannered rather than sociable. She is the same age (2.5) & has no real inclination to play but she does say hello & then more or less ignore other dogs. She too will back up a dog if it gets in her face & is always happy to see the dogs she was socialised with.

[Lorionasodi]

If you are ready for a second dog and willing work out a crate and rotate situation should things not work out between the two, then I don't see why not.
You're a smart and responsible lady, I am sure you will make the right choice!

Having a second dog is great for us. Having a "sometimes third dog" can be fun too (we often watch dogs for friends and family who all turn to us as the most dog-savvy and trustworthy people they know) but I don't know think I could handle more than 3. Right now I don't have the space for more than two, but when we do we want to get a third.

[SmuffNuSMaxqh]

I am home alone for a month and finding that balancing one dog with work, chores etc to be difficult, she does not stop. I can't imagine trying to keep two tired & out of mischief. Maybe a Pomeranian though.

[Qncvqpgfg]

My AM Bulldog LOVES the boys!!! And has had boyfriends over the years (mostly dogs in our rescue) She's not really DA, but will start a fight with a female over any little thing. And once she starts she wants to keep going.
So if you do get a dog have it be a female with a good age difference.
I know a good rescue if you need one...

[85IbLcwQ]

I think Dylan would love a dog friend. When he was here him and Lucy wrestled endlessly.

[Lorionasodi]

Aw him and Lucy actually met? That's adorable. I didn't know that you two knew each other in person, that's cool.
I bet Bransen would love to play with Lucy! He would not play with Dylan though. But I would!

[Vcwdldva]

Haha, thanks for the advice guys. I figured I couldn't be too wrong, knowing that Dylan really loves other dogs.

Yeah, Robyn was really nice and watched Dylan for a few days for us. It was cool that Dylan got along with her dogs.

[Calluffence]

I vote that you should do it, you obviously know the risks and are responsible. Go for it.

[Qncvqpgfg]

I know a good rescue.....

[Vcwdldva]

I know a good rescue.....

I'm totally interested!

[ronaldasten]

While I agree that some dogs don't need dog friends, some really thrive on the interaction.

Even my Veronica who is reactive and can't seem to pull off getting along with anyone; is still desperate for contact with her own species.

Her only dog friend is Brooke's Socrates and she loves him. When I tell her we are going to meet him; if we get there early and she doesn't see him she sits down and refuses to leave the parking lot. She just sits there scanning the cars pulling in and looking for him. And when she sees him...Omg...her little heart goes pitter pat and she near has a heart attack waiting for Brooke to park and get Socrates out of the car.