Do Dachshunds Get Along With Other Dogs

When we first brought Harvey home, we pictured him running joyfully alongside other dogs, tail wagging, making friends wherever he went. The reality? Sometimes he’s the life of the party, sometimes he’s the quiet observer — and occasionally he’s the one hiding behind my legs when a particularly bouncy spaniel bounds over.

Harvey’s social side is clear: he’s usually great with other dogs, but there’s a noticeable difference when he sees the ones he knows well. Those familiar faces — the schnauzer from down the street, the border collie we meet on our morning walk — get an excited trot, a soft tail wag, and a playful bow. New dogs? He approaches with cautious curiosity, taking his time before deciding whether they’re worth a game of chase.

Living in the Sutherland Shire means we’re spoiled for dog-friendly spaces, from the grassy stretches of Don Lucas Reserve to the quieter corners of our local off-leash parks. These outings have taught us that a dachshund’s temperament with other dogs isn’t a simple yes-or-no answer — it’s shaped by personality, socialisation history, and even the other dog’s breed and energy level.

We’ve also seen first-hand that with the right introductions, even a cautious dachshund can learn to share their world happily. But it doesn’t happen by accident — it’s about knowing what makes them tick, managing first meetings carefully, and setting them up for success, whether you’re introducing them to a neighbour’s Labrador in Sydney, a terrier in a London park, or a golden retriever in a New York dog run.

A dachshund’s relationship with other dogs is rarely black-and-white. Their personality sits somewhere on a sliding scale — from the confident social butterfly who thrives in a group to the selective friend-maker who sticks to a small, trusted circle. Harvey falls neatly into the second category. He’s usually great with other dogs, but his enthusiasm soars when it’s one he sees often — like the schnauzer we bump into on our early morning walks or the border collie at the park who always plays chase without getting too rough.

This pattern is common. Dachshunds are intelligent, observant, and often cautious with new dogs until they’ve had a chance to assess the situation. Once trust is established, many are incredibly loyal playmates. That loyalty is part of why dachshunds have such a strong bond with their people and their canine companions.

From a behavioural standpoint, dachshund temperament with other dogs is shaped by three main factors:

• Socialisation history — Dogs raised with positive exposure to other dogs from puppyhood tend to be more adaptable.
  
  
• Individual confidence — Some dachshunds are naturally more reserved, while others bound into play without hesitation.
  
  
• Environmental cues — The setting of the interaction (quiet park vs busy urban street) can influence how open they are.
  
  

In Sydney, busy off-leash areas like Centennial Parklands can be overwhelming for a dachshund who hasn’t been gradually introduced to a variety of dogs. The same applies to bustling UK city parks or popular US dog runs. For these environments, slow introductions and controlled exposure work best.

If you want your dachshund to get along with other dogs, the focus should be on building familiarity, matching energy levels, and providing safe spaces. For those in NSW, Emily from the whole hound — who specialises in multi-dog households — can make a world of difference. In the UK, The Dog Training College offers similar structured programs, while in the USA, the APDT (Association of Professional Dog Trainers) maintains a directory of qualified behaviourists.

Every dachshund has their own way of telling you whether another dog is a potential friend or one to keep at paw’s length. With Harvey, the signs are crystal clear — his body softens, tail wags in a steady rhythm, and he’ll approach with that confident little trot when he’s met a dog he likes.

Here are some of the most common green flags that your dachshund might be ready for a positive interaction:

Noticing and responding to these cues can help you make smarter choices about who your dachshund interacts with. In Sydney, where parks can be busy, spotting these early signs lets you step in before things escalate. In the UK and USA, the same principles apply whether you’re at a city park, suburban green, or rural walking trail.

Of course, even the friendliest dachshund might have an off day, so always supervise initial meetings and be ready to call them away if the energy shifts.

Introducing a dachshund to a new dog isn’t something you want to rush. While some will bounce into a new friendship with ease, others — like Harvey — need time and the right conditions to feel comfortable. Over the years, we’ve learned that the way you stage the first meeting can make all the difference.

