My sheltie is going to be separated from him companion.

[Mego1110]

When I got my sheltie about a year ago, I brought him in to live with my best friend and her chocolate lab mix. My dog clings on to that dog like no other. When my roommate leaves sometimes to visit family and takes her dog, I notice that he is sad and it kills me. The worst part is that she is moving in December so my dog will be separated from her except on visits! Should I get another dog for him so he isn't depressed? What would the best breed be? And would a female be best since she is male? He is only 10 months. Almost 11. Help!!

[Chris]

Ah, this is a hard things we all have to learn. Puppies often bond with older dogs -- my Beckon is a bit lost without big sister Layla. Yes, your Sheltie will be sad, no doubt. Be sure to tell him what is going to happen in December -- I'm big on "Who the heck knows what they understand?"

I'm always in favor of a buddy -- I have four. Are you in a position to raise another puppy? Can you find an adult dog to share your Sheltie's life? Yes, Labs are great with Shelties. With a neutered male, I'd go for a female for sure!

[Justicemom]

Originally Posted by Chris

.I'm always in favor of a buddy -- I have four. Are you in a position to raise another puppy? Can you find an adult dog to share your Sheltie's life? Yes, Labs are great with Shelties. With a neutered male, I'd go for a female for sure!

Depends on the sheltie and the lab. 2 of mine greatly dislike Labs. They don't like how they play and find them annoying. My family all has Labs, well trained but boisterous and too much for my guys. You really need to take the indivdual dogs into mind. My 2 that disliked Labs got on great with my JRT mix, spunky little demon dog that she was.

Of course, shelties get on great with shelties. I will be walking one of mine and they see another sheltie and they almost spain a neck muscle trying to see them.

[corbinam]

While I'm always in favor of dogs having friends (my two really enjoying playing together) I also don't think it's a reason in and of itself to get another dog.

If you, the owner, are ready for the responsibility of two dogs (financially, from a time commitment perspective, training perspective etc...) then I say go for it. But if you would only be getting another dog because your first dog is sad, I think that's the wrong reasons.

I think that this is a great opportunity for you to find things to do with just you and your dog. Your dog bonded closely to your friend's dog, but now you have the opportunity to work on your relationship 1 on 1. You could try an obedience class, or agility, or just spend time playing fetch in the yard that you ordinarily didn't spend. You'll be surprised how quickly you can become your dog's best friend.

[Justicemom]

Originally Posted by corbinam

While I'm always in favor of dogs having friends (my two really enjoying playing together) I also don't think it's a reason in and of itself to get another dog.

If you, the owner, are ready for the responsibility of two dogs (financially, from a time commitment perspective, training perspective etc...) then I say go for it. But if you would only be getting another dog because your first dog is sad, I think that's the wrong reasons.

I think that this is a great opportunity for you to find things to do with just you and your dog. Your dog bonded closely to your friend's dog, but now you have the opportunity to work on your relationship 1 on 1. You could try an obedience class, or agility, or just spend time playing fetch in the yard that you ordinarily didn't spend. You'll be surprised how quickly you can become your dog's best friend.

I think Ashley brings up a good point. Get another dog only if you want another dog not just for your dog. 2 dogs are alot more work especially for 1 person in terms of money and time. The benefits can be huge but if you really don't want another dog it can be a burden.

[Internette]

If you cant get another dog, would a cat work? Could they become friends?

[Jaynie]

Most Shelties of my acquaintance have really enjoyed the company of cats. Neechee was partially raised by my grumpy old Siamese, who would hold him down when he was a puppy, and give him a thorough bath, then act surprised 10 minutes later that he still smelled like a dog! Chuck (the Siamese) had the classic Siamese "talkiness", and Neechee learned to imitate him almost perfectly.

After I adopted my Bela from Sheltie Rescue, she seemed so sad and depressed to be the only dog. She didn't bark or play and her tail was always tucked under. At the time, I couldn't figure out what was wrong with her, except that she was a puppy mill rescue and figured it had broken her spirit. But then my husband adopted a JRT mix girl, and she almost immediately (literally 15 minutes after we got home) started wagging that tail and barking. Turns out she was very lonely! And we had the great fortune to pick the perfect "emergency backup dog!" Where Bela is sedate and relaxed, Gracie is always in a state of perpetual motion. (Seriously, the little brat runs and BARKS in her sleep!) She and Bela are the best of friends with never a tiff between the two. They even share the same dog bed in the den. Bela loves the company, but I think Gracie (aka Bald Dog) just enjoys having a big fluffy friend to snuggle up to.

[Mego1110]

Thank you to everyone that has replied! I can afford another dog and I do want one or I wouldn't even consider, but I just want to make sure I bring home the right one! My roommate told me I should just get him a goldfish. Haha She also brought up the cat thing, but I personally wouldn't want a cat.

Every dog that my Sheltie has come in contact with, there has been no problems. The only one he was kid of skiddish with was a blue heeler puppy, but the puppy was annoying. My dog is almost 11 months and his companion now is only 10 days older than him, if that makes a difference.

[JacqueZ]

My sheltie, Honey, grew up with a bunch of larger friends, like labs and pit bulls, and so she gets along with most breeds she meets. (the exception oddly enough being other shelties. (first one she came in contact with wanted to continuously lick her nose...))

If yours grew up with a lab puppy I would imagine it'll be a similar story, she'll be fine with most medium size dogs, she's probably gotten used to the rough housing with the larger pups.

[Sheltiemama]

Why not get another sheltie? Maybe an adult rescue? That way your dog could meet the "new guy" and see how they get along.