Adding a Second Dachshund to the Mix – Dogster

Welcome to the Wednesday Dogs of Dogster! Every Wednesday, we share a story from one of our Dogsters. This week is about Meagan and her dynamic duo of dachshunds, Draper and Rue.

When we first brought Draper home in early 2020, we were already toying with the idea of getting him a companion. After all, two dachshunds are better than one, right? From everything we had read, Doxies seemed to have an unspoken bond with their own kind—maybe it’s something about the shared experience of having legs barely longer than a ruler. But Draper was a bit of a lone wolf, preferring human companionship over doggy interaction. He’d shy away from other dogs during walks, sometimes even halting in his tracks, refusing to go any further until they passed, but when we spotted another dachshund, something magical would happen. Draper would warm up, if only for a quick tail wag or a friendly butt sniff.

So, when the time came to expand our family, the idea of adding another weenie felt like the perfect fit. But timing is everything, right? And for three years, the stars never quite aligned. That is, until 2023, when everything seemed to happen at once: a new house, a baby on the way, and the sudden realization that if we were going to get a second dog before life got even more chaotic, we’d have to act fast.

The transition from one to two was anything but smooth, and what followed was a journey of jealousy, adjustment, and ultimately—unexpected sibling love. Here’s how we went from a lonely, pouty Draper to two dachshunds who are now inseparable… most of the time.

​​All Signs Point to Rue

In March 2023, I found out I was pregnant with our first baby, which meant any hope of getting a second dog had to happen now if we wanted any chance of housebreaking a puppy before the baby arrived in December. We knew once a newborn entered the mix, the timing for a new puppy would never feel “right.” As exciting as the pregnancy was, adding another pup in the same year (along with buying our first home) probably qualifies as a top contender for “craziest life decisions.”

But once we committed, we were all in. The search for the perfect second dog began, and after some back and forth, we decided that another dachshund would be the best fit. Enter little Miss Rue Bizou. From the moment we saw her, we knew she was the one. With her crinkled, floppy ears and big brown eyes, she was the perfect little darling and we needed to have her! Draper was a bit less convinced about the idea of a little sis. He watched with cautious curiosity as this tiny, 2-pound fluffball was brought into his home, and her immediate excitement for everything—whether it was the car ride or sniffing around the house—was a stark contrast to Draper’s cautious, reserved demeanor.

Draper’s first few days with Rue were a delicate dance. He was unsure about this new, bouncy creature who was now occupying his space, and in true Draper fashion, he sulked. At first, it was subtle. Things like not letting her sit beside him or walking away if she climbed onto our laps while he was near. But as the days wore on, his passive-aggressive behavior escalated to growls and snarls if Rue dared approach while he was napping or receiving his sacred belly rubs. And the real kicker? Draper gave me the cold shoulder. There were days when he wouldn’t even look at me, which, let me tell you, broke my heart, and took a serious toll on this pregnant, hormonal and highly emotional mama-to-be.

The Healing Process:

So, we decided to intervene and help Draper adjust. This wasn’t just about giving Rue some time and space to fit in; it was about reassuring Draper that he wasn’t being replaced. We started with “Mommy & Me” dates—weekly outings to dog-friendly spots around town, topped off with a pup cup from Starbucks (because, yes, we’re those people). Draper seemed to enjoy these special trips, and we noticed he came home in a better mood, more willing to tolerate Rue’s playful antics. We also made sure Draper had some daily quiet time away from Rue—just him, a cozy guest bed, and some well-deserved peace while Rue napped in her bed on the floor nearby.

Taking them both on outings together—whether it was a neighborhood walk or a car ride into the city—helped as well. Slowly but surely, Draper began to understand that he wasn’t losing his place in our hearts. With time, the mood in the house lightened, and Draper started warming up to his new sister, even if it was still on his own terms.

The Sweetest of Rivalries

Fast forward to the present: over a year after bringing Rue into our home, and the two of them are practically inseparable. Sure, Draper still treats Rue like the annoying little sister she is, but there’s no denying the bond between them. Gone are the days of sulking and cold shoulders. Draper has learned to put Rue in her place (and if you ask him, he deserves a little peace and quiet when it comes to the toy situation). These days, we often catch them rolling around on the couch, wrestling and playfully nipping at each other’s ears. Draper might not initiate cuddles with Rue, but when she curls up beside him or lays on top of him (which is all the time), he’ll happily oblige.

There’s something so heartwarming about watching Draper go from the “grumpy older sibling” to an actual partner in crime for Rue. When she’s away, he misses her, and when she’s home, he happily joins in her mischievous games. The snarling has mostly stopped, and while Draper still keeps his personal space when it comes to sharing a bed, he’s learned to share his world (and his parents) with his little sister.

The Verdict: Was it Worth It?

Looking back, it’s safe to say that adding Rue to our family wasn’t just a good decision—it was the right one. The first few months were rocky, no doubt, and were there times when we thought perhaps we bit off a little more than we could chew? Absolutely! But, as with any sibling bond, they found their rhythm. Rue has helped Draper become more social, and Draper has taught Rue the fine art of barking at nearly everything (insert sarcastic “Yay!”). It wasn’t an easy road, but today, they are the dynamic duo we never knew we needed.