Getting a second dog

My sister found her 2nd and 3rd dogs easy to train because they both followed the example of her oldest dog. She said it was no problem having more. I guess that's something that concerns me a bit because my current and only dog is a very anxious one. He gets nervous for a few things and sometimes has accidents in the house because of his nerves... I think he would be more of a follower than a leader. Of course, you can never be sure of that -- he could react much differently with another dog in the house and maybe would become more of a leader because he was here first!

Hi there! Thanks for your insights :)) My dog does have separation anxiety when it comes to me. My office is in the basement of my home and, if I happen to be down here too long, he'll start whining from the top of the stairs, waiting for me to come back. He doesn't do it all the time - some days he's more "clingy" than other days. He's definitely sociable with other dogs, as I've elaborated in another comment... but, of course, each interaction is different and, sometimes, they get along with "most" other dogs but there are some that just react badly. My biggest fear is adopting a second and having to give it back because the two don't gel. It would break my heart to send a dog back. The rescue I go to, they give you a 15-day trial period with any of their dogs so that, if there are reasons it won't work, they are guaranteed to get the dog returned to match it up with another family. You're right though... I don't like to leave my dog alone for too long because he's REALLY alone. With another one in the house, at least they'd be company for each other.

That is good advice, sjlskl. I've heard too that, sometimes, older dogs are less welcoming to new ones because it's already "their territory" or their home and they are less accepting of sharing it with another dog. I have had my dachshund for one year now so, I think if I'm going to make this decision, it should be sooner than later for the benefit of all concerned :))

Charlie is very accepting of other dogs... he takes his time and checks them out and all but, ultimately, he is very sociable and loves to play Like most dogs, he is more accepting when he goes to another dog's home rather than having a dog come into his "turf" but he's never shown any aggression.

Thank you, PageTurner... I take a lot of comfort in what you've said. I do believe that many dogs thrive when they have a companion. My sister has 2 dogs (she had 3 but her senior was just put down last week at the age of 14). They play together wonderfully. I've taken my dog over there and he loves them too. They might gripe over sharing one special toy or something but that's just play. There is no animosity, they have never fought... it's been a positive experience. That leads me to feel that I could theoretically bring another dog into my home. There are some practical things to consider, since I'd want a second dachshund. My current boy cannot go down stairs. He tries but the stairs to my back door are rather steep and narrow and his long body cannot seem to negotiate a way of getting down them. He can go up, some of the time, but mostly, he gets picked up. I carry him down to the door and then off he goes outside to do his business. I have to consider the possibility that I might have to do this with a second one of the same breed. Also, the dog that I'm currently looking at has had extensive surgery to a hind leg. When he arrived at the rescue, it was badly broken. He has staples, screws and a plate in the leg now and now walks like any other dog... but I do think towards the future and wonder if there may be issues to deal with for that too. It's a lot to consider. I love my dog so much and we have developed a great relationship over the year I've had him. I just want to do the best for him... whether that means him getting a companion or not. So much to think about! I guess the key is to take my time and really feel confident in my decision

I am so sorry to hear of your sister's recent canine loss. I know this is a difficult time for her. :( I see that you have put a lot of thought into what sort of dog to get as a companion to your current friend. I find it admirable that you would consider the injured dachsund, but you are correct that there could be issues in the future regarding navigating the stairs. There are times that my dog has problems with the stairs, and she's much bigger. This seems to be something that has to do with her age, I think. It is great that you and your dog have such a great relationship! You are both blessed!