We've had a good little girl here for about 4 years. A real sweetheart! Being absolutely taken by this breed, I've been considering adopting another, but have concerns about bringing in a new doxie. Schatizie is outgoing, but protective and is used to ruling the roost around here. She has HER toys, HER bed, HER kennel and HER people. She'd love a playmate, I think, but there's potential that it could go very wrong, as well and create stress. Any input from multi-doxie homes?
This is a tough one. Here's my input...If you take Shatzie with you on a lot of errands, it will be harder with two. If you give her a lot of attention, it will be harder with two. All the doxie paraphenalia (and the expenses that go along with it) will be doubled -ie, vet bills, toys, beds, etc. And, you're right about the stress factor. There will, more than likely, be an adjustment period for everyone. Although, that doesn't happen everytime. Dee and Dave, other members here, added Doogie to their family and he and Sarge took off together like they'd been together all their lives. But then I know of some people here, locally, that have to keep their standard, longhair boys separate at all times because they've sent each other to the vet for stitches. I have 2 mini girls - one long and one wire. They are 5 months apart and are now 8 years old. They get along great and, I'm sure, couldn't imagine life without each other. My main regret of having 2 is that I can't take them with me as much if I only had one. Two is too many to take - won't get much done in the productivity area. If I take one, which one to take? They both really love to go. Also, whichever one I don't take stays home alone (which I would never do), unless my husband is home.
On the other hand, dogs are social animals. They can be the kind of company for each other that we humans could never be. If you have to leave them at home, it is comforting to know they have each other. There is something to be said for watching them play/interact with each other. There's also something to be said for cuddling up with 2 doxies.
Either way, they (and you) give something up. It's no different, IMHO, than an only child vs 2 children. You could give the one child so much more but is it really better being an only child? Who knows, certainly not me. You know your Shatzie better than anyone else. Go with your gut feeling on whether it would improve or totally disrupt her life.
I have always had 2 or 3 doxies at a time. They are wonderful together. They play and keep each other company when we have to go somewhere. It is impossible to take all of them on errands with us, but I have this thing about leaving a dog in a car anyway, I wouldn't do it, I'm too paranoid that one would get stolen, and that would kill me. But the two boys I currently have are a blast to take to our cabin or on long walks and places like that. I think doxies are happier with a buddy around.
You've given me some things to think about. When considering adopting another doxie, I tend to only think of the good things (companionship, fun frolicking, snuggling on the sofa...all those things that make life with a doxie, well, worth living). BUT, the chance that I could fall in love with a doxie that Schatzie did not, and then having to make that awful choice of keeping a stressful "friend" or finding a new home for the friend. That would break my heart. I think I'll keep my ears open and see if an opportunity presents itself to allow Schatzie to be near other doxies. She's never seen another doxie, as they aren't terribly popular in our area. Our walks are full of golden labs and border collies, but no wieners. Perhaps after seeing her reaction, I'll have a better idea if she'll get a brother or sister in the future. Thanks for the input. Gosh, I love this site! Wish I had known about this group BEFORE I called my friend at 5am hysterical that my 3 month old wiener dog had drank my cup of coffee and was convinced she was going to keel over.
Hi I'm Marcia and am owned by Eddie. A great way to meet other dachsies is to check meetup.com (http://meetup.com) and see if there is a group in your area. Eddie and I have been to one, but he is too shy to interact with any of the other dogs. The bigger dogs always want to mother him, but he tells them he doesn't need another mom.
I used to be owned by another little guy named Sam, but Sam went to the bridge in September. He was a foster that never went to a new home.
I think allowing your Schatzie to meet other doxies and seeing how she interacts will tell you alot. It will give you a chance to meet other owners and possibly have someone over who has a doxie so you can see what she is like when one is in her territory. That may tell you more than anything else. Ask your vet about other doxie owners. Tell him that you would love for him to give your name to those he trusts to possibly meet up with them. That may work out well, since you don't have a lot of other doxies in your area.
