20
Wednesday, August 9, 2017 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon
Paw
Prints
Jodi Schneider McNamee
Columnist
Does your dog
need a friend?
Every time you and Rover
spend the weekend with
your friend and her dog, the
two dogs have a great time
together. And each time
when you return home your
dog seems down for a couple
of days.
Should you consider hav-
ing a playmate for Rover or a
second dog?
Since dogs are pack
animals, they enjoy being
around others. Some miss
having companionship so
much when their pet par-
ents are away that they
bark incessantly or become
destructive. A dog can ben-
efit from having another pet
in the home to bond with, in
the right circumstances.
However, dogs do not
automatically get along with
other dogs. Just like humans,
they can be picky about their
friends. Most dogs who have
been well-socialized with a
variety of other canines from
puppyhood shouldn’t have
trouble getting along with a
new furry family member.
A friend can help make
your dog more active because
they will play together when
you are not available and
some dogs exhibit improve-
ment in their behavior and
overall demeanor once
another pet is introduced.
On the other hand, when
dogs don’t get along, it can
lead to heartbreak and even
physical injury between the
two dogs.
Start by observing Rover
with other dogs. Take him
to a neutral site where there
are only a few other dogs.
Dog parks are good places to
meet other dogs.
Begin by keeping your
dog on a leash when meet-
ing other dogs, so you can
maintain control of the initial
session.
Once your dog exhibits
friendliness toward other
dogs, let him play with them
freely at the dog park but
observe his behavior.
Some dogs don’t enjoy
the company of other dogs
and spend their visit to the
dog park close to their pet
parents. This could be due to
a lack of interest in socializ-
ing or fear of other dogs.
If Rover displays aggres-
sive behavior with other
dogs, it’s best to get profes-
sional training before consid-
ering bringing a second dog
into the picture.
But, if your dog is the life
of the party at the dog park,
he may enjoy having a play-
mate at home.
And then there are some
dogs that guard their “ter-
ritory,” and while they are
fine at the dog park, they
would not like the idea of a
playmate coming home for
dinner.
So, even if Rover gets
along well with other dogs
in neutral places things could
be very different if you bring
a new dog into his home.
Not every dog likes to
have a new dog come into
the household. If your furry
friend is strongly bonded to
you then he may not like the
idea of sharing your time and
attention with a new pooch.
Try having your friend
bring her dog over for a visit
and notice if Rover is still
playing nice on his own ter-
ritory. If so, then he would
probably enjoy the company
of a second dog.
If you decide on a second
dog, take your dog’s prefer-
ences into consideration. Ask
yourself: “What kinds of dog
would my dog like?”
PHOTO BY JODI SCHNEIDER MCNAMEE
Ollie needed a friend; Mia came into Ollie’s life and they were perfect for
each other.
Sit down and list out
these characteristics, and
remember to take notice
when your pooch meets a
new dog so you can begin
tracking patterns. While
you may be attracted to the
look of a small dog such as
a Chihuahua, your Mastiff
may prefer the company of
other big dogs. And if your
dog is older he may not enjoy
the energy of a puppy.
Arrange for Rover to
come with you to the shelter
when scouting out potential
companions. Most shelters
are fine with this. But make
sure that your dog is com-
pletely healthy and up to date
on his vaccinations.
Introducing your resident
dog to your new dog cor-
rectly is very important.
Some breeders and rescue
organizations have staff
experienced in canine social
interactions and body lan-
guage, who can help make
the introduction as low-stress
as possible.
Getting a second dog as
a playmate for your furry
friend can be a good idea
but it’s not something that
you should rush into with-
out thinking it through.
Remember to consider your
situation and your time.
And it could take your dog
a while to accept the new-
comer and things could be
tense until the furry kids call
a truce.
Quilt Drawing
for
FURRY FRIEND S
501 ( c )( 3 )
FOUNDATION
100% of the proceeds go to Furry Friends Foundation.
“Pets Just Wanna Have Fun” quilt was
designed, appliqued, and quilted by
Valerie Fercho-Tillery. The original design and
incredible detail make this a spectacular quilt!
The quilt is currently on display at
The Nugget offi ce, 442 E. Main Ave.
Bring your pup by for a dog cookie and have a look!
Tickets may be purchased at The Nugget offi ce
or online at our website
www.furryfriendsfoundation.org.
Tickets are $1 each, six for $5 or
go for it, 25 for $20.
Info: 541-549-9941
“Pets Just Wanna Have Fun” - by Valerie Fercho-Tillery (45.5"w x 57.5"h)