2 dogs (another question)

[MarkR]

I have been researching the two dog thing I spoke about in my previous post and I received one opinion that I need more information on. I have been told that it might be better to get the bigger dog first. I was told a doxie in the house might not take well to a new dog. I know dachshunds can be very territorial, but I figured a smaller dog first would be better. Just wondering what you people think. I would definitely not want 2 dogs in the house that can't get along or feel threatened by the addition of a second dog.

[Dukey's Mom]

Hi Mark,

I have 8 Dachsies, don't ask!

Anyway, I don't really think it is a question of the smaller or bigger dog coming first, it is as Mark said, the temperment.

My alpha Dottie, has to let the newcomer know who is boss, besides myself of course. They have a sort of rite of passage type of thing.

I do think they should be introduced on neutral territory. They will have to work out their "place" in the home on their own. There could be a scuffle, but Dachsies are pack dogs, the more the merrier.

I haven't seen a Dachsie yet that doesn't like a friend to help them get into trouble!

Good luck, let us know how you are doing.

Andrea

[Heather]

I agree that it is tempermant as well. I had two, Hans-5 and Bean-2 when we added a 135 lb Great Pyrennes, then throughout the next few months three different dachshund fosters. Hans and Bean reacted exactly the same to the Pyrennes as they did each foster.

[Krista]

I was the one that said that, but I thought I said that it was temperament that is most important.

My reasoning is that a bigger dog is less likely to feel threatened by a small dog joining the home than a small dog by a big dog, in my opinion. Of course since you are rescuing, it might be possible to get a dachsie that is used to living with a bigger dog, and maybe even a boxer that is known to being gentle with smaller animals too.

You have the benefit of already knowing the temperaments and sizes of the dogs you will bring into your family since you are adopting. Just check with the rescue org. and/or foster family and see what they think when you inquire about a potential new family member.

[pluto'slanie]

I think it's just an individual dog thing. My dachsie Pluto is 12 and I've had him for 5 years. I just adopted Shana an 8 year old. Pluto was amazingly calm and welcomed Shana into the house without batting an eye. He really loves her and I'm happy to say with each day that passes she's getting more and more fond of Pluto. Good luck Mark whatever you decide to do.

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Lanie, Pluto and Shana, AKA the little sister