Does Your Dog Need a Playmate?

No, we aren't planning on getting another dog and we definitely aren't getting rid of any of our babies, but I saw this very question posed by a Facebook friend and I thought I would share my opinion on the matter.

While it is true that dogs are pack animals and they love the company of other dogs, in my personal opinion, do not get another dog if the following statements are applicable to your first dog:

• You do not have time for your dog.
• You do not walk your dog.
• You do not play with your dog.
• You yell or hit your dog.
  
• You do not have money to pay for food.
  
• You can't afford to take your dog to the vet.
• You can't afford to pay for medical bills if something minor happens to your dog (This statement is not applicable to large medical bills, I understand that a $2,000 medical bill is a lot for many of us to handle).
  

It is a misnomer that getting a playmate for your dog if you don't have time to play or walk with them will suddenly curb their boredom. What will happen is that you will have two dogs that you don't play with and feel guilty about.

However, I would encourage you to get another dog if and only if you have time for your current dog and if you can say yes to each item on the above list.

Having a dog is not only a pleasure, but it is a responsibility, and an important one at that. Make sure you are spending time with your dog.

There are many things you can do to entertain your dog that really don't even take that much time, things that will also help your relationship.

• If you don't have time for a walk on a particular day, give them a special treat that will occupy their mind.
• Teach them a new trick, you will be surprised what they can learn in 10 minutes.
• Head out into your backyard and sit on the grass; see how much your dog loves you being down at their level.
• Take a nap with your dog.

So, what do you think? Have any of you ever gotten a playmate for your dog and regretted it?

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