We have an 8 lbs mini dachshund and a 15 month old son and we're thinking of adding a 2nd mini dachshund to the family. My husband and I are really excited to buy this new puppy (we already have one picked out) but I'm worried about how this new puppy might changes things. I already know expenses will be higher and things will be a little bit crazier at home since the dogs will be playing with each other but is there something else that I'm not thinking of? What was your experience with adding a 2nd puppy to the household mix? Good? bad? Why?? Thanks!!
Hi SS, one of the best things I ever did for my kids was get a puppy (golden retriever). The best thing I ever did for the dog was get another dog! Yeah, it's a lot of work (in my case 3 kids, two goldens), but so very worth it!
Have fun!
We have had anywhere from 1 dog to 4 dogs in our home at various times. In my opinion 2 dogs is perfect. They have a friend when the family is not home, yet the house is not totally chaotic.
Updated
We have found that the older dog helps train and discipline the younger ones.
how old is your older dog? will both dogs be puppies? You might have your hands full as your son hits the terrible twos and your puppy(ies) are teething, etc. You might also have to house break and potty train all at once. I am sure you can manage, but things might be easier on everyone if you hold off on the 2nd dog for 1 year.
Good luck.
I'm a dog behaviorist and it would be great for your child to see the interaction between a different specie. Great entertainment and when you both sit back and watch you can be telling him what they are doing and why. Having two is a great idea go for it!!!
You can always go for a more mature dog, it will help decrease the odds of things being overly hectic. You can contact a dachshund rescue, there is probably one in your area. But if your heart is set on this puppy, then go for it.
I've worked in an animal clinic and shelter for years and mini dachshunds are prone to getting back problems, a lot of times due to children picking them up the wrong way, or the dogs getting excited and jumping up/down from furniture.
So, as long as you are prepared to watch for that and are really patient on house training, it should be fine. You can expect a lot of puppy roughhousing and play biting and such, but they are so small, it won't do much damage.
Definitely keep them kenneled for house training and when you are leash training. If you can't leash train both at the same time with two people, kennel one to work with one, then switch put the first back in the kennel and pull out the second to train... otherwise, the one will be jumping all over the other during training. Keep it up for small increments every day.
I would opt for the puppy so the pup and the baby can grow together!
Blessings.....
We don't have time/money to get as much training for the second dog. He is not as well behaved, as the first. The first dog, we took to obedience and worked very hard on her behavior. We simply didn't have time to do that, with the second dog. Also, my older dog is much more patient. She knows her place in the family and is tolerant of my 16 month old. We are working very hard, to teach our son, to be gentle. He is very good with the first dog. Not so much with the puppy. The puppy, is well...a puppy! They rile each other up, the puppy bites my son when playing, and he doesn't understand. It's VERY hectic. Sometimes, my son will find poop, before I do. That's always fun! I don't regret it and we are managing, at this point. However I'd take into consideration how much time you REALLY have to work with this puppy.
I agree with the others that say it's great for your son to grow up with the puppy as well as great for your other dog to have a companion. You are already aware of the dynamics and finances so go for it and get ready for more J.. :)
Has your dog 'met' this puppy you are thinking about????
Will they get along?????
