Dachshunds are known for being aggressive and tenacious little dogs. Their strong personalities can sometimes lead to difficulties when interacting with other dogs, even those of the same breed. However, with proper socialization and training, dachshunds can get along well with other dachshunds. There are a few key factors to consider when determining if a dachshund will thrive in a multi-dox home.
How Does Early Socialization Impact a Dachshund’s Ability to Get Along with Others?
Early socialization is crucial for dachshunds. Exposing them to different people, places, dogs, and situations will help dachshund puppies grow into confident, well-adjusted adults. Dachshunds that are adequately socialized as puppies are likelier to be friendly and at ease around other dogs.
Socialization should begin as soon as a dachshund puppy has received vaccinations, around 16 weeks. Before this:
- Expose the puppy to gentle, vaccinated adult dogs you know are calm and friendly.
- After vaccines, enroll in a puppy kindergarten class for structured socialization with other puppies and dogs.
- Continue socializing throughout the first year by meeting new dogs on walks, at the park, or at daycare.
The bottom line is dachshunds that receive early, positive experiences with others are primed to get along well with dogs of all breeds as adults, including other doxies.
Do Dachshunds Do Better in Single or Multi-Dox Homes?
Some people claim dachshunds prefer being the only dog due to their bold nature. However, this is only sometimes true. With proper introduction and supervision, most dachshunds can live harmoniously with others of their kind.
When adding another dachshund to the home, introduce them to neutral territory like a park or neighbor’s yard. Keep them leashed at first and watch for signs of tension. If all goes well, move to the backyard and inside the house, still under supervision. Provide separate food, water, and toys to prevent resource guarding.
Be sure to give each dog one-on-one time and training with you to prevent jealousy. Monitor play sessions since dachshunds like to scrap and can get carried away. Overall, exercise caution at first, but understand that dachshunds are pack animals that can thrive living with another companion dog.
What Are Some Potential Issues that Can Arise When Housing Dachshunds Together?
Despite their small size, dachshunds have larger-than-life personalities. Two or more feisty doxies under one roof can lead to challenges if expectations are not adequately managed. The following are potential problems to be mindful of:
- Power struggles – Both dogs vying to be the “top dog”
- Resource guarding of toys, food, or attention
- Incessant barking and howling
- Separation anxiety when apart
- Tension on walks or at the dog park
- Fighting and aggression
To prevent or mitigate conflicts:
- Establish yourself as a calm, confident leader.
- Feed, walk, and train each dachshund separately to strengthen your bond.
- Provide separate sleeping spaces and an abundance of toys.
- Monitor play and intervene at the first sign of trouble.
- Consider crate training unruly pups.
With training and vigilance, it is possible to maintain peace.
What Are Some Tips for Successfully Introducing a New Dachshund to a Resident Dog?
Bringing a new dachshund into a home with another dog can initially create instability. Below are some tips for smoothing the transition:
- Introduce on neutral ground like a park if possible
- Go for a walk together before entering the home
- Keep interactions brief and cheerful at first
- Feed in separate areas to avoid any resource-guarding
- Give each dog individual attention, training, and affection
- Provide different sleeping areas and toys
- Supervise play sessions carefully
- Establish house rules and routines immediately
- Be calm and assertive; correct unwanted behaviors
- Ask friends/family to bring their calm dogs over to socialize
- Be patient – adjustment time will vary
With time, patience, and proper supervision, a new dachshund can integrate into the home successfully. Go slow, be vigilant about tensions, and shower both pups with love as they learn to coexist.
What Are Some Ideal Companions for Dachshunds Other Than Another Dachshund?
While dachshunds can often get along well with another of their kind, they can also thrive when paired with certain other breeds. Some top companion options include:
- French Bulldogs – This gentle, playful breed meshes nicely with the doxie temperament.
- Pugs – Another good-natured small dog that enjoys being around other pups.
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniels – Intelligent and eager to please, this breed does well with dachshunds.
- Pomeranians – Spunky and lively, these little furballs make good companions for doxies.
Ideal pairings tend to be minor, sociable breeds that match the dachshund’s energy level and feistiness. Always introduce any new dog slowly and supervise initial interactions. With time, dachshunds and compatible companion breeds can become best friends.
Should I Consider Getting Two Dachshund Puppies at Once?
While raising two adorable dachshund puppies together might sound appealing, it is generally not recommended. Raising two puppies simultaneously can lead to the following:
- Littermate syndrome – overly bonded siblings that display behavioral issues
- Difficulty with training and socialization – hard to train two at once
- Twice the destruction and potty accidents during the puppy stage
- Fights over resources like food and toys
- Failure to properly bond with humans
It is better to focus on one puppy, get through the demanding early months, and then consider adding a second dachshund later. Or, adopt one puppy and one adult dachshund to reap the benefits of having two dogs without the headaches of dual puppyhood.
If getting two puppies, enroll them in separate training classes, crate and walk them separately, and give them individual time with family members. With diligence, it is possible to raise puppy siblings successfully. But it is significantly more challenging than raising one pup at a time.
FAQ’s
Do dachshunds like other dachshunds?
Yes, dachshunds can get along well with other dogs of the same breed if properly socialized and introduced.
Is it best to have two dachshunds?
Dachshunds can thrive in pairs but require training and monitoring to prevent issues like fighting.
Do dachshunds do well in pairs?
Dachshunds can live harmoniously with another doxie companion with adequate introduction and supervision.
What is the best companion dog for a dachshund?
Petite, playful breeds like French bulldogs, pugs, and Cavalier King Charles spaniels make ideal dachshund companions.
Conclusion,
Dachshunds can thrive in multi-doxie households with proper training and socialization. Potential issues like fighting, jealousy, and anxiety can be preempted by slow introductions, one-on-one bonding time, careful monitoring, and establishing yourself as a pack leader. With time, even two feisty dachshunds can become close companions that play and curl up comfortably together. A pair of doxies can make delightful pets if you meet each dog’s unique needs.
