Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi Everyone!

I have been researching the possibility of adding a Dachshund to our family. Not sure if it will be good for us, but read two books about them and am still undecided. My main problem is that I work from home and cannot have a dog barking constantly while on the phone with clients. I don't mind a dog at my feet, or on my lap during work hours, but my clients don't know I mostly work from home. I've read that this breed likes to bark, but what should I reasonably expect? Is this a bad idea in the makings?

Also, I think if we do get a puppy, I'd want want the size that is commonly referred to as a "Tweenie". I realize that is not a proper term, but that is the size I would be interested in because I have some rowdy boys and need something sturdier than 7 lbs, but don't want a 30 pound animal sharing my bed. How in the heck do I go about finding something that breeders say don't exist? Can you tell when they are puppies, that he/she will be a "large miniature" or a "small standard"?

And on that note, I have spoken to a "breeder" who has a "large miniature," approx. 12 lbs, 7 mo. old, light red, smooth who has been an outside dog since it was about 4 mo. She said the dog is too big to breed with her mimi's and will sell to me for $100. Should I be scared, run away, and never look back??? Seems like it would be hard to transform an "outie" to an "innie." What do you guys think?

And finally, here is our family: King of the house - mixed calico & tabby male cat, approx 3 yrs old; Me - the lowly maid; a rambunxious 6 yr old son; 8 "adopted" neighbor kids from 5 to 14 yrs old; and (my personal faviorites) 2 small corn snakes.

So, I think those are my questions. Any and all comments are welcome and deeply appreciated.

>>Hi Everyone!
>>
>>I have been researching the possibility of adding a Dachshund to our family. Not sure if it will be good for us, but read two books about them and am still undecided. My main problem is that I work from home and cannot have a dog barking constantly while on the phone with clients. I don't mind a dog at my feet, or on my lap during work hours, but my clients don't know I mostly work from home. I've read that this breed likes to bark, but what should I reasonably expect? Is this a bad idea in the makings?
>>
>>Also, I think if we do get a puppy, I'd want want the size that is commonly referred to as a "Tweenie". I realize that is not a proper term, but that is the size I would be interested in because I have some rowdy boys and need something sturdier than 7 lbs, but don't want a 30 pound animal sharing my bed. How in the heck do I go about finding something that breeders say don't exist? Can you tell when they are puppies, that he/she will be a "large miniature" or a "small standard"?
>>
>>And on that note, I have spoken to a "breeder" who has a "large miniature," approx. 12 lbs, 7 mo. old, light red, smooth who has been an outside dog since it was about 4 mo. She said the dog is too big to breed with her mimi's and will sell to me for $100. Should I be scared, run away, and never look back??? Seems like it would be hard to transform an "outie" to an "innie." What do you guys think?
>>
>>And finally, here is our family: King of the house - mixed calico & tabby male cat, approx 3 yrs old; Me - the lowly maid; a rambunxious 6 yr old son; 8 "adopted" neighbor kids from 5 to 14 yrs old; and (my personal faviorites) 2 small corn snakes.
>>
>>So, I think those are my questions. Any and all comments are welcome and deeply appreciated.

.>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

The 7-month-old dog would definitely interest me, since I like to know as much about a dog as possible before adopting it and that's not really possible with a puppy. That dog does sound like it fits your size preference. As far as barking, that's somewhat genetically determined and the dog's propensities may be showing by this age. If she's a responsible breeder, she would take the dog back if it doesn't work out for you (no refund, but then $100 is nothing for a purebred dog).

You didn't mention the sex of the dog, and a female tends to be easier on housetraining in the hound/terrier breeds. If this is a female, I'd be wanting to meet her. The fact that she's been outside may have conditioned her to go to the bathroom outside, which would appeal to me. Your job would then be helping her learn to hold it until you get her outside. She would be physically much more able to hold it than a young puppy.
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Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series at www.veterinaryforum.com

Kathy,

Yes, the dog is a female.

Some of my other concerns with the outside thing is that I read that reputable breeders keep their dogs in their homes and treat them like part of the family, and that you shouldn't buy from people who keep their dachshunds outside. I guess that is more fiction than fact?

I was also worried about not bringing home a little baby puppy because of my cat. I read that it is better to introduce new animals into the home when one is adult, and the other is a baby. But, I don't know from any kind of experience, just the books. Additionally, since the cat is an indoor only cat, he does not have fleas, ticks, or all those other nasty little things they tend to pick up outside. Is an outside dog likely to bring unwanted guests into our otherwise pest-free home? Do you think the dog is still young enough for the cat not to feel threatened?

And one other thought that just crossed my mind...since this dog was purchased by the breeder to become a bredder, she has not been spayed. I know when cats are not spayed early enough, they cause hormone-related behavioral problems. Is this little girl likely to do the same thing? Dogs are new territory for me....

Again, thanks for the help!

