Dear Miss Behavin’:
With Valentine’s Day approaching, I’m wondering if I should get a canine life partner for my dog “Leo.” He’s on the shyer side and I feel like a buddy would help him come out of his shell.
The short answer is, it depends. Some dogs really open up around other dogs. Other dogs might become more fearful (if they are afraid of other dogs). For others, there might not be any noticeable change in behavior. It really depends on Leo’s individual personality.
To determine if Leo might be helped by a doggy buddy, ask yourself a few questions. How does Leo act around other dogs (avoid, hide or play)? Is he possessive over his food, bed or toys? If Leo seems to genuinely enjoy the company of other dogs and can “share” his home, then he might benefit from a canine pal.
One way to test how Leo’s behavior will change in the presence of another dog is to pet-sit a friend or family member’s dog for a few days. If the other dog is outgoing and social, you’ll have the opportunity to observe if Leo follows the other pup’s lead and becomes braver over time. Ideally, you should observe Leo becoming more relaxed and willing to approach visitors.
If you don’t have a “test dog” available, consider fostering a needy shelter dog from your local animal shelter. Many dogs need recovery time for minor medical issues or a boost of confidence. Fostering would be a way to help a dog while at the same time testing whether Leo enjoys having a buddy around 24/7. Visit www.phs-spca.org for more information on our foster care program.
Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, only adopt a new dog if you and your family truly want another furry family member. Remember with any new dog comes potential additional challenges (housetraining, chewing). We always say, don’t adopt a dog for your dog – adopt a dog for yourself. If Leo enjoys his new companion, that’s just an added bonus.