what breed of dog would be a good companion for my Golden?

I have a 2yr old Golden who is one of the best dogs I have ever owned, but now, I have a new job at the local animal shelter and I work a couple of hours 5 days a week. Eventhough, I can take him to work with me, it's just not possible to take him every single day. The days I can't take him with me, I hear him whine and bark until I get in my car. It's really heartbreaking:( I was thinking of getting another dog, just so he isn't so lonely. My dog loves people and other dogs, but can get very mean and nasty if another dog tries to dominate him. Can anyone help me or give me advice for a good breed to pick for a companion for my Golden? Btw another Golden is OUT OF THE QUESTION!!! My Golden is already 2 and weighs 85 lbs! I don't need 170lbs worth of dogs in my house. Also, my dog plays very well with smaller breeds and seems to be more gentle understanding their size. My poodle just passed, so I think he misses him. I don't want another poodle, though.

The dog is probably fine once you leave. Try turning on a radio when you leave so the dog can hear human voices. Make sure he has a favorite chew toy to keep him occupied.

It seems your in the right profession to see all kinds of dogs. I would think if you see just the right dog at your work then you should adopt one.

why not take ur dog to work a few times, let it play with some of the dogs at the shelter, and see which it seems to like the most??? then u get ur dog one it will like, plus, empty a run for another dog to get a chance..

The best companion for a Golden is another Golden

I think a labrador would be a good combination

I had a cocker and it got along well with my other dogs. I just got a lab puppy and she will weigh about 55 lbs. when full grown and they too get along well with other dogs. Good Luck. I know what it is like to have to leave your dog. I almost start to cry when I have to leave her. I do leave the TV on for her. Good Luck

If your dog has barking issues when you leave I wouldn't get another dog. Just imagine 2 barking dogs all day for your neighbours to listnen to. Leave a radio on or get some kong toys and put penut paste in them so your dog won't get bord during the day. Also associate your leaving with good things. When you leave for work, if he is behaving, tell him he's good and give him a treat. Gradually overtime he will think you leaving is AOK. Too many times people have gotten another dog and the problem got worse. On the other hand there are exceptions.

Maybe, if you think another dog is best, you can get a medium or small breed. Maybe a terrier. Go to this link http://animal.discovery.com/breedselector/dogselectorindex.do(or go to animal planet, than click dog breed dic. and take the test)They try and match the breed that seems fitting. Good luck!

I know most shelters have an overabundance of big black dogs (mostly labs/lab mixes)Could you get a smaller one of these mixes and save a life that way?I would get a female, will likely reduce the dominance thing; the shelter will spay her anyway.Since you are able to take your dog to work with you, perhaps he can help pick out his new buddy?

I have a feeling that there must be a potential companion at the shelter for your dog. Since you take him to work with you, see how he interacts with the dogs there. I'll bet there will be one that will become his special friend.We have always had at least two dogs, so they would have companionship when we are out. There is no need to get carried away and have 4! ....................

I think this has already been answered best, if you do really want another dog to go with the one you already have, take him to work with you & let him choose his own companion, but I wouldn't get another one really if you are going to leave them in by themselves. try leaving the tv or radio on for companionship for your dog. my dog cries every time I go out, if she is in the house when I go out, but within 5 mins she quietens down.she does prefer to be outside when I go out, she has a kennel, fresh water & food & doesn't even notice when I go out if she is already outside, so no cries & a happy dog

Considering that you work at a shelter (which is great), you would see a lot of dogs. I think it would be great to adopt a dog from the shelter that you work at. Bringing your dog in a few days a week should be fine. Let him play with a few of the dogs there (if possible) and if you both like one particular dog, adopt him! If you don't want to adopt from a shelter, I think a Dalmatian would be good if you can provide him with enough exercise each day. If not, a Beagle, Staffy or Springer Spaniel could be a few other breeds to take a look at. Good luck in finding that special dog for your family, and I am sorry for the loss of your Poodle.

I know you said no to another golden but there are all types of goldens big and small.. you have a larger one. I have a 5 year old and she weighs only about 65-70 pounds ( around there) so i say you should get another golden, you can find a smaller golden if you look up smaller ones on the internet or tell the breeder you are looking at that you want a smaller one. p.s. the smallest born in a litter doesn't always mean they are always gunna grow up to be the smallest! Thats just my opinion , but it might be because im a golden retriever FREAK, i luv them too much! I have two, and a litter on the way.. GODD LUCK FINDING THE PERFECT FRIEND!!! :]

a Jack Russell may be good. My friend has a 2 yr old Golden and just bought a Russell. They're the best of frends and get along fine. Theyre both smart breeds and the Golden is understanding of the size.Having 2 dogs is great. Dogs need to socialise all the time and having 2 dogs makes sure theyre never lonely.good luck!

Labrador Retriever or a Jack Russell Terrier are really good because they are both just as energetic as your Golden Retriever.

One of the most common dogs for Lab owners to have is a German Shepherd odd but true. They compliment one another beautifully both being boisterous happy dogs