Thinking of Adding a Dachshund Puppy to Your Pack? Let’s Talk Pet Jealousy

Bringing home a new puppy is a huge moment—and if you’re adding a mini dachshund puppy to a house with current pets, it’s exciting and maybe a little nerve-wracking. As a breeder based in California who ships nationwide, I’ve walked dozens of families through this exact transition.

While dachshunds are friendly and lovable, jealousy in other pets is real—and totally normal. The good news? With the right setup and timing, you can turn that tension into tail wags.

Why Jealousy Happens When You Bring a New Puppy Home

H3: Pets Notice Everything—Especially When Attention Shifts

Your current pets have a routine—and they’re used to being the center of it. When a tiny new dachshund shows up, gets a new bed, new toys, and tons of attention, it can cause your other animals to act out.

They might:

  • Get clingy or demand more attention
  • Growl or avoid the puppy
  • Pee inside (yes, even if they’re fully trained)
  • Stop eating or playing

Think of it as sibling rivalry… but with paws.

Step One: Prepare Before Your Dachshund Puppy Arrives

H3: Routines Reduce Jealousy

If you’ve already placed a deposit or scheduled delivery, now is the time to start prepping your current pets.

  • Stick to consistent feeding and walk times
  • Reinforce training commands like “place” or “leave it”
  • Give your pet calm, focused one-on-one time

I always tell my buyers: “It’s easier to adjust routines now than when there’s a puppy crying in the crate at 2 a.m.”

H3: Scent Is the Secret Weapon

Every puppy I send home includes a blanket that smells like their littermates. It may seem like a small thing, but I’ve seen pets sniff that blanket and warm up before the puppy even walks through the door. Place it:

  • Near your current pet’s bed
  • In a shared room
  • On the couch they love most

Let them get curious before the chaos.

Step Two: The First Introduction Matters Most

H3: Start in a Neutral or Controlled Area

For dogs, do a leashed walk together outside. Side-by-side (not nose-to-nose) is less threatening.

Back at home:

  • Use a baby gate, crate, or playpen for the puppy
  • Let pets observe and sniff without pressure
  • Keep sessions short—think 10 minutes at first

H3: Supervise Every Interaction

You know your pets best. If your older dog gets tense when guarding toys, don’t put any in the room. If your cat needs height to feel safe, make sure they have a high perch.

Slow and steady > forced snuggles.

Step Three: Maintain Balance During the First Week

H3: Don’t Neglect Your Current Pets

This is where most people drop the ball. Your new dachshund is tiny, adorable, and demanding—but your older pets need to know they’re still loved.

  • Schedule 1:1 time with each pet
  • Keep their mealtimes and nap spots the same
  • Avoid scolding them for being unsure—redirect instead

I had a buyer in Arizona with a senior beagle who barked at the puppy’s crate all night. We made a plan where the beagle got 15 minutes of cuddle time in a different room before bed—and the barking stopped in two days. Sometimes they just want a little reassurance.

H3: Create a Shared Routine

Incorporate the puppy into parts of your current routine, like:

  • Going out in the yard together
  • Sitting quietly while you drink your coffee
  • Hanging out during crate time in the same room

These shared moments build bonds.

Special Tips for Cats and Senior Pets

H3: For Cats: Give Them Control and Space

Cats don’t like surprises or being chased. Let them:

  • Observe from behind a gate or screen
  • Sniff the puppy through a crate
  • Retreat to a no-puppy zone at any time

And never, ever force a face-to-face.

H3: For Senior Dogs: Adjust Expectations

Senior dogs need more rest, less chaos, and often aren’t fans of zoomies. Give them:

  • Extra soft beds in quiet corners
  • Their own crate if needed
  • Breaks from puppy energy

How My Puppies Are Raised for Smooth Introductions

One of the best things I hear from new owners is how “well adjusted” their puppy seems. That’s no accident.

Here’s what my puppies go through before they get to you:

  • ✅ Crate training started at 5 weeks
  • ✅ Socialized with littermates and household sounds
  • ✅ Handled daily to reduce anxiety
  • ✅ Blanket with familiar scent included
  • ✅ Temperament matched to multi-pet homes
  • ✅ Local delivery in California or nationwide shipping available. (I only use USDA-compliant, pet-safe shipping methods with tracking and updates.)

Pre-Arrival Jealousy Checklist

Before your dachshund puppy arrives, make sure you’ve:

  • ✅ Picked a calm, neutral intro space
  • ✅ Introduced the scent blanket to your pets
  • ✅ Set up separate food/water areas
  • ✅ Scheduled solo time with your older pets
  • ✅ Chosen the right crate or playpen for controlled intros
  • ✅ Booked a vet appointment within 72 hours of arrival

Final Thoughts

Jealousy between pets doesn’t mean your animals don’t love each other—it just means they need time, patience, and a little structure to rebalance the household.

And as a breeder who works closely with each family, I’m always here to help. If you’ve reserved one of my puppies (or are thinking about it), just reach out—I’ll guide you through every step.

– View available puppies
– Reserve your puppy
– Got jealous pets at home? Let’s find the right match for your crew 🐾