Getting a Mini Dachshund Puppy? Here’s How to Prepare Your Other Pets First

So—you’ve picked your puppy. Maybe you’ve even placed a deposit or scheduled the delivery. First of all, congratulations! Bringing home a mini dachshund puppy is an exciting milestone for any household.

Now comes the part that many new owners overlook: how to prepare your other pets before your new dachshund arrives. As a California-based breeder who ships nationwide, I’ve worked with hundreds of families navigating this exact moment—and let me tell you, a little prep goes a long way.

Whether you have another dog, a cat, or a whole crew of fur babies, here’s how to make the transition smooth and stress-free for everyone involved.

Why Prepping Your Pets Matters

H3: Keeps the Peace From Day One

Introducing a new puppy without preparation can stir up everything from anxiety to aggression in existing pets. Think about it: your resident pet sees your home as their space. A new nose with a wagging tail can feel like an intruder unless introduced thoughtfully.

H3: Helps Your Puppy Feel Safe and Welcome

Mini dachshunds are smart but sensitive. The more balanced and relaxed your current pets are, the more your puppy can confidently explore, learn, and bond with the whole household.

I once had a customer in Northern California with two older Labs. She followed this exact prep guide, and her Labs were lying side by side with the puppy on the second day. Preparation works!

Step 1: Start Preparing Before the Puppy Comes Home

H3: Reinforce Routines for Current Pets

A sudden change in feeding time, sleeping area, or human attention can make older pets feel neglected. In the week or two before your dachshund puppy arrives:

  • Feed and walk your pets at regular times.
  • Begin reintroducing commands like “leave it”, “go to your spot”, or “wait”.
  • Make any changes in sleeping or lounging areas before the puppy enters the picture.

H3: Introduce the Puppy’s Scent Ahead of Time

Every one of my puppies goes home with a blanket that smells like mom and littermates. Place this blanket near your other pet’s resting area in the days before your new puppy arrives. This passive introduction builds familiarity before they even meet face to face.

Step 2: Set Up Separate Spaces

H3: Safety First—for Everyone

In the early days, your new puppy and your current pet will need space to observe each other safely. I recommend:

  • A crate or playpen setup for your new mini dachshund
  • A barrier (like a baby gate) to separate rooms during feeding or downtime
  • A quiet retreat area for your current pet if they need space

Step 3: Introducing Dogs to a New Mini Dachshund Puppy

H3: Start With a Controlled, On-Leash Introduction

If you’re introducing your puppy to another dog, especially an adult or senior one, begin with:

  • A short, on-leash walk side by side in a neutral space (backyard or quiet street)
  • No direct sniffing until both dogs are calm
  • Keep sessions short and positive—think 5 to 10 minutes max to start

H3: Supervise Closely Indoors

When you’re back inside, keep your puppy in their crate or pen, and allow your dog to observe from outside the barrier. Reward calm behavior on both sides.

💡 Pro Tip: Never leave them unsupervised until you’re completely confident they can be trusted alone together.

Step 4: Introducing Cats to a Mini Dachshund Puppy

H3: Slow and Steady Wins the Race

Cats typically need a bit more time. Let your cat observe the new puppy from a distance and maintain access to vertical spaces like cat trees, shelves, or escape zones.

  • Don’t force direct interaction.
  • Feed them on opposite sides of a closed door to build scent association.
  • Use gates or crates to manage curiosity without risk.

One of my clients in Los Angeles had a 12-year-old cat who wanted nothing to do with her new dachshund at first. We gave it two weeks of baby-gated separation, slow sniffing sessions, and plenty of treats—and now they nap on the same couch.

Step 5: The First Week With Everyone at Home

  • Keep your puppy’s crate as their safe zone
  • Feed pets in separate areas
  • Supervise all play sessions
  • Don’t rush introductions—go at your current pet’s pace
  • Reward calm behavior with praise or treats

What My Puppies Are Already Trained For

Because I raise all my dachshunds in-home, they’re already:

  • ✅ Introduced to crate training
  • ✅ Exposed to household sounds (vacuums, doorbells, TV)
  • ✅ Temperament-matched for multi-pet households
  • ✅ Sent home with a scented blanket
  • ✅ Available for local delivery in California or nationwide shipping (I only use USDA-compliant, pet-safe shipping methods with tracking and updates.)
  • ✅ Backed with lifetime breeder support

So when you bring home a pup from me, you’re starting the introduction from a calm, confident foundation.

Pre-Arrival Checklist for Multi-Pet Homes

Before pickup or delivery, make sure you have:

  • ✅ A crate or puppy pen ready
  • ✅ Feeding supplies and food for both pets
  • ✅ A quiet place for your current pet to retreat
  • ✅ Scheduled time for supervised introductions
  • ✅ Your vet appointment booked
  • ✅ The scent blanket placed near current pets

Final Thoughts

Introducing a mini dachshund puppy to your other pets doesn’t have to be stressful—it just takes a little planning. As a breeder, my goal is to set both you and your puppy up for success, especially if you already have a furry family at home.

If you’re still searching for the perfect pup, I’d love to help you find one that’s already socialized and temperament-matched for your household. And if you’ve already reserved your puppy? Now’s the perfect time to get your current pets prepped.

– View available puppies
– Apply to reserve
– Have questions? I’m always here to help 🐾