Living with more than one dog can be deeply rewarding, but it also comes with its own set of challenges — especially when one of those dogs is a dachshund. Their bold personality, loyalty to their humans, and occasional stubborn streak mean they thrive when there’s clear structure in place.

When Harvey spends time with his regular playmates, things run smoothly because he knows the rules. The same principle applies at home — consistency is everything. If you’re planning to bring a second dog into the family, it’s worth thinking through a few key areas:

Food is a common flashpoint for tension in multi-dog homes. Dachshunds can be possessive over meals or treats, especially in the early days.

• Feed dogs in separate spaces or crates.
   
• Pick up bowls when meals are done.
   
• Use slow feeder bowls if one dog tends to rush.
   

Rest is as important as play. A dachshund who can retreat to their own safe spot is less likely to feel overwhelmed or defensive.

• Use beds or crates in quiet corners.
   
• Make sure each dog has their own space.
   

Play sessions between resident dogs should always be supervised until you’re confident they know each other’s limits. This is especially important with smaller breeds like dachshunds, who can be more fragile than they realise.

• Watch for signs of fatigue or frustration.
   
• Step in before play gets too rough.
   

For more on reading dog behaviour cues, you might find our article on Dachshund Barking helpful — barking patterns often signal when a dog is overstimulated or needs space.

Dogs adapt best when everyone in the household follows the same rules. Inconsistency can create confusion and conflict.

• Reinforce core commands like “leave it,” “stay,” and “come” with all dogs.
   
• Practice short training sessions daily.
   

If tension continues, it’s worth bringing in professional help early rather than letting habits form. Trainers who understand dachshund temperament — like The Whole Hound in Sydney — can create tailored plans for multi-dog harmony.

Even well-socialised dachshunds can hit bumps in the road when it comes to living with or meeting other dogs. The key is recognising the early signs and addressing them before they become habits.

Some dachshunds guard food, toys, or even people. This can escalate quickly in a multi-dog setting.

• Solution: Feed separately, rotate toys, and reward sharing behaviours.
  
  
• Further Reading: Our guide on Are Dachshunds Aggressive explores why guarding happens and how to manage it.
  
  

Barking can be a social invitation, but it’s often a sign of overexcitement or discomfort.

• Solution: Identify triggers, use positive reinforcement, and give an alternative behaviour.
  
  
• Further Reading: See Dachshund Barking for strategies on stopping unwanted noise.
  
  

If a dachshund bonds too tightly with one dog, separation can cause anxiety.

• Solution: Encourage independent play and training sessions to build confidence.
  
  
• Further Reading: Dachshund Separation Anxiety covers how to help them cope when apart.
  
  

A playful dachshund can forget their own size, especially with larger dogs.

• Solution: Step in early, redirect play, and match them with suitable playmates.
  
  

Not every dog is a match, and that’s okay.

• Solution: Respect your dachshund’s limits and focus on positive experiences.
  
  
• Further Reading: Our post on Do Dachshunds Like to Cuddle touches on recognising when they want space versus affection.
  
  

For all of these challenges, patience is key. Just like Harvey, who was initially cautious with new dogs but grew more confident after repeated positive experiences, progress comes in steady, well-managed steps

Explore more insights into the unique traits, quirks, and behaviours of dachshunds:

• Why Are Dachshunds So Stubborn?
  
  
• When Do Dachshunds Calm Down
  
  
• Dachshund Separation Anxiety
  
  
• Dachshund Personality
  
  
• Dachshund Barking
  
  
• Are Dachshunds Aggressive
  
  
• Dachshund Dog Park Socialization
  
  
• Are Dachshunds Good with Kids
  
  
• Do Dachshunds Like to Cuddle
  
  
• Dachshund Digging
  
  
• Dachshund Sleeping
  
  
• Are Dachshunds Good with Cats
  
  
• Why Do Dachshunds Shake

This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered veterinary advice. Always consult with a licensed veterinarian regarding your dog’s health and wellbeing.