Don't get 'pal' for barking dog

Deseret News (Salt Lake City), Jan 29, 2004 by Matthew Margolis

Dear Uncle Matty: My dog is 5 years old, and I'm gone half the day. When I'm not home, he stays in our fenced backyard, where he has his own faucet for water and a doghouse. He also has toys to play with. My new neighbor says that after I leave every day, Wolfgang barks for about half an hour.

My previous neighbors never mentioned that, but they had a dog that stayed outside in their yard and barked sometimes, so it was probably not an issue with them. I think my dog might be lonely, so my question is, should I get another dog to keep him company? -- Marcella W., San Jose, Calif.

Dear Marcella: The only reason to get a second dog is if you really want one. Having two dogs is like having twins: double the trouble. In this case, you will probably wind up with two barking dogs instead of one. It appears that the barking is prompting your interest in getting a second dog -- that perhaps you think if your dog has a buddy, he won't bark.

Your previous neighbors had a dog in their yard. Wolfgang was used to the presence of another pooch on the other side of the fence. He expected his four-legged neighbor to be there, and that became a habit like drinking out of his faucet or playing with a favorite ball. Getting a second dog is not the way to solve this or any canine problem. Dogs are more like "copycats" than one might think, and they can duplicate one another's bad behavior almost instantly.

So what's a mother to do? If your dog is not trained, now's a good time to work with a qualified professional who can train and modify the barking behavior. Dogs love to learn, and training is a wonderful diversion, not to mention it is the only thing that truly lets an owner and her dog communicate. A dog walker or pet sitter may also be a good idea for you.

Dogs don't have a real sense of time, so whether you are gone for an hour or four hours is not the issue. It's what you do when you are home that is important. Are you giving Wolfgang quality time? A nice long walk he can look forward to? Some playtime with a favorite toy? And lots of love, praise and affection every day? This kind of attention is extremely important for any dog. If you get a second dog, this kind of love and attention has to be given double time.

If you still want a second dog, make sure you have the time, the energy and the means to see that your new dog is well trained and has the care she needs. You'll notice I said "she." If you bring another male into your home, there will no doubt be top-dog issues that will occur sooner rather than later, depending on the age of the second dog. Two females or two males are more likely to have serious alpha issues that are often never resolved. A female will usually subordinate to a male. The barking issue will pale by comparison to the canine attempts to determine who is top dog.

Now, if you leave your dog home alone for long periods of time and he is more or less a dog-door pooch, you may feel guilty and think your best friend needs another best friend to keep him company. The problem is more yours than your dog's. If your dog is socialized and likes other dogs -- if he has a non-aggressive temperament -- then a second carefully selected dog of the opposite sex could be a nice addition. But again, you have to really want the dog and be willing to provide proper training and satisfy all the other needs, including love, praise and affection.

Getting a dog because you think your dog needs a pal is not the best reason. And by the way, this applies to cats as well. Only get a second cat if you really want one, and go for the opposite sex.

P.S. If you have a doggy problem like housebreaking, chewing or digging, training questions or other concerns, you'll find a lot of answers when you need them, 24 hours a day, at www.unclematty.com. Or send me an e-mail.

Dog trainer Matthew "Uncle Matty" Margolis is co-author of 18 books about dogs, a behaviorist, a popular radio and television guest, and host of the PBS series "WOOF! It's a Dog's Life!" Read all of Uncle Matty's columns at the Creators Syndicate web site at www.creators.com, and visit him at www.unclematty.com. Send your questions to dearuncle.gazetteunclematty.com or mail to Uncle Matty at P.O. Box 3300, Diamond Springs, CA 95619. © Creators Syndicate