Should I get another dog?

Question

I recently got a puppy(lab mix).He is a good dog, house trained and likes to play. That's the problem he plays to much. I have four kids( husband is deployed) and we all give him time and play. He gets 30 minutes(or more)a day from walks and then plays outside during the day with the kids. During my youngest daugthers naptime , I put him outside. He whines and whines.Should I get him another puppy to help entertain him? Or, as he gets older he will calm down ?He is just to energtic, no matter how much attention he gets it is not enough.Her old home had a lot of other puppys to play with.

We have an older cat,but she is not very friendly towards him.
I am just very hasten to get another animal(maybe to overwelming).

Answer 1

keep the one u got, it seems like he likes you guys a lot.

Answer 2

Hi there.



Yes, he will calm down as he gets older, but you don't say how old he is. Labs are very slow to mature and don't tend to calm down until they are 2 or 3 years old.



I suggest that you do not get a puppy at this moment in time. You should wait until your current dog is fully grown and trained. While they would most certainly keep each other company, the puppy would look up to and mimic your older dogs behaviour. If your older dog has bad habits (barking, whining, attention seeking, etc.) the puppy would quickly pick up on those. If you wait until your current dog is trained, your future puppy will have a good role model.



Labs are a demanding breed. They are very social and want to be with their people at all times. Shutting them away from the action whether that be outside or in a crate is hard from them. It is easy to shut them away, but in reality if they are shut away they will never learn to behave themselves when we require it. You don't have to be engaging with him at all times, but you can and should train him to sit quietly. Teaching him a 'place' command, such as 'ON YOUR BED!' is an excellent idea.



A well structured routine would not go amiss, either. Young dogs thrive on routine. You are already walking him daily which is great, so perhaps you could add a few short (5 minute) training sessions into your routine? that will give you a chance to work on commands that you can employ in the house when you want some down time. Commands like the 'ON YOUR BED!', sit and down stays, etc.



Good luck!

Answer 3

You are right to be hesitant about another dog, it's a lot of work. And there's no guarantee that BOTH dogs wouldn't be at the door whining during nap time.



Are you able to interact with the dog in the house while your kids are resting? Dogs are simple, just having the puppy on a leash attached to your belt while you do housework, etc, is interaction for your dog. This would be a great experience for him to learn the down stay as well.



Your dog is whining because he was banished away from his pack - you and your kids - not because he wants another puppy to play with.

Answer 4

If you can handle another puppy and you would like one, I would say go ahead and get it so your puppy has a friend to play with when the kids aren't around to play with especially as your kids get older and start playing and doing things away from home.



However, if a new puppy would be a hardship, I think your dog will be okay once he get use to being outside while the kids nap. He might even come to like it and use it as a rest period when the kids are especially rowdy. I hope this helps : )

Answer 5

If the puppy is whining outside, LET HIM IN. He probably wants a nap, too! Just make sure that he's let out immediately after he wakes up, so he doesn't 'go' indoors ... your dog doesn't need another puppy, just a more understanding owner. Puppies need long afternoon naps, too! If you are lying down (and you should do this, too) the puppy will lie down, too ... you are the 'alpha dog' and it's up to you to teach your puppy ... another puppy will just make your life much harder, and also that of BOTH puppies!

Answer 6

If you are concerned about being overwhelmed, then it may be best to wait.



He is whining because he wants to be inside with the family. Perhaps the older kids can play with him during her nap-time.. or he may even want to snuggle down for a nap too.



He will calm down as he matures.. puppies like to play. Labs expecially are energetic dogs. Its good that he is getting walks and play time with the kids tho.

Answer 7

I think you should get another dog, but one who'll grow to be a little smaller than a lab. This way you won't have to really big dogs running around. Labs will also calm as they grow older. I personally have a lab myself, and she is still a puppy and is VERY hyper, but I have a pug that she plays with all the time to keep her busy. I wouldn't recomend getting a dog that much smaller than an adult lab, because their play gets more and more agresive as they grow (with other dogs) and you don't want you big lab to hurt a smaller one. I say get another puppy.

Answer 8

If he has any Lab in him, he's going to be a major bundle of energy, pretty much til he grows old. Sometimes having a dog spay or neutered helps but not a lot in the case of Labs. But they are such great, loyal, lovable dogs that are great with kids. If you can squeeze anymore play or walking time in that could help, anything to wear him out a bit...it's just hard to wear down these energetic balls of fluff.

Answer 9

If you think you can handle another dog, go ahead and get another one. Make sure the two dogs are compatible though. I have heard that labs are good with other dogs. If you don't think you can handle another, wait. Possibly consider disciplining the dog more so that he is not as crazy. He will become calmer as he gets older.

Answer 10

Yes, I would recommend a playmate for your puppy. I had the same problem, I did get another puppy and it was so enjoyable to watch them play with each other throughout the years. I will always have 2 together like that from now on. Good luck and have fun!.

Answer 11

I wouldn't get another dog since your husband is in the military, it could be hard to relocate if you have a lot of dogs. Do you have a neighbor dog that could have a play date with your dog, or take it to a doggie park. I think he will calm down as he gets older.

