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Only Child Syndrome

Dali

I am considering getting another female shih tzu puppy for Dali to have a play mate. But I dont want her to feel less loved. I am wondering if dogs prefer to be only children or if they prefer to have a sibling?

• Experienced Advisor Rosie Barclay says:

  February 14th, 2008 at 09:13 AM

  Dear Suzanne

  Dogs naturally live in groups and have their own social rules which involve differing status between the dogs so they all know where they fit in. Each dog is different and how they get on depends on how much they want something and how strong they are. In some cases if two females of similar strengths want something they can fight quite badly over it until one gives up. On the other hand the males tend to fight each other over females. You can never quite tell how well dogs will get on with each other so I can not answer your question. However, you might find that she would prefer to have a little male friend instead of a female that she might have to compete with. You will also gain some idea of well she gets on with other dogs by observing her with them, is she having a good time?

  All the best

  Rosie Barclay

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