Dachshunds are adorable and have a great temperament that makes them awesome pets. If you already have one in your family, you may be anxious to add a second.
There are a few things to keep in mind if you are thinking about bringing another Dachshund into your home.
Are Dachshunds better in pairs? Dachshunds do very well and are often happier in pairs, provided they are introduced correctly and trained properly. Two Dachshunds are less likely to experience problems with boredom, depression, and separation anxiety, and they will typically get more daily exercise than a single dog.
If you have a Dachshund and are thinking about getting another or are ready to get your first and are wondering if getting two right from the start might be better, there are definitely some things to consider before you make a decision.
Read through the following to learn more about the pros and cons of having a pair of Dachshunds in your home.
Advantages & Disadvantages of Owning a Pair of Dachshunds
Before you decide to bring a second Dachshund into your home, make sure you consider the advantages and disadvantages of owning two of the same type of dog.
Advantages of Having Two Dachshunds
There are some advantages of having two Dachshunds, and there are many people who prefer to get more than one puppy at a time to make training faster and easier.
Less Separation Anxiety
When you get a new puppy or even adopt an adult dog, they can have difficulty being alone.
They may not do well at night when you go to bed or during the day when you leave for work or are running errands.
Having two puppies or dogs means you won’t have to leave them all alone as they will always have each other to keep them company.
Easier Exercise Routine
Your little Dachshunds are going to want to play all the time, and they could make you tired and even be hard to keep up with.
When you have two puppies, you can walk them together and let them outside in a fenced-in yard to play together.
This can allow you to have an easier exercise routine for them and keep them busy and active.
They Keep Each Other Busy
Dachshund puppies require a lot of attention, and while you will love spending time with your pup, there may be times when you need a break.
Having a second puppy or dog will allow them to keep each other busy so you can have a break when you need it.
Disadvantages of Having Two Dachshunds
While two puppies can mean twice the fun, they can also be twice the work. Here are a few disadvantages of having two Dachshunds at the same time.
More Messes
Puppies can be messy, and when you have two, that means double the messes. You will need to clean up their potty accidents as well as any food messes they make.
Puppies can also chew a lot, so you may find shredded toilet paper, chewed shoes, and other destruction throughout your home.
Higher Vet Bills
The health of your puppies is important, and you will need to take them both to get the proper vaccinations and checkups. That means twice the vet bills.
More Expenses
Two puppies mean twice the food, twice the bedding, and twice the supplies. You will have to buy at least two of everything to ensure both puppies have everything they need.
More Time For Training
If you want your puppies to behave, you will need to train them properly. It can be slightly more difficult to train two puppies compared to one because they may distract each other.
It may take a lot more time to train them both.
Choosing a Second Dachshund
If you are going to get a second Dachshund, there are a lot of things to consider when choosing the right one.
Consider the health of your dog, your current Dachshund’s temperament and personality, how much space you have to accommodate a second dog, and how much time you have to devote to him.
Also, keep some of the following things in mind.
Should I Get Two Dachshunds From the Same Litter?
It’s not a good idea to adopt Dachshunds from the same litter for several reasons.
It can cause severe separation anxiety between the dogs when they are apart, it can cause them to bond better with each other than with their humans, and it can lead to aggression between them.
These problems are collectively known as littermate syndrome, and it can be a problem that proves difficult to overcome.
Should I Get Two Males, Two Females, or One of Each?
It’s best to get either a male and female or two males. Two female Dachshund puppies may be fine at first, but as they mature, they will likely fight and be aggressive toward each other.
If you choose a male and female and you don’t want puppies, you will need to get one or both of them spayed or neutered when they are old enough for the surgery.
How Old Should My First Dachshund Be Before Getting Another?
The best time to add a second Dachshund to your family is when your current puppy is around eight to 12 months old.
This way, the first puppy is still young enough to play with the new puppy and isn’t likely to be aggressive with him.
The first puppy will also already have had some training and may even make it easier for you to train the new puppy.
How To Introduce a Second Dachshund
You only get one chance at a first introduction, so it’s important to get it right. Follow the tips below.
Give Them Both Space
When you first get your second Dachshund, limit the interaction between the dogs. Give each one plenty of space, and if you aren’t around to monitor them, keep them separated.
Allow them to spend a little more time together each day until they get used to each other.
Keep the New Dachshund Confined
When you introduce a new puppy to your home, be sure that neither dog has an opportunity to harm the other, even unintentionally.
Keep the new dog in a crate or separate room when you aren’t actively watching them interact together. Monitor how the dogs do together before letting your new Dachshund roam around freely.
Ensure Both Dogs Have Their Own Toys
Your new dog may be protective of the things he had before the new dog came around. To prevent the dogs from fighting over toys and other property, make sure each dog has their own things.
Different Sleeping Areas
Don’t try to crate your dogs together. Give both of them their own space. If you are planning to crate both Dachshunds, make sure you crate them separately.
It can also be a good idea to put the dogs in different rooms until they are able to bond.
Limit Time
When you start to allow the dogs around each other, it’s best to limit the time at first. Don’t leave the dogs alone with each other unsupervised.
Make sure you are giving the dogs plenty of time to get to know each other, so they will eventually be comfortable and accepting of one another.
Related Questions:
Can Two Dachshunds Be Left Alone?
Two Dachshunds can be left alone, but it’s best to monitor them for a while to ensure they are not aggressive toward each other.
Leaving two bonded Dachshunds together can help reduce their boredom and any separation anxiety.
Will Two Dachshunds Fight?
Dachshunds are usually docile, and as long as you give them both the same attention and care and get them at different ages, they should get along just fine.
If your Dachshunds do show aggression toward each other, training may help improve their relationship.
Conclusion
If you are considering getting two Dachshunds or if you already have one and want another one, it’s important to consider what comes with your decision.
While having two Dachshunds can be a lot of work, it can also be really rewarding. Just make sure you are up for the challenge before you bring a second Dachshund into your home.
