Are dogs capable of emotion? Most would say a definite yes! However, it’s difficult to determine exactly which emotions dogs can feel. Most of us who own dogs will be adamant that our pets can feel happy, sad, excited…. even guilty, embarrassed, smug or proud! But do they feel lonely? Do those in single-dog households feel sad because of their solitary state?
Have you ever caught your furry friend staring sadly out the window or sighing heavily when you’re about to leave? Those puppy dog eyes might be telling you something important – your dog might be feeling lonely! As a pet parent who’s gone through this exact scenario, I wanted to dig deeper into whether our canine companions truly need other dogs in their lives or if human companionship is enough
The Truth About Canine Loneliness
Yes, dogs can absolutely feel lonely – especially when they’re the only dog in the household. Being descendants of wolves, dogs are naturally pack animals with strong social instincts that drive them to connect with others. When a dog lives as the only pup in the house, they might experience feelings of isolation if their social needs aren’t being met.
As a pet owner myself, I’ve noticed that this loneliness can affect their behavior and overall happiness But here’s the million-dollar question – do they specifically need OTHER dogs, or can humans fill that social void?
Signs Your Dog Might Be Lonely
Before rushing out to adopt a second dog it’s important to recognize when your current pup is actually showing signs of loneliness. Here are some telltale behaviors to watch for
-
Separation Anxiety: Excessive barking, whining, or pacing when you leave the house. Some dogs might even scratch at doors or try to follow you the moment you step away.
-
Destructive Behavior: Finding your shoes chewed up or furniture destroyed? A lonely dog might turn to destructive behaviors when left alone for long periods.
-
Excessive Licking or Grooming: Self-soothing behaviors like constant licking of paws or fur can indicate stress from loneliness.
-
Changes in Appetite or Sleep: Some lonely pups might lose interest in food or sleep way more than usual.
-
Super Clingy Behavior: If your dog follows you EVERYWHERE (even to the bathroom!) and gets visibly upset when you’re out of sight, they might be struggling with loneliness.
-
Loss of Interest in Activities: A formerly playful dog who now ignores their favorite toys might be experiencing loneliness.
I remember when my Border Collie mix started shredding pillows whenever I left for work – turns out he wasn’t being naughty, he was just missing companionship!
Do Dogs Need Other Dogs?
This is where things get interesting! While dogs evolved as highly social creatures that rarely lived alone historically, modern dogs have been intensely domesticated and have learned to form strong bonds with humans too.
According to research, dog-human relationships actually share many similarities with human parent-child relationships. This means many dogs can be perfectly content with human companionship instead of canine friends.
But here’s the thing – some dogs absolutely thrive with other dog companions, while others prefer humans or even enjoy being the only pet. It really depends on the individual dog’s personality, breed, and past experiences.
Is Getting a Second Dog the Answer?
While adding another furry friend might seem like the perfect solution, getting another dog isn’t always the best idea for every household. You need to consider:
Factors to Consider Before Adding Another Dog
-
Your Dog’s Temperament: Is your current dog actually social with other dogs? Some pups are friendly at the park but prefer to be the only dog at home.
-
Time and Resources: Two dogs = double the expenses for food, vet care, grooming, and training. Do you have the budget and time for another pet?
-
Living Space: Each dog needs their own safe space. If you’re in a tiny apartment, adding another dog might create stress rather than solve it.
-
Potential Personality Clashes: Not all dogs automatically become best friends. Some pairs just don’t click!
-
Your Schedule: If you’re rarely home, getting another dog might mean TWO lonely dogs instead of one.
-
Breed Traits: Some breeds are more sociable with other dogs, while others prefer human company.
I learned this lesson when I adopted a second dog thinking my first would love the company – only to discover my older dog was actually happier as the only pup getting all my attention! We made it work, but it took months of careful management.
How to Keep a Single Dog Happy
If getting another dog isn’t practical for your situation, don’t worry! There are plenty of ways to keep your solo dog content and fulfilled:
Quality Time and Social Interaction
Spend meaningful time with your dog daily. Even 15-30 minutes of focused play, training, or cuddles can make a huge difference. Dogs are pack animals, and you’re their pack!
If possible, arrange regular playdates with compatible dogs. This gives your pup the canine interaction they might crave without the commitment of a second pet.
Mental Stimulation is Key
Boredom often gets mistaken for loneliness! Mental stimulation is crucial for a dog’s wellbeing. Try:
- Puzzle toys that dispense treats
- Rotating toys to keep things interesting
- Short daily training sessions (dogs LOVE learning!)
I’ve found that 10 minutes of training games often tires my dog out more than a 30-minute walk!
Physical Exercise Matters
Different breeds have different energy levels, but ALL dogs need regular exercise:
- Daily walks (length depends on your dog’s needs)
- Fetch sessions
- Swimming (if your dog enjoys water)
- Agility or obstacle courses
My hyperactive Border Collie needs at least an hour of activity daily, while my friend’s Bulldog is content with a 20-minute stroll and lots of nap time.
Create a Cozy, Safe Space
Every dog needs their own comfortable retreat:
- A comfy bed in a quiet corner
- Some personal toys
- Access to water
- Perhaps some soothing music when you’re away
Breeds More Prone to Loneliness
While every dog is an individual, certain breeds tend to struggle more with being the only dog:
- Sporting Breeds (Retrievers, Spaniels): These social butterflies often crave constant interaction.
- Herding Breeds (Border Collies, Australian Shepherds): Bred to work closely with others, they need lots of engagement.
- Working Breeds (Boxers, Dobermans): These dogs thrive on having a purpose and companionship.
- Companion Breeds (Pugs, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels): Literally bred to be companions, they can develop separation anxiety easily.
