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Posts: 1
From:bath, england, united kindom
Registered: Aug 2003

posted 08-19-2003 01:34 AM         

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I ahve a terrier who is 9 mounths old, and i think he gets lonely sometimes. whenever were not there to play with him he runs outside and barks, when we bring him in he gets board lies down or chews.
is he lonly?
does he need a compaion?
and are 2 dogs better than 1?

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@lice

[This message has been edited by hamea1 (edited 08-19-2003).]

[This message has been edited by hamea1 (edited 08-19-2003).]

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Member

Posts: 409
From:Los Angeles, Ca.
Registered: Aug 2003

posted 08-19-2003 02:55 AM         

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For the most part, "2 is always better than 1"... Well, regarding getting another companion for the both of you (your dog & you), i think it is, only if you have the time to spend w/ both of them. Of corse money is always the other issue too. Although, getting another dog does'nt mean that it gonna take all the load off your shoulders as far as spending time w/ your pup. Your gonna have two dogs now. That means MORE time & money. BUT, it Will give your pup a doggie friend to play/share life w/. Remember though, your the "leader of the pack", and they'll always want to be w/ the leader! To reply to your question "is he bored"? Yes, he most likely is. Terriers are very affectionate companions, and they need to be beside their best friend(s)--"YOU", or other family members. Give them, at least 45-1 hour a day total of attention and play... I hope i answered some concerns... GOOD LUCK!

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Posts: 277
From:Nellis AFB, Nevada
Registered: Jun 2003

posted 08-19-2003 08:35 AM         

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I agree with the above post. Make sure this is what you and your family want too. If you get the second dog remember that the second dog will also need your time and love as the other one does. Lots of playtime (as in the above post, 45 min to 1 hr is good) for both. It does decrease the boredom of the other dog if he has a companion to play with when you are not available but remember that two dogs can get bored too so make sure they have plenty of toys and chew bones to occupy them(or if you don't decide to get the second dog, for your only one). Good luck in your decision.

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Posts: 1387
From:Portland, Oregon US
Registered: Sep 2003

posted 08-19-2003 09:35 AM         

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I agree, it's important to understand that adding another dog is NOT going to mean you have to spend less time with your dog, it means you will now have two that you need to spend time with. I think his behavior is because he is bored, terriers need to be active, both physically and mentally. How long is your current dog alone a day? Is he in a kennel when you are gone or ouside?
I think two dogs are better than one....ONLY because I love dogs and love spending alot of time with them. I think one dog is fine when given alot of attention by the people in it's life.
Just an idea...but have you considered playdates? We do this with our dogs, they have several "friends" that we meet with weekly. One of my girlfriends and I trade picking each others dogs up and taking them to our houses for play time. Usually an hour or two a week. There are also dog parks available in many places.
Smiles, Maisey

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