Hi we have 20 month old Lhasa Apso (neuted male) called Stuart Little.  Stuart is a very toy orientated dog who loves playing with any and all  available toys including our two male cats.  Who he also sees as toys.  However Stuart does get jealous of the cats if he thinks they are getting a better deal than himself. I am canvasing for views on getting a playmate for Stuart (another Lhasa Apso) not sure about m/f. Is it in the interest of both dogs to have a companion or am I attributing human characteristics. I am not sure whether having two dogs would enable both to enjoy each other's company or would merely produce chaos. Clearly I need to consider the interests of the new dog (puppy) and wouldn't want to introduce a new puppy into the household where the likelihood of success was not great.  Your comments would be much appreciated. Pam.

I'm certainly not an expert on behaviour or dogs in general but here is how I would decide. Each dog is different in personality and some enjoy canine companions more than others. My dog loves, loves, loves being with other dogs so I am looking for a puppy. This will not be a replacement for the time I spend with him or 'compnay' because he's left alone. If he didn't like other dogs I would have to think hard about bringing another dog in the house. If you do decide to get a puppy, odds are better for them getting along if it was a female. Of course many same sex dogs live very happily together.

Hi Lori

thank you for those helpful comments. My OH only works an hour in a morning and afternoon so Stuart is not left on his own for very long and certainly seems to prefer human company than canine.  So I think on balance we're probably best not to disturb the equalibrium.  Pam.

My dog absolutely loves other dogs - only this afternoon he spent 2 hours of joyful rough and tumbling with his brother and sister and playing gently with his 6 week old half brother and sisters - and I'd love another pup. However, I'm becoming increasingly convinced that he prefers to be an only dog since he has a certain self-containment and enjoyment of his own space and although he will happily share his people, he gets slightly bothered if this looks like going on for longer than he thinks necessary!  If I introduced another pup I think he'd tolerate, rather than enjoy the experience right now so I'm not minded to disturb the equilibrium either.

I also agree that it's very easy to ascribe human values to dogs in terms of their need for company and I'm afraid that if I got another pup it would mainly be because I wanted one. Not the dog!

Here's my two pennorth for what it's worth:

- Dogs are a highly social pack species, much of whose communication is not easily understood by humans.  While I can speak basic 'doglish' I don't believe I will ever be fluent in 'dog'.  I would be lonely and frustrated if surrounded by non-english speakers; why would it be different for my dog?

- My rescue GSD had few social skills and little confidence with other dogs. He has gained immeasurably from the presence of Miss Thing (who makes Sharon Osbourn look like a shrinking violet).

-Watching them together gives me hours of pleasure and has taught me so much about how dogs behave towards each other.

This is absolutely no criticism of anyone whose circumstances or inclination make it difficult to keep more than one dog (there have been times, believe me...) but I would happily add another if OH would agree - and holiday cottages changed their dog restrictions!

Mutts

Hi Pam

Stuart Little sounds like a typical, happy, self-centred little chap (aren't they all LOL) and would very probably enjoy a canine companion even if not necessarily needing one :)

If you do take the step of adding a puppy, go for a bitch as opposite sex pairings are the ideal to avoid future conflict.  Personally I would never again through choice have only one dog as my own experience has taught me that they have much more enriched lives for enjoying each others company :)  However, we can each only give you our personal experiences and there are many things to be considered such as finances (vets bill or double insurance premiums), kennelling if going on holiday will be more costly, domestic arrangements for having a family/friend as temporary dog-sitter may be over stretched if for two dogs etc, etc.

HTH, regards Teri :)