Does My Dog Need a Playmate?

Doggie fever hitting you again? Dogs are adorable, fun, and add lots of excitement to our daily lives, so why not add another furry friend to your family? Having a second dog can be very beneficial for your family and your first dog, but it can be difficult to tell if your dog actually needs a playmate or would be overwhelmed by having another dog in their space. Here’s how to know if your dog needs a playmate:

Huge Fan of the Dog Park

If your dog is a social butterfly, constantly introducing themself to other dogs at the park and making new friends on walks, this is a great sign that your dog is looking for a buddy. Generally speaking, more outgoing dogs will do better with a canine companion at home. They’ll love having someone to drag around on their adventures and hang out with all the time.

Good at Sharing

This quality may be rare, but some dogs are naturally great sharers! They’re happy to welcome others into their space, share their snacks, and maybe even scoot over from their usual spot on the couch to accommodate someone else. Dogs are naturally territorial, so you can expect some pushback from your dog when it feels like someone else is invading their space. However, if your dog gets aggressive or particularly upset when it comes to sharing their space and resources, adding a dog to the family might not be the best idea for them. Consider your dog’s needs before adding a new dog to the fam.

Bored in the House

If your dog seems particularly bored or lazy while they’re home, especially after days of being home alone, this could be a good sign that they could use a companion to energize and entertain them. Solitude can be a bore, so having a friend for your doggo is a great way to keep your bored dog happy and entertained. Hanging out with another dog is also a great way to exercise your dog’s mental muscles and build some neural connections to help them stay sharp. Your dog will find it difficult to be bored with a new companion to spend their time with.

Eager to Play

If your dog is always itching for one more round of fetch or tug-of-war, it could be a sign that they would enjoy a playmate. We love playing with our dogs, but let’s face it, what’s wildly exciting for them can quickly become boring for us. Having another dog around can leave you extra time to cook dinner and hang out with the rest of your family while the dogs entertain each other. Feeling like playing with both dogs at once? Check out these tips on playing with two dogs.

Could Use a Confidence Boost

Just like us, our dogs can struggle with anxiety and PTSD. If your dog seems particularly timid around other dogs, family members, or other social scenarios, bringing another dog around could help them overcome their anxieties. Talk to your vet about ways to gradually introduce a new furry friend into your dog’s life if it seems they could use a little confidence boost. You don’t want to overwhelm your more timid doggo.

If your dog is showing any of the above signs that they need another furry friend, it may be time to consider! Take your time and be sure to schedule plenty of playdates to see how your pooch reacts to having other dogs in their space before making your decision. Who knows, a new pal could be just what your dog needs!