Don't get a second dog just for another dog's companionship, they don't need a live-in friend to thrive and really just need you, especially if you are active and outdoors focused.

However, if you would like a second dog and have the funds, time, energy and desire, go for it and you other dog could benefit also.

Most GSD don't do well in doggy daycare at all and aren't a rotating-pack breed.

 

My suggestion, if you choose to get another dog, get a male. And, check out your local animal shelter, or a local rescue. Lot's of great dogs out there. You don't say if you're considering another GSD. I'd say the most important thing is finding a dog your current dog gets along with.

 

I always have at least two dogs because mine play a lot. It keeps them young and active. If your dog is trained and you have time, a puppy could work. If you are still actively training, an older dog might be better. When you bring in an older dog there are hierarchy issues to deal with so make sure they get along before you make it permanent.

 

Just get a hobby with your dog. So many fun sports out there.

 

Anyone who gets a second German Shepherd to entertain the first one is in for a surprise: you then have two German Shepherds waiting for you to do stuff with them!
This is what I see from inside when I put them in the yard:

 

Anyone who gets a second German Shepherd to entertain the first one is in for a surprise: you then have two German Shepherds waiting for you to do stuff with them!
This is what I see from inside when I put them in the yard:
Aint that the truth!! I put Zeus out
View attachment 579091

Ain't it the truth!! I put Zeus out to do his bizness. I close the front door hoping he will play with his ball by himself. Nope...I peek outside & there he is sitting right outside the front dooor. He will not play by himself inside or outside.

 

Neither. Your dog doesn't need another dog. Just spend time with her and enjoy her.

 

A GSD doesn't need another dog. You are his world. I have added Bo for me. If he dropped dead tomorrow, I would grieve but not Deja, and that also would go for Bo. They get along well but don't need each other.

 

I've had both single and paired dogs and feel they do seem to have a little richer life with a companion dog. This isn't to say they aren't perfectly fine alone.. But they sure do play a lot doing wierd things and chasing that I never would be able to provide them.

 

They do horse around in a way I find obnoxious, but not if they are well exercised.
This is from today.
You can see Hans’ ear in the lower left hand corner.

 

What a timely topic as my daughter says I should get 2 dogs so they have each other to play with. I'll stick with one after reading this.

 

I have two but not so that they could entertain each other even though it is delightful to watch them spar with each other and back each other up when they start a bark. Before getting a 2nd dog think about it taking 3 times as much energy. You will need to work with each dog solo and then both together. Make sure your first dog is behaving about as well as you want since your 2nd dog will learn from the first.
And yes, the both would rather play with me or my sweetheart than with each other. They learned how to take turns playing fetch and tug in the yard.

 

I have two but not so that they could entertain each other even though it is delightful to watch them spar with each other and back each other up when they start a bark. Before getting a 2nd dog think about it taking 3 times as much energy. You will need to work with each dog solo and then both together. Make sure your first dog is behaving about as well as you want since your 2nd dog will learn from the first.
And yes, the both would rather play with me or my sweetheart than with each other. They learned how to take turns playing fetch and tug in the yard.

I think it's less work overall (eventually) but much more in the first year or two. Well worth it!

 

They are very consistent. Took this a few minutes ago 🙄😂

 

And on top of their misery, there is a ball on the wrong side of the window 😜

 

I like a 3 to 4 year age difference in my dogs. The older dog is well trained by then and, yes, can help the youngster. I remember bringing a puppy home at about 12 weeks. My older dog peed outside three or four times to get the youngster clued in. They then came inside. After a while the older dog gave in and offered a play bow. The pup raced through the house two or three times and collapsed. The older dog did not need the pup. I needed the pup.
Now I will say that when this older dog died, I got another pup for the younger dog. Why? Because she was going to drive me nuts without a pup.

AND forget the "get the opposite sex" stuff. Most of my pairs have been two females. It's worked fine. BUT if your dog is used to being a solo, there is no need on her part for another dog. As others have said - go find an activity that you and the dog can enjoy (not a book club or cooking class... )