Is My Rescue Dog Lonely?
We've all thought about it at some point. You just got a rescue dog, everything's going smoothly, and you've got a routine down. Then you start to wonder, are they feeling lonely? As you watch your dog snooze on their bed, you think about whether they'd be happier with a furry sibling to grow your four-legged family. Sure, there are lots of perks and fun times that come with adding another dog to the mix, but there are also things to consider and questions you should ask yourself before deciding to double the mouths to feed, the fur to clean up, and the vet bills to pay.
What Is Your Dog's Emotional State?
One of the initial questions to consider is the emotional state of your rescue dog. Are they relatively obedient? Have they completed dog training? Before introducing another pet into your household, it's important to ensure that your current pet is settled in a comfortable routine with you and is responsive when needed. Adding another dog or animal introduces a new distraction and temptation. Dogs communicate with each other far better than they do with humans. The temptation to act on cues from a sibling will be much stronger than the usual distractions your dog may have already learned to manage. Achieving even basic obedience with your first dog is essential before thinking about adding another one.
Is Your Rescue Dog Sociable or Selective?
Contrary to popular belief, dogs do not inherently exhibit pack behavior in the manner traditionally perceived. Observations of wolves reveal that they tend to form packs resembling familial units. What was once interpreted as an "alpha" role is, in fact, a parental figure leading their offspring, thereby establishing a cohesive family that does not always welcome outsiders. Dogs share similarities in this regard, having been selectively bred to coexist with humans; thus, humans represent the natural "pack" that a dog gravitates towards, provided there is no history of trauma. Most dogs, particularly those of certain breeds, are not typically "dog friendly." Instead, the term "dog selective" is more appropriate. A dog may have one or two canine companions and be perfectly content, sometimes even fewer. Dogs not bred for group work, such as border collies, livestock guardians, and hounds, generally prefer to be the sole dog, relishing the exclusive love and attention of the owners they were bred to serve and bond with.
How Old Is Your Rescue Dog?
Another aspect to consider is the age of your rescue dog. Is your dog still young and energetic, belonging to a breed known for longevity? Or have they reached full "adulthood" at five or six years old? Dogs, like humans, generally do better with peers of similar age, except for certain exceptions. Introducing a younger dog or a puppy to your older or senior dog can lead to issues. While many of us enjoy imagining and watching videos of a wise, older dog teaching and bonding with a puppy, the reality is that they tire quickly. It is entertaining to see the two trying to keep up with each other, but the stress threshold and tolerance level of an older dog are much lower compared to a puppy still learning boundaries and appropriate behaviors. A dog of a similar age would ideally understand when their new sibling signals "I don't like when you play like this" or "I don't approve of this behavior with me" and respond appropriately. It's important to consider what your dog, at their age, is willing to tolerate to help you decide whether to get a puppy or perhaps a calm, older dog just to keep them company.
So, is getting another dog a good idea?
If you read these and felt confident in your answers, you might be ready to welcome a new member into your family! Introducing and acclimating your new dog will be an enjoyable journey for you and your first pup. K9 Role Models is delighted to assist with the process of introducing and providing your dogs with neutral space to learn and bond together, ensuring everyone feels comfortable at home and the transition from "only furchild" to "sibling" goes as smoothly as possible. Adopting a dog is highly rewarding, and if you have the ability to rescue more, it's a blessing!
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