Make sure your dog has appropriate company

Facts

• Dogs are sociable animals who need and enjoy company.
   
• If dogs are treated well as puppies, they learn to see people as friends and companions.
   
• A dog may suffer if it is left without company and has nothing to do for long periods of time.
   
• If a dog has appropriate contact with other dogs early in its life, it can become more sociable and enhance its quality of life.
   
• Many dogs will either chase or be afraid of animals with whom they are not familiar.

Things you should do

• Make sure that your dog has opportunities to interact positively with appropriate companions so that it does not become lonely or bored.
   
• Make sure your dog is never left alone long enough for it to become distressed. Read our FAQ on leaving dogs on their own.
   
  
• If your dog is friendly towards other dogs, allow it to interact with them on a regular basis.
   
• Never leave your dog unsupervised with another animal or person who may deliberately or accidentally harm or frighten it.
   
• When you are away, make sure your dog is properly cared for by a responsible person.
   
• If your dog is fearful of, or aggressive towards, other dogs, avoid the situations that lead to this behaviour, and seek advice from a vet or clinical animal behaviourist.
   
• If you have more than one dog, house them together if possible, but make sure they have enough space and can get away from one another if they want to.