Does a toy poodle need another dog as a companion?

[Rebecca]

I have a 3 year old toy poodle, and she is obsessed with her stuffed animal. She thinks it is a real dog, she drags it around the house like a puppy and she cries when it is not in sight. She wants it by her side all of the time. Would it be better to just get her a real dog?

[Bozema]

Not unless she acts bored or lonely for companionship and only if she likes being around other dogs. If she is alone a lot and behaves this way out of loneliness, then a companion might (not guaranteed) help. If you have her with you most of the time, it may backfire because she may feel your loyalties are divided between her and another dog. This could stress her even more.

Dogs sometimes play with toys like an individual, but it doesn't necessarily mean that they want real canine companionship.