neutered 7-year-old tricolor male Collie and a 12-year-old neutered red tabby cat
I am the proud owner of a neutered 7-year-old tricolor male Collie and a 12-year-old neutered red tabby cat. They get along quite well and are both extremely well-socialized and affectionate. However, while my Collie is extremely low-key and gentle, which makes him great with kids and very adaptable to new environments (he's an excellent therapy dog), he doesn't amuse himself during the hours he is alone while I am at work. He doesn't seem to want to play much with the pack of other dogs we meet at the park, although he does great in a one-on-one situation. I have many toys and chew bones on the floor,but he touches none of them and sleeps all day. In addition, he looks to me constantly for attention and to keep him occupied. I think this is my responsibility, which I take very seriously. I have been thinking he might like a dog buddy. Since I adore Collies, I have been seriously considering getting a second Collie to keep him company and to have a constant buddy for him to play with when we take our walks. (Although I don't have a fenced yard, we walk three to five miles during our three to four walks a day, during which time we train, groom, play and "discuss" our day.) I adore my Collie (and my cat), and I would gladly welcome Collie No. 2, as well. However, I want to be sure my first Collie would welcome a second dog into his house and that the second dog also would get along with my cat (who has a nature and temperament just like my dog). Where should I look for another Collie? What characteristics should I look for in the second dog to be sure he will fit into our apartment? I do not want to get dog No. 2 and then have to give it up if they all don't get along, and I don't want my first Collie to feel deposed by dog #2. Please tell me all I need to know to ensure the smooth introduction of the second Collie into my house. Do you advise getting the second Collie from a rescue group or a breeder? I always have been a strong advocate of the rescue option for people who want a purebred dog but can't pay breeders' prices because they would get a great dog to love. Would the rescue people be knowledgeable about whether or not a new Collie would mesh into my home? Are there any tests I could do to find out if the potential dog would do well in my house? I know from the pets' point of view a new dog is an intruder. What can I do to make this all work out best for all?
First of all, are you considering a second dog for yourself or mainly because you want it as a companion for your first dog? If it is for yourself, you will have several possible obstacles to overcome, and I cannot promise there will be instant acceptance from the pets you already have. If you are considering this dog as a pet FOR your pet, because you think he "needs" a companion to liven up his days while you are absent, I think you might be making a big mistake. The two pets you have sound well-cared for and content. There is nothing wrong with your dog being a mellow fellow; he doesn't need to be doing laps around your apartment while you are not home. In fact, he has learned to conserve his energy for his walks and the time you spend together. This is a mature adult dog; the introduction of a more enthusiastic second dog may serve to annoy him as he attempts to rest more than inspire him to new youthful levels of exuberance. If the second dog does have more energy, it may not be so content at home without your supervising presence. You mention you live in an apartment; I wonder if you will be lucky enough to acquire a second quiet Collie, or if the frustrated young dog might express some of its energy in ways your neighbors might not appreciate? It sounds like you have a wonderful situation with the pets you have; more isn't always better. Your dog is not pining for social contact with another dog; he loves YOUR company, and introducing a second dog might create more of a sense of competition than companionship. He knows the cat is there as another entity in the house with him, and he is obviously not stressed about being home without you. If your absence truly was causing a problem for your dog, he'd be out letting his frustration with barking, destructive behavior or other stress reactions. I won't say having two dogs is unenjoyable; it can be very gratifying for all involved. But think long and hard about your real motives; you claim not to want to take any chances at having any stress for your two pets or to risk failure with the second dog. A guarantee you would have none of these problems would be to relax and enjoy dividing your attention two ways instead of three. I don't think it would be possible to predict a stress-free introduction of another dog; you would be taking a chance, and while it might all work out great, you'd have to be willing to risk upheaval in your presently very stable home. Good luck, whatever you decide!
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