Looking for some advice....actually. My little dude Franklin, an almost 10 year old little 15lb mutt, has been exhibiting some behavior issues.
I've had him since he was just a few weeks old and he's always been pretty good. Took to house training rather easily and generally followed "orders".
He liked people, but was a little skittish around other dogs, but not all. Overall he was a good boy, in my opinion.
But in the last few years, he's changed. He's become seemingly more anxious. Excessive barking - especially when we are leaving the house - like separation anxiety? He just seems more on edge, barking at the tv, getting fired up at things he notices outside in the yard.
And in the last 6 months or so, hes started peeing in the house. I don't think full on pees, but more like marking, maybe?
There have been no major changes to his surroundings or routine...except for my kids.
They are 6 and 3. And when I think about it, I really think it may have started when the first one was born and has become worse over the years.
Up until a year or so ago, Franklin did not even really interact with them too much. But now, he and the 6yo are buddy buddy. And interestingly, he' s making on her stuff.
I really think the kids are to blame, they can be loud and wild and maybe it is just over stimulating him. That's my theory at least.
So what I want to find out, is how to help him.
I've been giving some thought about getting him a companion. Adding another dog into the mix.
When I was a kid, I had a Beagle - Max. Best dog ever. But he also developed some sort of separation anxiety. I remember having to take him to the front of the house, and then running full speed to get out the back door. Otherwise, he'd force his way outside and refuse to go back inside.
We got another dog and that seemed to work perfectly. The two of them got along great, and he didn't care if we left anymore.
That is why I'm considering getting another dog. But I realize that Franklin's issues may be a little different than Max's, and the last thing I would want to do is make a possibly territorial dog even worse.
To add another factor into all of this, we are about to move out of our house - a home we have been in for the last 5 years.
In just a few weeks, we will be moving in to a rental for about 6 months while we wait for our new house to be finished.Not sure how Franklin will react to this change given everything else currently.
If you've read all this - I appreciate you, and would like to know if anyone has any insight on the pros and cons of adding another dog in my situation.