I love the part about Schatzie drinking the cup of coffee. My Schatzi thinks she is supposed to get the last few drops of mine every morning! A few drops she can have, but that is all!! By the way, she is just a year younger than your Schatzie.
Well, we have five dachshunds, two basset hounds and a Clumber spaniel. So, are two better than one ... We may be crazy, but ... YES ... :crazyeyes:
Quote from: poochadoo on January 25, 2008, 09:21:45 AM
I've been considering adopting another, but have concerns about bringing in a new doxie.
I once considered adopting another doxie, because I thought maybe two would be more fun than one. I decided to foster first to get a feel for multiples. Thus began the adventure with DROH (Dachshund Rescue of Houston). Well, for me it turned out that two WAS more fun. And then three was more FUN, and then four was the MOST FUN (Dolly,the original, then came Joey, Bill, and Ted). I also continued fostering for DROH, and many many loving doxies found their forever homes, by first passing through mine. Only the 3 were foster-failures.
Then we moved to North Texas, where I volunteered with the Justin Animal Shelter, and MORE fun than the MOST FUN was adding a pitiful pit bull puppy named Gus - he is now a 55 pound honarary dachshund.
Then we moved to Sanger, now I foster for Metroport Humane Society. Currently Milo (AKA Scruffy), a Dorkie -dachshund/yorkie mix- is our foster.
http://search.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=10003872
Sometimes it is really a hassle, like when it's raining and cold and all the dogs need to be taken out to potty - but I don't think I would change anything. The dogs all get along and play well together. Hopefully Milo will find a really good forever home, and then I will be in the position to save one more - rescue is a wonderful thing!!
Janet
Oh my goodness....Milo is just adorable :heart: :heart: My two (Zoe and Winston) are half brother and sister (share the same father). Winnie is 1 1/2 yrs younger than Zoe and they get along wonderfully!!!! They love to play together. At night I usually have Zoe on my chair/lap and hubby has Winston on his chair/lap. They both sleep with us in da big bed. We also have a 55 lb Australian Shepherd mix named Sheba. She loves her little brother and sister and plays really soft and good with them. I love having my three and would do it all over again in a :heart:
I'm owned by 2 mini long hairs Oliver and Amy, as you can see in by signiture line we have had 3 others. I'll thow in my 2 cents worth, having two means they are never alone when you are at work, if you do have to leave them in kennel they have company. If Schatizie is not an Alpha bringing another in wil be easy, maybe not a walk in the park, but most of the things you worry about are human emotions.
Our story we had Emma for about 6 months and it was pitiful to leave her alone all day so we took her when we went to see a pup (Angus), she got on OK, but when we got him home all hell broke out she chased and tormented him, when we bathed both as he had fleas, and she accepted him. Emma was ALPHA, and remained so till she was 16yrs old. Angus was a follower. Emma had health issues, so when they were about 11 and we thought she would go to the bridge early so we got OLiver to keep Angus company. A year on Angus died suddenly and we were left with a 13 year old diabetic/near blind Emma and a 18 month old who bounced off walls (still does). He was so depressed that we phoned up and low and behold at about the time Angus had died a B/T mini LH Ingrid was born, well Oliver and her hit it off (Emma just ignored them) they were like siamese twins. Then we were struck with another blow and we lost Ingrid at 8 months, to shakers, again Oliver was devistated, but we took Ingrid's Mum Amy. Oliver and Amy are very devoted to each other, sometimes ignoring us in their own little world. Emma died at 17 1/2. We hope when we retire in 2 years to get another bringing us back to 3.
Take the plunge you'll never look back its good for them to have someone of their own kind and size for company. They pick who they are closest to when it comes to bonds, ie Amy is my shadow and OLiver is NIcks. There is nothing like looking down on a pair of intertwined bodies asleep. contented.
Roberta
Quote from: PattyInAK on January 25, 2008, 04:00:23 PM
but I have this thing about leaving a dog in a car anyway, I wouldn't do it, I'm too paranoid that one would get stolen, and that would kill me.
