Is he lonely? Should we get another dog?

Only get a second dog if you really really really want a second dog. It is in fact not twice as much work, but three times as much given that each dog has their own issues plus the issues that arise when two dogs are a unit. For my two, neither one of them is a good substitute for mom and dad. They don't hang out together during the day when they're alone (they are seperately confined for their own safety) and when we're home, they are much more focused on us than on each other. Sure, they play together and everything, but they don't keep one another from missing us.  Having a second dog also did not "cure" Conrad of his seperation anxiety (that's not why I got a second dog, but I see a lot of people thinking that may be the solution to their dog's SA--it isn't).
 
So, it's great to have multi dogs--I love it. But it doesn't sovle any problems, it just creates more.

Yes I agree, Never get s econd dog to apeease teh one you currently have. You'll then have two bored dogs who will be able to get into mroe misheif.

Agreed here to,only get a second dog if you want it! Take precautions make sure your dog is willing to  accept another dog to the family. If your dog is dog aggressive then you may need to  find it a new home. Which you dont want to do. So be sure you and your dog are fully ready and willing for another. =)

I'm going to go against the tide somewhat, here, and say getting a second dog to keep the first company is a decent idea. You do have to be sure you want another dog and are prepared for the extra work, but from my experience, dogs are way happier when they have a canine buddy to hang out with when the people aren't around. I've decided that every pet I own will have a buddy of the same species so they can keep each other company. I think all pets are far less prone to boredom if they have a buddy, and with a small dog that doesn't need much exercise, you should be fine.

^^Thanks   I actually DO want another dog, I just worry that it will be chaos.  Jimmy is my first dog, and I feel like I just barely have a handle on things, lol!  But, if there was to be chaos, I think it would be good, and temporary - because, they're just so cute and fun and snuggly!!!  I also wonder should I get a boy or girl dog, or does it matter?  The breeder we got Jimmy from has a litter that will be ready in Feb. and has the same parents as Jimmy.  That makes me happy because he is so pretty and smart that if we got one from that litter we'd kinda know what to expect.  And, do you think Jimmy could help train the new puppy?  Right now he's litter box trained, and knows all the basic commands, rules of the house, and some tricks.
 
There's just so much to think about!!!

I agree... get a second dog only if you want one.  We got Trixie in April and although she and Gracie sleep near each other, they don't really play together during the day.  Plus, you might want to consider what your vet bills will be... I've often heard of some dogs being returned or rehomed because of unexpected expense.  I wish you lots of luck!!  Jimmy sure is a cutie []

Thanks!  Thats a good point!  Besides all the hair, one of our other concerns is cost.  We figure after we would get the other dog, we need to keep in mind that there will be alot of vet expenses at first - puppy shots, getting the puppy fixed when its old enough, and maintenence shots and check ups.  I've also considered taking the new puppy to puppy classes like we did with Jimmy, but I don't know if it would be necessary if we just socialize him and use the same lessons we learned on Jimmy.

Honestly, if you do get another dog, I would still take it to puppy class. I think it adds to the bond and with 2 in the house, you will find it harder to do some one on one training.

ORIGINAL: gwennabeme

Thanks!  Thats a good point!  Besides all the hair, one of our other concerns is cost.  We figure after we would get the other dog, we need to keep in mind that there will be alot of vet expenses at first - puppy shots, getting the puppy fixed when its old enough, and maintenence shots and check ups.  I've also considered taking the new puppy to puppy classes like we did with Jimmy, but I don't know if it would be necessary if we just socialize him and use the same lessons we learned on Jimmy.

 
Another thing to think about is the fact that even though YOU are secure in your home and situation dosnt mean your dog is mature or secure enough to have another dog to share your attention with. My girl has changed so much from the first year of her life and we still ahd a lot of things we needed to work on. I just think I would have missed some major bonding time with my girl if I had two of them and maybe she wouldnt be the same dog. I of course want another just like dog but dont think I'm ready for the extra responsibility and it I think myself selfish if I'm just feeling this want because I want a notehr oen to ciddle with. I
Bottom Line: It is our job to provide our dogs with the best life we can give them and if for one moment you find yourself questioning wether it the quality of life you give would be different if you had two then I'd wait. You have all the time in the world to get another dog and there will always be puppies that need homes. On the other hand if you are 100% sure that you can provide for them financially and obediance wise then go for it. You should know deep down in your heart if you can or not and wether you want another "just cause"

well, I think dogs ARE happier with dog buddies. But I think you should wait until your current dog is three years old and has settled into maturity. It will be easier on you, your dog, and the new pup to stagger their ages in this way.

I think it's better to have a boy and a girl, if you do get another dog. Two boys will probably get on all right together, but getting a boy and girl will really minimise any arguments between them.

I dunno about the maturity thing. I think you're the best judge of your dog's sense of security. If you think Jimmy is confident and secure, he'd probably be okay. And there's something to be said for having dogs around the same age together. They seem to do great together. However, two young dogs will probably be a little chaotic, yes! I expect a new puppy would learn a lot of the house rules from Jimmy, unless Jimmy decides to muck up for attention. Penny always behaves better around other dogs because she seems to have this idea that she should show them up by being a little angel and soaking up all the praise and then she gets to shoot superior looks at the other dogs that aren't being told how good they are. [] I'm lucky that way. Penny is also a policeman and comes running to tell us if one of the other dogs have escaped the yard. She's very helpful at times.

Hi.
As a pom mom I ask the same question all the time. Keiichi is nearly 6 years old but I worry about the time that he has alone. Have you thought about doggie daycare sometimes. We take him every couple of weeks or so and he gets his fill of other dogs. If you are not ready for a second dog it might be a way to help
Good luck its a big decision!

   Jimmy is my first dog, and I feel like I just barely have a handle on things, lol!  But, if there was to be chaos, I think it would be good, and temporary - because, they're just so cute and fun and snuggly!!!  I

Do not get a second dog at this point.

Second dogs shouldn't be considered until well after the 15 month old stage, IMO.  Younger if the dog you are getting is an older dog.

IMO don't get a second dog.

When we adopted our cats from local HS, we agreed to adopt 2, so they could keep each other company.  Considering they licked each other's faces immediately when we held them face to face, there was no question.  Turned out to be a good choice, they love each other and have fun playing.
 
When we looked to rescue a dog, we found Peanut was a great choice, she was about 3 1/2 months at adoption.  1 1/2 years later, she seemed bored.  She's very mild mannered, enjoyed playing tag with the cats indoors, but she seemed like she missed something.  I began contemplating getting another dog as a companion for her.  After much deliberations with SU, we decided against it because of the lack of a regular schedule. 
 
A month later, my friend called me to ask if I wanted a rescue she found with a chain embedded in his neck.  She knew I loved GSDs, so I was her first choice.  There was no question!  Peanut & I drove up and picked him up.  By the time I got home, an exhausting 4 hours later, I cried because I wasn't sure what I got myself into!  Well, after Draico calmed down from the anesthesia, and excitement fo traveling, new home, new friends, etc.  I knew I made the right choice!  We all love him, dearly! 
 
It was three times the work training him, but I was lucky that Peanut knew her commands which helped, he seemed to mimmick her.  They are inseparable, and I love watching them frolick and wrestle in the yard.  The only major problem I ran into was my cat, Bonkers, got jealous because HE lost his indoor play buddy.  BTW, Peanut was about 18 months when we brought Draico home.