I’ve seen multiple rescue or pet that made me need to deliver a 3rd canine house.
These cute faces are irresistible!
So I’ve requested myself, “Is 3 canines too many?”
If I did get a 3rd canine, it will be one other Dachshund.
And if we turned a 3 canine family, at the very least I’d be doing it after having some follow.
I wouldn’t be doing it with out having an thought of what it could possibly be like.
I’ve been a Dachshund sitter for 10 years so I’ve commonly had 1-4 Dachshunds – for a most of 6 at time – in my home.
However the longest any of them stayed was 3 weeks. I can do something for 3 weeks.
However do I need three in the home on a regular basis?
There’s a distinction between quickly having 3 canines and including a 3rd canine completely.
I just lately had the prospect to check out having three Dachshunds long-term when a 3rd Dachshund stayed with us for 2 months.
It was lengthy sufficient that I actually really feel like I obtained to expertise what it will be like if I had a 3rd one in all my very own.
Listed below are my ideas about getting a 3rd Dachshund.
The Execs and Cons of Getting a third Canine
I firmly consider that selecting so as to add one other Dachshund – or any breed for that matter – to a family needs to be performed solely after cautious consideration.
These are all the issues that I thought-about when deciding if I needed a 3rd one or not.
Advantages of Having 3 Canine
1) Extra Dachshunds means extra enjoyable
These quirky canines are foolish and entertaining so including a 3rd means there shall be extra enjoyable.
2) Extra cuteness
Who doesn’t need three little Dachshund faces staring up at you pleading for cheese?
3) Extra love
A Dachshund appears to know when you’re feeling stated or blue and can come to your rescue.
Having a 3rd will add to that feeling of consolation.
4) It’s simpler to take one out alone
If you wish to spend a big day with simply one in all your Dachshunds, the 2 left house can maintain one another firm (that is particularly helpful if one or each has separation anxiousness).
5) One other playmate
Two can play whereas the opposite takes a outing.
If one is a senior, they might all the time be the one to sit down on the sidelines and they’re going to most likely benefit from the peace.
The professionals and cons of getting a 3rd canine needs to be closely weighed earlier than you determine to do it.
Cons of getting a 3rd Canine:
1) Elevated price
You’ll spend more cash on meals, leashes, jackets, veterinary care, pet insurance coverage, canine sitters, and many others.
2) Elevated barking
If one Dachshund barks, the opposite will take part.
Throwing one other one into the combo means you now have a third potential instigator.
3) They will develop a pack mentality
If there are extra canines than individuals in the home, they outnumber you, which implies they might pay extra consideration to one another than they hearken to you.
4) It takes extra of your time
Correctly caring for, managing, entertaining, coaching, and taking canines for walks takes time.
Whenever you add a third, that point dedication will increase and, possible, the time you may give every of your present two canines individually shall be diminished.
5) You could have one much less hand than you’ve canines
Whether or not or not it’s petting, strolling, or touring, you should have yet another canine to juggle and attempt to give equal consideration to.
6) You is probably not not be capable to keep at inns
Most inns have a two-dog restrict, no matter how small the canines are.
Be aware: High quality Inn, Kimpton, Ashore Resort, and Adrift Resort permit greater than two. La Quinta would possibly at choose places.
7) Touring solo might not be doable
Due to the “extra canines than arms” difficulty, it is probably not possible to tote three canines with you (both bodily or it could make it unenjoyable) whenever you take a trip.
8) Might restrict canine sitting and visitors
The canine sitting difficulty could also be extra of a private one however I made a decision a very long time in the past that 4 Dachshunds in the home is my max.
Which means I can’t watch multiple Dachshund at a time, it will exclude shoppers with a number of canines, and my buddies couldn’t deliver multiple of their very own canines over.
9) The canines might battle
In a great scenario, all 3 canines will turn into finest buddies. In my expertise, that not often occurs.
Peaceable coexistence is likely to be the very best consequence and it’s commonplace for canines throughout the similar family to battle so one must be ready for that (which might require a lifetime of administration).
10) Takes up extra space within the mattress
In case your Dachshunds sleep with you, you could have thought two is a crowd at occasions.
If a third canine is added, there shall be even much less house within the mattress (or you could have to improve to a bigger dimension).
Is Having 3 Dachshunds Actually Tougher Than 2?
Intellectually, chances are you’ll know the professionals and cons nevertheless it’s not an alternative to direct expertise.
Some issues that sound like a giant deal might become fairly simple to cope with whereas others you didn’t give a lot thought find yourself being the largest challenges.
Extra canines than arms
For instance, one thing that ended up being simpler than I assumed was the 2 arms, three canines factor.
It did complicate issues for me nevertheless it was manageable after some adjustment.
At first, strolling three canines was irritating.
The leashes saved getting tangled (I’m not a fan of leash couplers so I all the time had three) and, whereas Summit and Gretel nearly all the time stroll in a straight line, the third Dachshund weaved forwards and backwards and circled me, usually tripping me up.
