Another Shi Tzu

Question
QUESTION: Hi Patti...
I rescued the most lovable, adoring Shi Tzu, Percy, 8 years ago from an Animal Rescue League. The BEST thing I have ever done! I am single, not children, etc...so Percy is my life. Now that he is 9 years old, and I have recently started a new job and been very involved in it, I'm concerned that Percy gets lonely. I work all day and then come home at night and do reports. I am wondering if I should get him a "play mate?" (DEFINITELY a SHI TZU! Wouldn't consider another breed!!) I also "hear" that getting a second dog helps make and older dog playful and "younger" again. I definitely am not considering a puppy, but more of a 4-5 yr old.
What are your thoughts on this? I don't want Percy to feel sad or that I'm replacing or abandoning him...I adore the little guy.
Thank you SO much for your help!
Janice

ANSWER: Hi Janice,

Really, Percy is the "person" to be asking here. After 9 years of being your only dog, he might have some real issues with suddenly having to share you with another dog.

Has Percy developed any new bad habits since you started your job to make you think he's lonely? If not, you might be projecting your own guilt for not being around as much since starting your new job, onto Percy. A 9 year old dog spends an awful lot of time during the day sleeping, he might be fine with being alone, as long as he gets your full attention as soon as you come home. Are spending "quality" time with him in the evenings, and weekends? Hopefully on the weekends, you're able to include Percy in errands and other activities you can do together.

Does Percy enjoy the company of other dogs? Is he a "take it or leave it" sort of fellow when it comes to being around other dogs, or is he out right aggressive towards them?
You can test him if you have any friends or family that own dogs, by asking if you could "borrow" their pet for a weekend test flight. This way, it's just you, Percy, and the other dog in your home.

If Percy doesn't seem to be thrilled with sharing you or his home with another dog, a good solution might be enrolling him in a doggy daycare. It wouldn't have to be every day. Just breaking up his "routine" a day or two during the week might be an exciting diversion for Percy. Many boarding kennels offer doggy daycare services, you could locate one by looking in your phone book. Another option is to arrangements with a friend, family member, neighbor (or neighbor's child) for them to take Percy out for a walk and have some social contact at some point during the day.

If things go well, and Percy seems to be okay with with your weekend visitor, you would then want to take the time to select a new dog that has a temperament that Percy gets along with. If Percy is dominate around other dogs, you would want to find a submissive dog. If Percy is submissive, it wouldn't matter whether the new dog was dominate or submissive. There are many wonderful adult dogs in need of a home, many of which have been evaluated for temperament and how well they get along with other dogs. The group you got Percy from is a good place to start, you can also do a web search for Shih Tzu specific breed rescues in your area. Another place to browse adoptable dogs by breed is: http://www.petfinder.com

Being a rescue dog, I will assume Percy has been neutered. If this is the case, it doesn't matter if you get another neutered dog, or a spayed female dog. Either would be okay. Again, it's the temperament you want to look at.

Before bringing home a new dog, read up on how to introduce two dogs, so their relationship get off on the right paw. Here's a site to get you started:

http://www.ddfl.org/behavior/dog-intros.pdf

I hope I've been a help!
Best of luck to you, and Percy!

Patti




---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Dearest Patti...
Well, you have pretty much CONFIRMED my concerns...
And yes, my biggest issue is in fact Percy having to "share" Mommi with another pup as he's DEFINITELY a "Momma's Boy!" For ex...My Mom came into town and brought her Shi Tzu (agressive) for a couple of days and Percy HID the whole time in the closet. I was absolutely MISERABLE and totally uncomfortable and couldn't wait for Mom to leave! BUT, I have to point out that right in the beginning, tho, Mom's Shi Tzu nipped at Percy and "bit" him...I was stunned, and so was Percy. He and my Dad's dog completely ignore each other...he doesn't "hide," thank Goodness.
Percy is VERY shy with other dogs - he tends to "cower" or hide under tables...unless I hold him in my arms.
No, he hasn't been acting differently and you are TOTALLY on target with ME feeling terribly guilty - as mentioned I am single and have never been married with no kids - Percy IS my BABY! I work all day (leave about 7:30 and get home at 5) and then at night type up reports (I'm a Medical sales rep). But he sits (as he is now) btwn my legs on the floor as I type up my reports - sometimes off to the side. And I feel terrible!
I try to make time to toss his favorite ball and all...but I wish I could do more. Bedtime is our "cuddle time," and I read and stroke him.
You mentioned something significant: there IS a lady in my complex who walks dogs during the day...and I can hire her (gets expensive, but this is my little boy!) Maybe this would be a good "plus" indeed?!!
I just want sweet Percy to feel LOVED beyond belief and attended to - that is my WHOLE goal! And yes, I found him and my Mom's thru Petfinder in fact! INDEED he is neutered - the only way to go!
Looking forward to your input once again - you have been MARVELOUS, Patti!
Janice

ANSWER: Hi Hi Janice,

Even though you're still working hen you come home in the evening, it's still "quality time" for Percy. Just sitting near you (or on you) and even sleeping next to you, all count as time spent with your dog!

