I have one 11 week old Dachshund boy now and considering getting another female. I am gone most of the day at work so I think he needs some one to play with. I am afraid he is getting depressed. This is my first puppy and afraid I will get too much I can handle. What do you think is best? one or two dogs?
2006-09-12 10:07:27 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
Keeping two pups the same age is usually a mistake. They tend to bond very strongly and can become ill and depressed if something happens to the other one. They are much harder to train, since they get all the approval and attention that they need from the other pup. Make sure the pup gets plenty of exercise and play time with you and he'll be fine. Wait until he is completely trained (about 18 months old) before you get another dog.
One Dachshund can be a handful - start motivational puppy training NOW either at a class and/or with some great books. These are the books that I recommend to my students; you can get them on Amazon.com
What All Good Dogs Should Know – Volhard http://www.volhard.com/
Good Owners, Great Dogs - Brian Kilcommins
Dog Tricks : Eighty-Eight Challenging Activities for Your Dog from World-Class Trainers by Haggerty and Benjamin
Don't Shoot the Dog - Pryor
Training Your Dog: The Step by Step Method - Volhard
Dog Problems - Benjamin
Cesar's Way - Cesar Millan
Also, watch the Dog Whisperer on the National Geographic Channel. Cesar Millan is the best trainer I've ever seen on TV.
http://www.dogpsychologycenter.com/
2006-09-12 16:47:55 · answer #1 · answered by Danger, Will Robinson! 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Do you live in an apartment or a house? If in an apartment one dog is sufficient. Leave him in a blocked off part of the apartment that is easily cleaned, spread some paper down, leave him some water and a small amt of food, put some toys down, especially try those toys that you can put rewards into and he has to play with it to get them out and put a blanket or towel down so he can curl up in it and go to sleep. I have heard that some people put the answering machine near the puppy and call and talk to the puppy during the day. When you get home make a big fuss over him, feed him is major meal of the day and take him outside to do his business and get some exercise.
If you live in a house two puppies are no more trouble than one. The same principles apply but after you feed them take them outside and let them run off some of the built-up energy.
Why are you buying a male and female? Do you plan to breed? If you have superior animals with ideal confirmation, pedigree, temperment and their pups would contribute outstanding show and breeding qualities to the dog world (and if you have the time and money) then go ahead and breed but do so responsibly. If you don't have even one of the qualification mentioned above, then please have your pets spayed and neutered.
2006-09-12 17:37:19 · answer #2 · answered by Texas GSPS 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Two pups at a time is a lot of work for an experienced dog person. Since this is your first.... I would discourage you from getting another pup right now. Since you are away at work, you barely have enough time for one pup... which you now know takes a lot of time, love and energy. You will not have enough time to train both properly.
I would advise against it but I do wish you luck whichever way you decide
After reading your other potty problem....... I would adamantly advise against it! No way are you ready to deal with 2 pups, housebreaking AND working 10 hours a day. Sorry, but that is my opinion as someone who has extensive experience. You don't want to become overwhelmed and wind up having to consider placing one if not both of the dogs in new homes. Raise this pup first and enjoy him.... then later... you can add to the family.
2006-09-12 17:14:03 · answer #3 · answered by rolahey 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It depends... one one hand it can be overwhelming with two puppies, twice the clean up, twice the training. On the other hand, they grow up together and you only have to potty train once (if you wait, some dogs will revert to peeing in the house if a new puppy does)
Personally, I had 2 puppies at the same time and once the training period was over, I was glad I had them both at the same time.
Best of luck!
2006-09-12 17:11:02 · answer #4 · answered by Nikki T 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is a lot of work but you are right having someone to play with makes all the difference in the world.
I have had dogs for over 35yrs. and now always keep two because once my kids grew up the dog longed for more attention than i could give so a partner keeps the individual dog from being to needy.
2006-09-12 17:13:51 · answer #5 · answered by desayunogratis 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He is only 11 weeks so this is all still new for him. If you have a friend or neighbor who can check in on him that would help. It is hard on them to be alone. Make sure the crate is large enough for lots of room to move. Keep the TV on or a radio. I have four dogs ,three are still pups siblings in fact. (silky terrier minpin mix )They are not hyper so very easy to care for. I would wait a bit though he needs some time with you.Love my dogs
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2006-09-12 17:11:40 · answer #6 · answered by momsapplepeye 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
with dachshunds, you generally need to have 2. they like the company. i have 14 and work all day and they are fine. 2 should be a breeze. in my opinion, puppies are pains in the butt. you may want to get a slightly older dog to keep him company. the older dog should be calmer and will keep the puppy in check. check out www.drna.org
2006-09-12 18:14:04 · answer #7 · answered by Queen of the Dachshunds 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I really would wait a while and let the first pup bond to you. Two puppies at once tend to form a pack and I don't think that you get a good bond with them.
2006-09-12 17:11:35 · answer #8 · answered by A Great Dane Lady 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
yes, puppies are alot of work you have to potty train them, they tear and chew up everything but they are also great fun
2006-09-12 17:16:41 · answer #9 · answered by misty 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
About like having two four old kids. LOLOLOL good luck.
2006-09-12 17:25:13 · answer #10 · answered by Who am I? 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