I agree, Patty. We only take the girls to places we know they are allowed. But it takes both of us going because we each have a dog to carry. I would never leave them alone in the car. Around here, in addition to the security risk that you mentioned, we have the heat problem most of the year. If we only had one, I would be more apt to push the limits on places I'm not sure they are allowed, but I don't see any reason they shouldn't be.
All excellent suggestions - thank you so much for the well thought out responses. I think I will ask my vet about local doxies and see what Schatzie's reaction is. Perhaps a meeting in a "non territory issue" park would shed some light on her emotional needs. Her reactions tend to be pretty strong - she either loves something completely or despises it utterly and has no problem telling you. She is also an excellent judge of character. If my Schatzie doesn't like someone, there's probably a really good reason for it. This election year could be straightened out so easily - no need to vote, no need to caucus. You want to be President? You gotta spend the day with my doxie. If she you're okay, well, that's good enough for me.
Quote from: Delia and girls on January 27, 2008, 05:56:50 AM
If we only had one, I would be more apt to push the limits on places I'm not sure they are allowed, but I don't see any reason they shouldn't be.
Recently my cousin took her tiny chihuahua into a very well known coffee house chain. She and her daughter and my mom then sat in the comfy chairs to enjoy their espressos. Milo was very quiet and content in his big carry bag. One of the managers came over and made her leave because "the health dept. would be all over us if they saw that dog in here". Hmmm, how many actual diseases can be passed back and forth between humans and canines vs. adults and runny-nosed toddlers who are allowed to roam and TOUCH and cough on every surface. (I really do like children, just not parents who don't teach boundaries and appropriate behavior). And just where DID I manage to pick up chicken pox at age 45....
Oh, yeah, I say go for another as a companion. I was set to do just that when Clifford had his 1st disc surgery and the wallet got very depleted.
You have gotten a lot of great input....but that is what is great about this board - a lot of views and always some points come up that I haven't even thought about !!!
Great idea to try and meet up with other doxie owners in your area and "test the waters" !
When I got Rudy, there was really no intention to get another....but 8 months afterwards, I just hated the thought of him being home all alone every day while we were at work. Brandy joined our family and I was so lucky.... from the minute the foster mom brought her - she and Rudy got along. It is tough taking them both anywhere....especially since they are not the best trained puppers.... (MY fault !!!) and the $$$'s do tend to add up with 2, but I don't think I will ever be without 2. My two love each other and it truly warms my heart when they take care of each other.
Keep us posted on what you decide !
I agree you have gotten a lot of good input and things to think about. It is all so individual, personal preferences, your particular dog and if she will get along with another particular dog, your work, home, family situation, etc.
I had 2 dogs at the same time once and for me, I didn't like it. I am lucky enough to work from home so I get to be with Hallie 24/7 so she doesn't need the company and I jump when she barks :angel4: so she gets whatever she wants when she wants it (play, potty, belly rub, etc). If I had to leave her home alone a lot I'd probably get her a kitty for companionship but I hope that never happens! We'd both need therapy if we were apart for more than an hour!
I also would not leave her alone in the car, but I do take her everywhere with me. She goes into all the stores I go to either in her stroller or the shopping cart or sometimes in a backpack. We go for a walk every day at the park, she needs to go do something every day I think it's good to take them out, it not only socializes them but they enjoy it like we do, it enriches their lives to go places. Since I live alone I couldn't do these things with 2. I also believe Hallie is much happier being an only child. She gets to interact with other dogs a lot, friends, class, etc so she gets her dog time in without having to share at home.
I do think that some dogs prefer other dogs company, some don't. I think if you are going to add a second, the sooner the better it gets harder as they get older and more set in their ways. Typically, two females together have the greatest potential for spats so you might think about getting a male. Although there are of course exceptions to every rule, a lot of females get along great. As mentioned there is something to be said in watching 2 play and interact. I just love reading posts here and seeing pictures of two cuddling doxies and to hear how they play together. Although I have to admit, playing together is one of my reasons for only having 1, I worry about those doxie backs when they play.
