Should You Get Two Puppies at once?
The Suprising Benefits
Ask any new puppy parent what they expect, and you’ll hear the same thing: sleepless nights, whining, chewed shoes, and coffee gone cold. But here’s the secret no one tells you…
Two puppies are actually easier than one.
It sounds wild, but after years of raising mini dachshund puppies, I can tell you: doubling up is the BEST life hack ever. I always raise two puppies at a time when I want to add to my family. The photo above shows my dogs Fairy and Casey who grew up together.
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Why Two Puppies Can Be Easier
1. Built-In Comfort Buddies
Puppies cry because they’re scared and lonely after leaving their litter. When they go home in pairs? They curl up together and sleep. You’re house is quieter, you sleep better.
2. Instant Playmates
Ever had a puppy with zoomies at 2 a.m.? Two puppies zoom together, wrestle it out, and crash in a snuggly heap. They entertain each other so you don’t have to be a 24/7 chew toy. Let’s be honest — there’s nothing cuter than two mini dachshund puppies tumbling around together. Your camera roll will never recover (in the best way).
3. Social Skills, Upgraded
Puppies learn by watching. When one figures out sit, the other is right behind. When one is braver about the vacuum cleaner, the other copies. Double the brains = faster learning. If you already planned on ultimately having two dogs, why not potty train them together? If you spend one season potty training your first pup, then bring in another later, the first may regress on their training. Even if it is extra work bringing two out at a time, it ultimately reduces the time spent cleaning up accidents in your home and get’s the challenging training done and over with.
4. Guilt Free Errands
Leave one puppy home alone: they cry, you worry. Leave two, and they have each other. Build-in support system = less stress for them, less guilt for you. The math be mathing here!
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What About Littermate Syndrome?
Yes, you may have hard about littermate syndrome - where two puppies bond so close to each other they struggle with independence and sometimes reactivity. Here’s the good news: it’s not a guarantee, and it’s totally preventable.
How to Prevent Littermate Syndrome:
One-on-One Time: Spend short sessions with each puppy separately so they bond with you, not just each other.
Separate Training: Train them individually at least part of the time — sit, stay, leash work, crate time.
Occasional Alone Time: Give them a chance to nap or explore apart from their sibling, even if just for 10–15 minutes.
Individual Identities: Use their names often, build their confidence separately, and celebrate their unique personalities. That’s it.
Simple balance = happy, confident pups
The Best Puppy Hack Ever
Bringing home two puppies at once may sound overwhelming, but when done right, it’s one of the best decisions you’ll ever make. They soothe each other, play endlessly, and grow up as built-in best friends.
At Grateful Dachshunds of Oregon, we’ve seen families thrive with littermates. Curious? Check out our Available Puppies page to see if your dream pair is waiting.