Answer 12

if you can can keep care of another puppy than the puppy would have a grand time playing with him. but puppies are very hard to deal with, and two would be even worse. i suggest getting an active adult (4 years or more) or seinior to play with the puppy. That way, you dont tear your hair out trying to take care of two puppies and your puppy has a playing compainion so you dont have to deal with him all the time

Answer 13

If you think one is too much then don't get another. If he is still a puppy he will calm down soon. They're just like kids love to run around and be wild when they're young but calm down once they get older! =)

Answer 14

I don't think another dog will work. You will than have 2 dogs runing around driving you nuts. He will calm down you just have to be patient and wait.

Your dog may be over stimulated, like a baby that is over tired and gets cranky. Maybe your dog just gets more excited.

Answer 15

I think that if you think you should get another puppy, you should get one, I sometimes take care of a dog in my neighborhood, and he is way, way to energetic, and I think that another animal would help. But the choice is really up to you, and i am sure you do not do this, but no matter what do not ever hurt your animals wether they are being bad or super energetic, you can scold them if they do something bad, but do not hurt them. Also, long walks sometimes helps because sometimes that makes them more sleepy, but it can also give them more energy, like I said the choice is yours.

Answer 16

i think that you should get another dog because the two dogs will get along and they will have a lot of fun together. they will not wine because they will want to play outside the whole day. you just have to make sure that each dog gets equal attention or one dog might feel left out or lonely.

Answer 17

Well if you like dogs you should get a dog. But if you think one is enough trouble so far, you should wait. i dont think you need another puppy to entertain him, maybe you should have a chore that is to keep him company.

Answer 18

Your puppy is young and just learning. He should probably have another dog to keep him entertained so it dosn't leave to much of that on your hands. You should try and make some type of schedule for your dog. certain times for certain things you know.

but another dog would be a good idea

good luck(:

Answer 19

Yes all dogs need to have someone to play with. When you put him outside he cant play with anyone, if you get him a friend they will always play together.



Either that or they will both whine.

Answer 20

Yeah, I think dogs enjoy another dogs company. Especially since he's a pup. Awww I want a lab mix soooo bad. We're waiting to get a house soon and then I'm going to get one from the pound. Good luck!

Answer 21

The puppy is energetic because it's young! Just like children. [well some] I think you should get another puppy, to keep company with one another. I think he whines because the puppy feels lonely.

Answer 22

It would be nice to get another dog they like the company to play and if there alone...But if you don't have the energy for another or really don't want one there are other ways to get your dog to calm down if you have a regular walking schedule and play schedule! -But I think you should get another dog, they really like it!-

Answer 23

with the economy looking not so good and a large family do not get another dog. there will only be more problems for you and yopur family. can yo uafford more dog food and trips to the vet. since it is just you for now you will get overwhelmed.

Answer 24

Yes getting another dog will give him more to play with.

You can give him the attention he wants but when you need to put him outside he will still have a buddy there with him.



But also with age he will calm down.



So you just need to decide if you want to wait that long or if you want to add another family member. It will be more work but if your a pet lover it will be worth it.



I personally always get animals in twos. they just seem so lonely when i don't have time to pay attention to them.





but its you choice.

Answer 25

he's a puppy thats what they do. Getting sanother one is good for the dog but if you have no time for the one you have now I don't reccomend you get a second dog.

Answer 26

Dogs are like kids themselves. Do you think you can handle having two at the same time?

Answer 27

I would say get another one, but with 4 kids and 2 dogs its guna be crazy in that house hold...they both will just whine at the door...thats how dogs are, they want human contact.

Answer 28

labs are balls of energy, I'd say hold off on the 2nd dog simply b/c it sounds like you have enough going on. He'll be fine especially when he gets older.

Answer 29

u should get another puppy

but only if you think u can handle it

i have two dogs and they grew up together

i got them both when they were two month

and now there two years

they are the best of friends too

and hate to be seperated

Answer 30

i would get a puppy of the opposite gender that is fixed. i have 3 dogs and things get wilder than u think

Answer 31

yeah try getting another puppy to play with the current one you already have.( That is if your ready for the extra work.)

Answer 32

don't get another puppy that will just make him more hyper just wait it out till hes older he will be more calm then

Answer 33

you already have lots of kids and two pets so another dog'll probably be a lot to handle. once he gets older he'll probably calm down

Answer 34

sure, if you think you have the time and resources for another dog, then by all means get one! maybe you shouldn't jump into it, though...he'll probably settle down some as he gets older and more accustomed to living with you.

Answer 35

When he gets older... he will calm down, but I would reccomend another dog to keep him company... for now, but you will learn to love him and end up keeping him longer!

Answer 36

you need a smaller dog....big and small dogs can get along rather well....I know from experience from 5 dogs....2 big dogs and 3 little ones

Answer 37

you should get another dog but one who is a little calmer. you're right another energetic one could be overwhelming, but a calm one would be perfect.

Answer 38

Have you tried obiediance training?

Answer 39

SOMETIMES DOGS REACT BADLY WITH JEALOUSY WITH OTHER DOGS IF YOU PLAY WITH IT. MY DOG BEGAN TO BECOME AGGRESIVE WHEN WE GOT ANOTHER DOG.

Answer 40

no dont get a new dog

Answer 41

You should get another dog.

Answer 42

yes you should get another dog so he can have a pal

Answer 43

Get him another one.

Answer 44

sure why not..the more the merrier! lol i def would, but if you feel like it would be too much pressure, then i guess not.

Answer 45

yes

Answer 46

yes

Answer 47

i think u should get ten... they should all be great danes!