However that frustration shortly went away.
The third one realized to fall in step with my different two and principally began strolling on the leash in a straight line.
Good coaching and a hands-free leash can decrease the effort of strolling three canines at a time.
I found that if he was being unruly, I might hook my different two to my waist belt so I solely needed to handle one Dachshund pinballing on the finish of the leash.
Fixed administration was required
The factor that ended up being essentially the most irritating, and taking over the vast majority of my time and a spotlight, was the combating.
The fights had been by no means something too main – no canines obtained harm – however I needed to continuously keep vigilant.
There have been only a few occasions that I felt I might let my guard down.
Generally, two canines of the identical intercourse are inclined to battle greater than two of the other.
However spay/neuter standing is extra essential than gender in my expertise and opinion.
Summit has an ovary-sparing spay so she nonetheless has the identical hormones as an intact canine.
Whereas she will be able to’t get pregnant, she nonetheless goes by means of warmth cycles and is moody.
She has additionally proven a bent to useful resource guard meals and particular toys up to now.
The third Dachshund we watched for 2 months was a younger male (8-10 months) and, For well being causes, he was not neutered but.
Since he was nonetheless creating whereas he was at our home, it was like a brand new discovery to him that he had male components and instincts.
He usually caught his nostril in Summit’s nether area to test it out.
She didn’t like that and was not shy about making an attempt to set boundaries.
He additionally had restricted expertise taking part in with different canines and was a bit gradual on the uptake when Summit was giving him indicators to again off.
There have been a number of skirmishes (that sounded worse than they had been) so I might by no means go away them alone collectively unsupervised and I needed to intently monitor them throughout play with toys or throughout dinner time.
Whereas it’s true that issues might have been completely different if this third canine was a feminine, or not intact, it’s a reminder that there aren’t any ensures.
Bringing a 3rd canine right into a home is all the time a threat and there’s no assure they may all get alongside.
Backside line: 3 canines might be more durable
So, sure, having these three Dachshunds collectively was considerably more durable than having two.
However there are lots of, many occasions I’ve had 3-6 Dachshunds in the home and have encountered no points.
So the reply to the query, “Is having three Dachshunds more durable than two?” is perhaps and it relies upon.
Simply be ready that it could possibly be.
Observations After Going from Three to Two Canine
It’s been 6 weeks since I went from three Dachshunds within the house again to 2.
I’ve had loads of time to replicate on my expertise of “proudly owning” three canines.
It didn’t take lengthy after the third one went house to begin feeling like one thing was lacking.
Whereas it was good to return to a peaceable routine with two canines which are well-adjusted to our routine, if I’m sincere, issues felt a little bit boring.
Managing three canines with completely different wants and personalities was certainly onerous and time consuming.
Nevertheless, if I’m being actually sincere with myself, I felt extra engaged with the canines when there have been three.
With three, the trouble felt fixed and now, again to 2, I really feel like I’ve the posh of being extra complacent.
I’m unsure I prefer it.
I used to be pleasantly shocked to see that my 13 12 months previous Dachshund Gretel appeared extra interested by taking part in than she ever had earlier than.
he third one we watched cherished to play with Summit and Gretel finally began to get in on the motion.
A little bit of that enthusiasm appeared to stay round.
There’s nonetheless loads for me to consider in regard to including a 3rd canine.
Weighing the Choice to Get a Third Canine
I listed a lot of the major execs and cons of getting a 3rd canine above.
I hoped that making an attempt out proudly owning a 3rd Dachshund whereas I used to be canine sitting for 2 months would assist me make up my thoughts about getting one other one.
But it surely didn’t. Not completely anyway.
You’d assume as a result of my listing of cons outweighs my execs, the choice can be a no brainer.
However the coronary heart desires what the center desires.
My Dad instructed me as soon as that for those who await the proper time to do one thing, you’ll by no means do it as a result of there isn’t a such factor as the proper time.
It simply occurs and also you make it work.
However then I take into consideration that listing of cons – the 2 largest ones for me being the extra price and touring solo with three – and my mind says “no method”.
Might I make it work with three? Positive. I’d discover a method.
Typically you simply need to take the leap and work out the small print later.
However would it not be on the expense of the calm, principally peaceable routine I’ve developed with the 2 Dachshunds I’ve at the moment?
Perhaps. Not less than in the course of the adjustment interval.
I’ve all the time been an individual, for good or for dangerous, that has made final selections primarily based on my coronary heart and instinct.
What Did I Determine?
I used to be critically pondering of including a 3rd Dachshund earlier than my precise expertise residing with 3 long-term.
After waffling forwards and backwards for a very long time, my Hubby and I made our choice – we’re going to do it!
Proudly owning three Dachshunds goes to be actually difficult for me and our life-style in some respects.
However our focus has all the time been the canines first so I’ve no doubts that we’ll alter.
There are a pair caveats although.
