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A sister for my Dachshund2007-11-25 2:57:59

I have a female Dachshund named Heidi. I know Dachshunds are possessive, jealous, and territorial dogs by nature, but a neighbor recently told me that her daughter is getting rid of her Dachshund female. I know this daughter is just not an animal person and doesn't really care for the well being of the dog. I wouldn't want her to take the dog to the pound because I know they euthanise around here because they're running out of room. I was thinking of adopting her, but I'm afraid she and Heidi won't get along very well. They are both around a year old. Would it be safe to adopt another female dog when Heidi is already the princess of the house?

Answers:

Every dog is different, and there is no clear cut answer here. Some individual dogs will defy their breed while others exemplify it.

It is admirable of you to take interest in the dog who will be displaced. You sound like someone with a warm-heart! Sometimes though, from the dog's perspective who is being moved in on, the addition of another dog can be highly disruptive (for the dog and you).

Has your dachshund been socialized at all?

Even a well-socialized dog out of the house can be territorial and aggressive toward other dogs when they're in their own space. It is her house and you are her people as far as she's concerned. Whether she's able to share and is comfortable with a pecking order is the issue.

If it were me I'd muzzle her just to be safe, and then bring the other girl over for a play date to feel it out, under extremely close supervision. Before the other dog comes over though, make sure and put away all food and toys temporarily as these can be triggers for possessive aggression.