But remember – there’s always exceptions! My neighbor’s Husky (typically a very social breed) actually prefers being an only dog and gets stressed around other canines.
When to Consider Professional Help
If your dog’s loneliness seems severe or leads to harmful behaviors, it might be time to consult a veterinarian or certified dog trainer. Sometimes what looks like loneliness could be:
- Separation anxiety (which may require specific training)
- Boredom
- An underlying health issue
- Fear or stress from something in the environment
A professional can help you determine the actual cause and create a personalized plan to help your furry friend.
Real Talk: My Experience with Canine Companionship
I’ve had both single dogs and multiple-dog households, and honestly, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. My first dog was perfectly happy being the only pup with lots of human attention. When I added a second dog years later, they eventually became friends but it wasn’t instant magic.
What I’ve learned is that most dogs CAN be happy as the only dog if their social, physical, and mental needs are being met. They’re a social species and feel emotions deeply. If you’re gone most of the day, think about hiring a dog walker or even getting a second dog if your current dog seems lonely. While getting another dog isn’t always the best idea for every household, it can help if both pets get along.
At the end of the day, your dog’s individual personality matters most. Some dogs genuinely prefer being the only pet, while others thrive with canine companionship. The key is to watch your dog’s behavior, meet their needs for social interaction (whether with humans or other dogs), and make adjustments as necessary.
Remember – a lonely dog isn’t a happy dog, but loneliness can be addressed in many ways beyond just adding another pet to the family. With the right approach, your solo pup can live a joyful, balanced life full of love and companionship – even if they’re the only dog in your home.
What about your experience? Have you noticed your dog getting lonely? Did adding another pet help, or did you find other solutions? I’d love to hear your stories in the comments!
What do dogs actually ‘feel’?
We believe, from studies of dogs’ brains, that they are indeed capable of feeling a variety of basic emotions. Loneliness may be one of these. Dogs’ emotional range is often compared to that of small children. That is, they experience strong basic emotions such as love, fear, sadness and joy. But they may not be capable of more complex emotions such as jealousy or pride.
It is widely accepted that dogs are definitely capable of feeling distress, and this can be caused by being left alone. Called ‘man’s best friend’ for a reason, dogs are social creatures who form strong social bonds. This is an excellent trait in a pet, but it also means they are very capable of missing companionship when it is not available, as well as enjoying it highly when it is.
Every dog owner’s ideal is for their dog to feel happy, loved and satisfied with life all of the time, of course. However, work, personal circumstances and busy lives can mean our dogs are left alone more than we would like.
How can I help my dog if I think they’re lonely?
Every owner wants the best for their dog, so luckily there are some ways we can help our canine companions to feel better if we think they might be having periods of loneliness.
The best antidote to loneliness is obviously companionship. Now, getting another dog is certainly not the right step for every household, and due care must be taken that this is a sensible decision, but a carefully chosen companion pooch may be a wonderful way to help your dog if done with proper consideration!
We recommend choosing another dog carefully. Research the best age, breed, sex and size, but a doggy friend might well be the best buddy that your dog is craving.
If getting another dog is not a good decision for your household, that’s okay! There are plenty of other ways to reduce loneliness. As discussed above, human companionship is very valuable to dogs as well. Could you take your dog out with you more?
Some careful planning can make many trips, chores and activities dog-friendly! If that is not an option, why not think about having someone come in and see your dog whilst you are out?
Neighbours, dog-walkers and pet-sitters can all provide this kind of help. You may even find someone who loves dogs but cannot have their own who is keen to come and give your pet some fuss, attention and even a walk!
Explaining How To Fix Separation Anxiety With Your Dog
FAQ
Can a dog get Lonely if he is an only dog?
If your dog is sociable and prefers the company of other dogs but is an only dog, it may get lonely. If your dog enjoys only the company of its owner, then being an only dog won’t cause any harm. Having said that, if a dog is content with its human companion, being an only dog may become harmful if your dog is always alone.
Do dogs get lonely when Home Alone?
Yes, dogs experience loneliness when home alone, says Kathryn Dench, DVM, chief scientific advisor at Paw Origins. However, they don’t get lonely the same way we do. Instead, they show us they’re lonely through their body language and unique expressions. Recognize the signs below if you’re concerned that your dog may be lonely.
Can leaving a dog alone lead to loneliness?
Being left alone, especially when it’s something a dog hasn’t experienced in a while, can absolutely lead to a dog experiencing loneliness. The following behaviors are potential lonely dog symptoms that might manifest individually, or in a combination of behaviors.
Do Lonely dogs feel depressed?
It’s likely that lonely dogs also feel depressed. The behaviors that indicate dog loneliness are closely related to depressive behaviors, like withdrawal and lethargy. If your dog paces or shows other signs of pre-departure stress as you prepare to leave the house, this could be a sign of isolation distress or separation anxiety.
What does it mean if a dog is lonely?
A lonely dog is a bored dog. These pups make their own fun through destructive behaviors like rooting through the garbage or eating your underwear. Depression. Your dog may act more subdued, lethargic, or lose interest in their favorite activities and games. Following you. Dogs love to play follow-the-leader with you.
How do you know if a dog is lonely?
Signs of Loneliness: A lonely dog may exhibit behaviors such as excessive barking, destructive chewing, or withdrawal. They might also show signs of anxiety when left alone.
Are dogs happier with another dog?
Overall, the research suggests that dogs do indeed enjoy the company of other dogs and that socialization with other dogs can be beneficial for a dog’s overall health and well-being.
Do dogs get lonely being the only dog?
Of course! Dogs, perhaps even more than people, are social animals, and the absence of companionship can lead to feelings of loneliness and boredom. Sometimes, these complex feelings can manifest in problematic behaviors like chewing or excessive barking.