It sounds like having a woman in your complex to walk Percy at some point during the day is a good solution. Keep in mind, if Percy is used to being alone all day, isn't destructive when he's alone, or having house training accidents or has acquired a barking habit, then he doesn't HAVE to be walked during the day. It means he's handling his daytime hours much better than you think he is.

Having him walked during the day is an option, and it doesn't need to be done daily. It shouldn't be a financial burden when it's an option. If you have him walked twice a week, for excitement purposes, that's still excellent. It's totally up to you, your level of guilt, and your budget. The dog walking woman may have a range of prices for the different amounts of time she'll spend with a dog, it's something you could inquire about.

If, as Percy ages he develops a problem with "holding" his bowel or bladder, then a mid-day walk would be more of a necessity.

If Percy likes to play with things like balls, etc. try leaving him during the day with a Kong or BusterCube. These are hard rubber toys you fill with snacks, or a bit of it's kibbed food. It takes time for the dog to get the treat out. Keeping a dog with nothing but time on his hands occupied is mental stimulation, it's something a dog needs. You might also keep a radio on for Percy tuned to a talk station. (my dogs like NPR!)

I have every confidence that Percy feels very much loved and pampered, and doesn't want you to feel guilty about anything.

Feel free to write if I can be of further help.
Best of luck,

Patti

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: My Dearest Patti...
I am so sorry for the delay in my response. It has been one CRAZY week, that's for sure - but I definitely wanted to get in touch with you. YOu have been SUCH an amazing contact to me (and to Percy) and NO, I do not "really" want to get another pup for Percy - I want him ALL to myself and for him to know he has ME ALL to himself as well! YOu just affirmed that!!
I have contacted the woman who can walk him for perhaps a one-a-week stroll to add some variety...but feel so much better having heard what you said about him being fine with just my company alone. Makes me feel TONS better!!
And I have investigated a "Buster Cube!" I currently have 3 KONGS, and he loves them - I freeze them with peanut butter and carrots in them - Percy adores them! Gets one per evening. The Buster CUbes offer a good alternative indeed!
YOu totally  made my day when you said that you're confident that Percy feels loved and pampered...I was truly having a difficult time, thinking I was neglectful of my little lovebug~!!
;)
Do you have any suggestions of any "raw-hide-type" (ultra chewy) "chews" for Percy to munch on? I refuse to give him the typical raw hides due to the the unhealthiness of them - not to mention, they're a mess!!
Have a wonderful evening, Patti - and I look forward to hearing from you! (as does Percy!)
Sincerely,
Janice


Answer
Hi Janice,

I'm glad you've made arrangements to have Percy walked during the week, I'm sure he'll enjoy the extra walk and the attention.

I once had a dog get very sick on rawhide, so I don't recommend it. Some veterinarians have attributed cases of acute constipation to large pieces of incompletely digested rawhide in the intestine. Basically it is good for dogs to chew on, but dogs think rawhide is food, not a toy. They don't play with it nor do they use it as a pacifier to relieve their tension. They eat it as they would any other food. This can be dangerous, for the hide is very difficult for dogs to digest and swallow, and dogs have been known to choke on large particles of rawhide that become stuck in their throats.

Not every dog has a problem with rawhide, many tolerate it and never have any problems. Because of my past experience though, it's not something I will give to my dogs.  The exception to my rawhide rule is a product called "Roarhide" (made by Nylabone). These bones are actually tiny rawhide particles that are reformed into a chew toy, and are safe to consume, and they don't stain. Even though Roarhide is safe to eat, it's best to get an appropriately size Roarhide for your dog.  Booda bones are another safe chew toy, they're made of compressed cornstarch and are totally digestible, and they come in many of flavors.

Alternately, you could give Percy a "recreational" bone -which is one that is too big for him to actually eat, such as a shank bone of a cow. It should be raw because if it is cooked, it could splinter and he may swallow shards of bone that could become lodged and cause a blockage. If you have a local butcher shop, that would be the best place to ask for one of these bones. Often they are given away for free, if you tell the butcher it's for your dog! Raw bones should be discarded after a day or two.
If you can't find raw bones, another option is to buy one of the great big smoked beef knuckle or shank bones from the pet store. These are cooked, so I would recommend getting the big ones if you have to go this route, so Percy is not as likely to break off small shards of it and swallow them. The big drawback to the raw bone or smoked bones is they can be messy treats. Both varieties can stain carpeting and furniture.

It is a good idea to rotate your Percy's toys periodically. If Percy stops playing with a toy, put it away. In a few weeks reintroduce the toy. He will think it's new. This will break the monotony, and save you money. Keep a variety of types available for Percy.

I hope I've been a help. Give my best to Percy.

-Patti