Until 3 months ago we had 2 male dogs; Ed-16 yrs old and Junior-6 yrs old.
They were good buddies. Then we had to have Ed put down. Now we are ready to get a new buddy for Junior and my husband has his heart set on a mini-dachshund puppy. We got Junior from our local shelter when he was 5 months old. He is an extremely nervous/hyper dog but good natured and has never shown aggression towards another dog. We understand about the dogs meeting on neutral territory and we would, of course, crate the new puppy at night. However, I keep visualizing Junior napping peacefully in his favorite place and this rambunctious tiny puppy who doesn't know about dog hierarchy "attacks" Junior; Junior snaps and hurts the puppy - or worse. My thinking is we should get a grown dog who can figure out the alpha dog thing without any bloodshed but my husband has wanted a mini-dachshund for years and it is his turn to pick out the new dog. Does anyone have any suggestions about how to do this new dog thing successfully?

Originally Posted by judyl

Until 3 months ago we had 2 male dogs; Ed-16 yrs old and Junior-6 yrs old.
They were good buddies. Then we had to have Ed put down. Now we are ready to get a new buddy for Junior and my husband has his heart set on a mini-dachshund puppy. We got Junior from our local shelter when he was 5 months old. He is an extremely nervous/hyper dog but good natured and has never shown aggression towards another dog. We understand about the dogs meeting on neutral territory and we would, of course, crate the new puppy at night. However, I keep visualizing Junior napping peacefully in his favorite place and this rambunctious tiny puppy who doesn't know about dog hierarchy "attacks" Junior; Junior snaps and hurts the puppy - or worse. My thinking is we should get a grown dog who can figure out the alpha dog thing without any bloodshed but my husband has wanted a mini-dachshund for years and it is his turn to pick out the new dog. Does anyone have any suggestions about how to do this new dog thing successfully?

Please contact Dachshund Rescue of North America, they recently took in masses of doxies from the big mill bust in West Virginia. They have dogs of all ages.

Introductions can be very simple, take Junior with you when you pick up your new dog. If you adopt, ask the foster mom about his status in her pack, is he content being an omega or does he challenge the alpha. I, personally, think you're overthinking here. Junior is a young dog at 6 yrs old, if you get a pup, he will teach the pup what he needs to know. Let them wrestle, rough house, etc., just make sure it doesn't escalate. If the puppy keeps going back for more he's having fun. If you get an adult dog, just let them work it out amongst themselves (within reason, of course) as by us interfering it causes more turmoil than just letting them settle it themselves. The great thing about adopting is first and foremost, the foster homes will do their absolute best to place a dog with you that fits with your current dog(s) and your lifestyle. If all else fails, they will take the dog back and do their level best to match you with another.