But this is all coming from my side of the coin, I know that a lot of people enjoy multiple dogs for the same reasons I don't. I'm sure if you get a new baby after the adjustment period, you will be glad you did! There are sure a lot out there needing good homes. Good luck, let us know what you decide.
It really depends on a person's lifestyle. DD works at home and Hallie does well as an only child. Also, DD is able to take Hallie with her everywhere and give her the one-on-one time she needs. With my commuting and working away from home, not even being able to go home at lunch, I'm glad I have two, they keep each other company. Willy and Alex have adjusted to our schedule very well. In the morning, after they eat breakfast and while I am getting ready for work, they get back in the big bed and sleep. After half way thru my getting ready for work, they get up, go downstairs and get in their kennels in their pen, all on their own. They are all settled in when I go say goodbye and secure the pen. They sleep until noon, even when we are home. They are pretty amped up when I get home, so I give them a treat and we go outside, weather permitting, and go for a walk.
I spoke to my husband last night about this site and told him I had gotten some very good input on whether or not our home would be a good forever home for more than one doxie. He nearly fell off the chair when I told him that I had been realistically given both sides of the issue - the good and the bad. He thought the members here wuold automatically give a resounding YES - GET ANOTHER DOXIE! Not so. The info and considerations here allowed us to have a more informed discussion and allowed him to voice some of his concerns. The bigggest one is that he is the Alpha of the pack. Schatzie (although she loves us all) fawns over him like a lovelorn teen. She adores him like I've never seen a dog do. He is concerned that this love would not permit another dog to enter the house or interact with him, which is a valid concern. Although she has never shown any sign of aggression, he's pretty sure she'd never "take" to having another doxie on his lap.
Not an unreasonable hypothesis: growing up, when we adopted a cat a few years after our lab arrived, the two got along wonderfully. Until the cat was shown affection. Then, the Lab got so jelous, she would do anything to get the attention, going so far as to "herd" us when the cat was in the room. Everything was fine, provided she stood between us and the cat. She never growled, never bit, there was never a physical fight between them, but that cat was nudged out of every chair, off every ledge, out of every lap by this jelous pooch. The cat lived to be 19 - yes, 19 years old, so this didn't do him any harm, but it did cause some stress in the house.
After conversing and taking into consideration the points raised here, we decided that Scahtzie will be an only dox - I'd rather have one incredibly spoiled and happy dog than two not so happy doxies.
poochadoo
I read your decision and I am laughing because we went through the same sort of pro and con discussion at our house. We had one very determined Velcro doxie (Champ aka Chump) In our infinite wisdom we thought it would be good for Mr Velcro to have a second doxie to keep him company and for him to play with (in addition to the fact that our second son wanted a pet) All of the stars were aligning to the addition of a second pup. We read all of the information talked to other multiple doxie owners and took the plunge for Christmas for our son. We did all of the right things, introduce the dogs in a neutral location etc... Champ thought Smokey was the best thing. We thought we had won the lottery......... Until we brought Smokey home with us. Champ spent the next three weeks sitting on the back of the couch snarling at Smokey and then looking at us with a look that said "Was I not GOOD ENOUGH for you????" "Do you not love me any more?" "You had to bring that annoying thing into MY house?"
There were a couple of times that i thought we might have to keep Smokey (aka the Clueless One) away from Champ for his own good. Smokey thought that Champ was playing a fun game with snarls and teeth showing. He had no clue how angry Champ was.
That was 3 years ago. Champ is still crabby Smokey is still Clueless and the dogs are inseparable. When Smokey was at the vet recently Champ paced the floor and kept looking under the dog bed (Smokey's favorite sleeping spot) for Smokey. Champ loves Smokey but will not admit it. There is still snarling from Champ and Smokey still thinks its a game but they are lost without each other.
You most likely made the best decision. Dogs have a way of working with what ever we throw at them. I'm sure Schatzie will not mind staying the only dog. Doxies love to be spoiled and they usually hate to share.