The right match:
We need to await the precise Dachshund to search out us.
I’m not interested by going out and getting the primary one I discover.
Gretel’s wellbeing:
Gretel is 13 and, fortunately, she is in good well being. However quickly that is probably not the case as a consequence of her age.
My first Dachshund Chester developed dementia and incontinence beginning at about 14.
It took up most of my time and power to look after him.
The care of my youthful canine in the home (Gretel) was type of on autopilot as a result of she didn’t have wants past the fundamentals of meals, train, and love.
If we’re getting a 3rd Dachshund, will probably be throughout the subsequent 12 months so I can get it educated and used to our routine earlier than Gretel wants extra of my consideration.
If we don’t discover the precise Dachshund so as to add to our pack inside a 12 months, we’ll possible wait till Gretel has handed to get one other.
Now that I made a decision to get a 3rd canine, I had one other choice to make – what gender?
If I Get a Third Dachshund, Ought to It Be Male or Feminine?
I’ve thought lengthy and onerous about what the most effective gender distribution is for 3 canines.
Ought to I get a male or feminine?
Male vs Feminine Dachshund Character
Generally, it’s stated that male Dachshunds are extra cuddly, connected, pleasant to strangers, playful, and feminine Dachshunds are extra aloof, moody, unbiased, and unfriendly to strangers.
Primarily based on my expertise with my very own Dachshunds, and those that I’ve met and canine sat through the years, I’ve discovered the persona variations to be extra depending on coat kind (lengthy, clean, or wire), and every canine’s upbringing, so my alternative wouldn’t be made on these generalizations.
In truth, I’ve discovered male Dachshunds to be extra aloof and my females extra snuggly and bonded with me.
Potential for Gender Battle
Feminine canines are extra usually concerned in family fights with different canines than males.
Additionally, hen females get into an aggressive scenario, accidents are apt to be extra extreme and the fights are usually longer and extra livid (supply).
Some say that male canines usually tend to again down when confronted by a feminine however that has not been my private expertise – each genders might again down or select to escalate issues equally.
Fortunately, in our case, not one of the canines concerned within the skirmishes have held grudges and warmed up to one another once more after a little bit little bit of pouting (or outing of their crates).
I do know a number of individuals whose canines had main fights and so they had been by no means in a position to be in the identical room once more so it’s good to be ready that there’s a likelihood one thing might go horribly improper with the pairing.
Because the majority of canine fights inside a family are over competitors for consideration, meals, or toys, so long as these conditions are fastidiously managed, fights throughout the family might be vastly decreased or eradicated.
If There’s an Intact Canine within the Home?
There are loads of behavioral and well being advantages to an ovary sparing spay, which is why I selected it for Summit after a lot analysis.
I’m very proud of my choice however that does imply I’m, primarily, residing with an intact feminine canine and my choice will have an effect on all of my future canines.
I’ve by no means performed that earlier than so it’s been a little bit of an eye-opener.
It turned a vital issue when contemplating what gender a 3rd Dachshund needs to be if I introduced one house.
The gender mixture of three canines in a single house is a crucial issue that may affect how properly they get alongside.
I used to be certain I’d completely not need to have an intact feminine and an intact male, or a male that had a vasectomy, in the identical home.
However, now having first hand expertise with that, I’m 1000% certain it will be a horrible thought.
In order that leaves me with solely two choices – get a male and have him neutered or get a feminine.
My desire is to get one other feminine as a result of I like their personalities higher and I’d select to go away her intact (for well being advantages, not breeding) or additionally get her a ovary sparing spay.
However then I’d have two intact females in the home, which might additional improve the potential for fights.
So, if I do get a 3rd feminine, I’ll must be ready to get a full spay carried out on Summit, or have the brand new feminine spayed, if there are conflicts.
My desire can be the previous since Summit is 4 years previous and has already gained a lot of the advantages from an ovary sparing spay.
Ultimate Ideas
Going from proudly owning two to 3 Dachshunds feels a bit loopy to me however my coronary heart says, “do it”.
There was an 8 12 months age distinction between my first and second Dachshunds and a 9 12 months distinction between my second and third.
I wish to shut the age hole a bit and expertise what it’s wish to have two youthful Dachshunds in the identical home.
I believe my 4 12 months previous Dachshund would play with extra if there was a youthful one in the home.
Going from two to 3 canines is a big dedication although.
Proudly owning three canines is dearer, calls for extra of my consideration, is difficult for me to handle alone, will possible make touring solo harder, and many others.
However I consider my Dad – there isn’t a good time – and have faith in my potential as a canine proprietor to adapt to residing with 3 canines.
Additionally, again in 2012, I left the “rat race” and began my very own enterprise with the aim of with the ability to dedicate my life to my two Dachshunds.
So, now, I’m in a really lucky place. I can alter my schedule to fulfill my canine’s want, no matter they might be and nonetheless demanding they might be.
So keep tuned for our new journey of including a 3rd canine to the household!
