How to Introduce a Dachshund to Other Dogs

How to Introduce a Dachshund to Other Dogs: Step by Step Guide

Updated 04/17/2025 by Ava Jaine

We all know how dedicated our Dachshunds are at protecting their pack (that’s you and your family). However, their high alert temperament can sometimes make socializing with other dogs a bit challenging, especially during those daily walks.

Don’t worry Dachshund friends, we’ve got your back. Here’s your go-to guide on how to introduce your Dachshund to other dogs.

Table of Contents

When Should I Socialize My Dachshund?

The best time to start socializing your Dachshund with other dogs is when they are young. After your pup has been wormed and received their initial puppy vaccines, it’s a good time to start gradually introducing some new furry friends and experiences.

If you are just starting to social your adult Dachshund for the first time, understand that introducing them to other dogs is going to take some extra time and patience.

a white dog and black dachshund looking at each other
 

Are Dachshunds Good with Other Dogs?

Yes, they can be. Here’s something to remember though – Dogs aren’t human. We, as humans, know how to be polite and socialize with others, even if we don’t particularly care for them.

Dogs are dogs. They’ll interact based on their natural instincts, and we can’t expect them to like everyone they meet.

My mini-Dachshund, Reno, was best buddies with my large German Shepherd, Ardi. They were playful kindred spirits from the start, and they never had issues with each other, ever! (pictured below)

Fast forward to today, my Dachshund Eko on the other hand needs extra time and patience when being introduced to other dogs. He’s a lot more anxious when it comes to other dogs and new people.

  • Note: When it comes to socializing your Dachshund with other pups, it’s not just about training and exposure alone. Their comfort level and personality play a big role in how they interact with their furry pals.

black dachshund playing with German Shepherd
 

How to Introduce Your Dachshund to Other Dogs

Take it slow and steady: Never force your doxie into a situation where they feel uncomfortable.

Keep it Small: Instead of heading to the nearest dog park, arrange small playdates with friends who have dogs. Preferably start with a dog that is a similar size to your doxie. This helps to ensure supervised, safe and calm interactions.

  • 1. Choose the Right Place: Pick a neutral territory for your doggie meet up. Have your Dachshund meet the other dog at a park or on a walk. Not at their home and not at your home. Your doxie will be a lot more territorial when it comes to their den and the family.

  • 2. Leash Them Up: Keep both dogs leashed up for their safety in case things don’t go well. Don’t hold your pups during their interaction, keep them on the ground.

  • 3. From a Distance: Take a walk together with some distance between the dogs. This helps them get used to each other’s presence without direct interaction. Then, allow one dog to walk behind the other, and then switch. If the dogs remain comfortable, allow them to walk side by side. If the dogs are not showing any aggressive behaviors, reward them with dog treats.

  • 4. Canine Body Language: Keep an eye on the body language of both dogs. If either pup seems tense or aggressive, give them more space. Keep an eye out for growling, lip curling, avoidance, raised hair along the dog’s back, prolonged stare, or any defensive behavior.

    If you notice any aggressive postures, calmly interrupt their interaction and redirect your dog’s focus on something else – create a distraction.

    *Only offer dog treats if they look at each other in a relaxed manner.*

  • 5. Let them Sniff: Once they’ve had a chance to check each other out, let them have a good sniff, it’s like a doggie handshake. Keep them both leashed and closely supervised.

  • 6. Keep it positive: Verbally praise with “good” and reward with treats when things stay calm and friendly to reinforce the positive behavior.

  • 7. Supervised Playtime: If they seem comfortable, let them play. Still keep a close eye just in case.

  • 8. Keep it Short: Keep the first fur-friend meet up short and sweet. Gradually increase the time they spend together as they get more comfortable.

  • 9. Repeat: Practice makes perfect. Keep setting up these meet-ups to strengthen the bond and trust between the pups.

  • 10. Patience: Every dog is unique, especially when it comes to the Dachshund dog breed. Some doxies may take extra time to warm up to others.

    *Keep things positive and keep going.*

Two small dachshunds sniffing and playing in a garden
 

Positive Interactions

Whether it is a quick introduction with your neighbor or attending a puppy play date, make sure things stay safe and positive between your doxie and their new friends.

Never Force: If there is ever a situation when your dog acts scared towards another dog, don’t force the interaction. Forcing your Dachshund into a frightening situation will cause them to become defensive.

 

Extra Training Help

If you need some extra help socializing your Dachshund with other dogs, it’s ok! Ask your vet for a local canine behaviorist or dog trainer. 

I like to recommend K9 Training Institute – it’s online dog training you can do at home. They have great dog parent reviews and offer your first training session for free.

The K9 Training Institute link is an affiliate link, and I will receive a commission if you click through and make a purchase, at no cost to you.

 

Disclaimer:

This post enables people to ask for and discuss dog health-related and behavioral advice, with the aim of connecting with other dog parents who may have faced similar situations. Our position is that the readers of this post fully understand that Dachshund Station does not endorse taking any advice given or received over that of a veterinarian or a certified dog trainer. Dachshund Station (Ava Jaine) is not responsible for the consequences of anyone choosing to implement any advice they receive.

The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding dogs.  For an accurate diagnosis of your dog’s condition, please make an appointment with your vet.

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