8 Ways to Avoid Littermate Syndrome with Two Dachshund Puppies

Updated 03/04/2024 by Ava Jaine

Having two Dachshund puppies at the same time might seem utterly adorable, but it’s crucial to give it serious thought before taking the plunge. While puppies do enjoy having a furry playmate their size, they also need dedicated time for training and bonding with their human – You!

Here are 8 Ways to Avoid Littermate Syndrome with Two Dachshund Puppies.

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Raising two Dachshund puppies at once can feel like double the love but also double the work for many doxie parents.

As these puppies grow, they tend to form a stronger bond with each other rather than their humans. This closeness can lead to Dachshund behavioral issues, training challenges, and even separation anxiety – this is referred to as “littermate syndrome.”

If you haven’t already, make sure to read about the Risks of Adopting Two Dachshund Puppies at the Same Time for a better understanding of Littermate Syndrome.

two long haired dachshund puppies on a white background

Already Have Two Dachshund Puppies?

If you’re already a parent of two adorable Dachshund puppies, the key is to raise and train them as individual puppies – as much as you can. Making the extra effort to give each puppy separate experiences and time apart from each other can help avoid the dreaded littermate syndrome.

As a parent of two puppies, you must spend time with them individually to make sure they bond with you.

8 Ways to Avoid Littermate Syndrome with Two Dachshund Puppies

If you’ve already welcomed two Dachshund puppies into your home and want to continue with their training, here’s the way forward.

Behavioral issues often stem from doing everything as a pair.

It’s crucial for the puppies to have separate time with you, not just to build a strong bond and respect for you by also to focus on the individual training each puppy desperately needs.

1. Separate Walks: Have a friend or family member walk one puppy while you stay home and have playtime, work on potty training, or obedience training. Then switch. Don’t walk them together.
2. Separate Meals: Separate your Dachshund puppies for mealtime in their individual crates or puppy playpens and in separate rooms. They should not eat together in the same room.

3. Socialize Individually: To help each pup adjust to new faces, places, and sounds, it’s important for them to have their own unique experiences.

This puppy socialization process familiarizes them with various situations for future comfort instead of anxiety. Organize separate activities for each puppy’s social time, such as individual puppy playdates, park outings, and visits to different places and people for social interactions.

Learn more: How to Properly Socialize a Dachshund Puppy
4. Separate Beds: Each Dachshund puppy will need their own crate or playpen and bed for bedtime. They need their own space, especially when trying to get a good night’s sleep.

Two small dachshunds sniffing and playing in a garden

5. Separate Potty Training: When your pup is inseparable from their furry sibling, puppy potty training can become quite challenging when attempting it together since they only have eyes for each other.

To help them understand what you expect of them, plan to train your puppies separately.

Dachshunds have “super senses.” Taking them outside multiple times a day for potty training presents its own set of challenges. Their ears and noses pick up on everything around them – the distant leap of a squirrel, birds chirping, cars passing by. Their attention easily gets drawn to everything except the task at hand.

Post You May Like: Complete Dachshund Puppy Potty Training Guide
6. Supervision Required: Don’t leave the puppies alone unattended. It’s normal for puppies to have some rough playtime fun, but there’s a significant difference between playful roughhousing and vicious fighting.
If you sense tension or aggression between your pups or adult dogs, stop it before it escalates.
As the pack leader, it’s your responsibility to manage their interactions. They won’t resolve issues on their own like humans might; they rely on you to ensure their safety at all times.

Post You May Like: How to Teach Your Bossy Dachshund Who’s Leader of the Pack

two black and tan dachshund puppies on a white background

7. Individual Overnights: Dachshund puppies benefit from learning independence early on to prevent future behavior problems and separation anxiety as adult doxies.

It’s helpful to occasionally have a friend or family member take one of your puppies overnight, allowing them to experience being apart from each other.
8. Separate Command Training: Make time for one-on-one command training with each puppy separately. They will not only learn some really important canine commands to keep them safe as they grow, but they will also love this individual time with you.

Post You May Like: 5 Easy Commands to Teach Your Dachshund

Making special one-on-one time with each puppy is key.

When’s the Best Time to Bring Home a 2nd Dog?

So, when is the best time to bring home a new friend for your Dachshund? After your little long dog is fully potty trained, command trained, and knows the rules of the roost.

Many experts in dog training and canine behavior recommend waiting a good two years before getting another furry friend for your doxie. This time gives them the chance to bond well with you and get their training down pat.

When the time comes, here’s How to Introduce a New Puppy to an Older Dog – the correct way!