Should I adopt another dog?

No. Stupid idea. You'll just wind up returning the dog when it doesn't work out.

If you can afford another dog and all members of your household agree, yes I think it would be a good thing. It sounds to me like you've thought this out and your dog would like it. I also find, for me, that having two dogs is actually a little easier than one because they can entertain each other when no one is home.

Be sure you have a list of things you want in this other dog, an opposite sex dog is best, and STICK TO YOUR LIST while looking at other dogs. All the dogs in my life sort of "fell" into my life til my last two. It was fine, it worked, I MADE it work, but there was at least one dog I made a mistake bringing home, a mistake that I lived with for the 15 years of her life.

For the two dogs I have now, I had a list, a specific temperament being my top priority, and looked at literally hundreds and hundreds of dogs before I got my 5 year old (as a young dog) and then hundreds more before I got my 3 year old (as a puppy). I had a plan for the introduction, for the first days of getting to know each other, had my whole house organized and ready each time to bring the dog in.

I think you should go to a shelter and find a dog you like and bring it home for a trial. If things don't work out you can always return the dog. If you want a certain breed of dog, call shelters and look online to find them for adoption. People buy dogs because they want a certain breed without thinking there may be those exact dogs needing new homes. Hopefully your dog will enjoy having a sibling and for goodness sake, don't get a puppy and keep it in a cage like the previous person suggested. Puppies need toys and bones to play with to tire them out and keep it from overly bugging your dog. Good luck!

Honestly, it's best to get a shelter dog....and most shelters have you bring in any pets already in the home (that is, other dogs...or cats...not so much fish or the like, of course!) to make sure they all get along well.

But...no matter where you get your new puppy, bring Murphy along with you so he can play with the puppies and kind of...pick out his own friend. See which puppy he gets along with best (if any) so you know they'll be friends when you get home.

It sounds like your dog likes other dogs, but it might help to see how he reacts to anther dog in his own territory. If he is neutered, this will be better. If he is not neutered, you should be cautious because he might be more territorial.

Consider looking into Westie rescues and then ask if you can do a trial.

But, if you are really looking for a puppy, then that might work, as well since they are less threatening.

BUT, keep the puppy in a dog cage for a good portion of the time, or the pup will irritate your dog. This ongoing activity that can be caused by a rowdy puppy can upset even the best-natured animal. This also helps your family to adjust to the pup, and helps with house training.

Then, when the pup is out to play, you can watch both dogs and be sure things are going well. Your own dog won't have his entire life turned upside-down, right away, and will then have time to adjust - because some pups can play for a LOT of the time.

Pups can be quite energetic!

https://video.search.yahoo.com/search/video;_ylt=A...

Some dogs are pretty tolerant, but not all of them.

You have to ask yourself whether this idea is about what you think you dog might want/like, or whether it's because you maybe feel guilty when you have to leave your dog alone at home. I do believe, only a couple of times ever having just one dog, that in general dogs do better with canine, or even feline, company BUT this isn't so with every dog. Many are more than happy to be the only dog in the family. With the rider that hounds are MUCH happier with at least one other canine companion!!

Next how much time do you have for a puppy, given it's a huge responsibility, and very time-consuming, which you will remember if you had your current dog from around 8 weeks? And first off you will need to be there to supervise things so they don't get out of hand. Adults won't normally attack a puppy, but unless they see the puppy being corrected when they get too much, they might. And you have a terrier and terriers are often more 'explosive' (you will need to have a b itch - and get her spayed).

Lots to think about there beforel you jump, given that a puppy is for life. I'd also suggest one of the same breed - you should know a thing or two about Westies by now! Perhaps from the same breeder too?

it's been my experience with pets, to always get two. they can keep each other company when you're not around and they remind each other of their species and won't imprint so intensely on you. besides, you'll have enough love for them both. and their antics are better than tv! AND don't forget to get them spayed or neutered unless you want a house full of puppies.