>>Kathy,
>>
>>Yes, the dog is a female.
>>
>>Some of my other concerns with the outside thing is that I read that reputable breeders keep their dogs in their homes and treat them like part of the family, and that you shouldn't buy from people who keep their dachshunds outside. I guess that is more fiction than fact?
>>
>>I was also worried about not bringing home a little baby puppy because of my cat. I read that it is better to introduce new animals into the home when one is adult, and the other is a baby. But, I don't know from any kind of experience, just the books. Additionally, since the cat is an indoor only cat, he does not have fleas, ticks, or all those other nasty little things they tend to pick up outside. Is an outside dog likely to bring unwanted guests into our otherwise pest-free home? Do you think the dog is still young enough for the cat not to feel threatened?
>>
>>And one other thought that just crossed my mind...since this dog was purchased by the breeder to become a bredder, she has not been spayed. I know when cats are not spayed early enough, they cause hormone-related behavioral problems. Is this little girl likely to do the same thing? Dogs are new territory for me....
>>
>>Again, thanks for the help!

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

There are no guarantees about dogs getting along with cats, whether you get the dog as a puppy or not. You'd need to be prepared to keep the dog and cat separated whenever you could not supervise them, perhaps temporarily or perhaps for life.

It's true that the best breeders tend to keep their dogs indoors with the family, so that's definitely something to give you pause. Also, look at whether this dog was responsibly bred--for example, are there champions in the dog's pedigree?

To control fleas and ticks, you can apply K9Advantix or Frontline to the dog monthly. That generally will control that concern 100%. Of course, it is an expense.

Female dogs spayed later generally do not develop hormone-related behavior problems, unless they have been bred or have lived in situations of having to fight for rank with other females. Anyway, she's very young. Spaying anywhere between 6 months and a year of age is great. It's also possible this breeder will spay the dog before placing her with you. That's what my breeder does when she decides not to breed a dog. She doesn't want to risk it winding up in a puppy mill living a nightmarish life as a "puppy factory."
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Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series at www.veterinaryforum.com

Hi and welcome!!!

I agree with Kathy. I'd go see this dog. He/She may just turn out to be exactly what you want. I don't think it will be much of an issue to housebreak this dog. As Kathy said, being already used to going outside may make it easy to continue this. I've known several people to take outside dogs and easily turn them into indoor couch potatoes.

Good luck and keep us posted!
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Melody/PHFasDog
Email me at PHFasDog
My furkids: Kira, Lyta, Jadzia

If you aren't comfortable with this dog, then by all means...forget her. I think you're right in saying reputable breeders don't keep their dogs outside. At least that is my opinion. I think dogs belong in the house UNLESS they are working dogs on farms, etc.

Anyway, I purchased a mini dachshund for my folks 2 years ago. It took me 6 months to find a breeder with puppies on the way, then we had to wait to see if one would be available to us. He already had a waiting list. Here is how I went about finding her:

Go through the parent club for Dachshunds: The Dachshund Club of America, Inc.

You will find a link to the Breeder Referral.

Contact them and they will send you a list of breeders in your area. Be prepared to wait. Many of them won't have puppies available for a while, or may have a waiting list. Also, when talking to them, ask if they know of any other breeders in the area. Alot of times, there are decent breeders around that are not listed with the parent group.

Good luck!

Melody

Here's a pic of Candy:

Hi everyone...I wanted to give you all an update. The breeder kept calling me, talking about the dog's temperament and personality, and we spent over 4 hours on the phone before I went out to meet her. I was a little concerned about the outside kennels at first, but they were heated, clean, and all the dogs seemed very happy. We fell in love with "Abbey" and I think the breeder felt like it was a good match, as well.

We've had her since Friday evening, and she is very shy, timid, and won't eat well....which I understand is common when a dog goes to a new home. She was very easy to leash and kennel train, but the potty thing is VERY frustrating. I spend hours outside everyday trying to get her to go, but she insists on doing it immediately after we get back in the house......seems like the second I take my eyes off her (even to just take my shoes off) she goes on the carpet....and she runs from me whenever I tell her it is potty time, or if we're going for a walk....or bye-bye...I thought this breed loves to go for walks??? I've had to resort to leaving the leash on her all day so that I have at least a small chance at catching her. It's like trying to catch a $20 bill on a windy day in a cramped parking lot.

Actually, what you are doing with the leash is perfect. Keep her tethered to you until she starts to get it.

Hopefully, Kathy will stop back and give you more pointers on housetraining her. I'm sure you'll succeed!

You'll have to get a photo for us!
-----
Melody/PHFasDog
Email me at PHFasDog

My furkids:
Shadow, Jadzia and Lyta.
Kira waiting the bridge.

Dogs come into our lives, and too quickly go leaving pawprints on our hearts, and we will never be quite the same again.

>>Hi everyone...I wanted to give you all an update. The breeder kept calling me, talking about the dog's temperament and personality, and we spent over 4 hours on the phone before I went out to meet her. I was a little concerned about the outside kennels at first, but they were heated, clean, and all the dogs seemed very happy. We fell in love with "Abbey" and I think the breeder felt like it was a good match, as well.
>>
>>We've had her since Friday evening, and she is very shy, timid, and won't eat well....which I understand is common when a dog goes to a new home. She was very easy to leash and kennel train, but the potty thing is VERY frustrating. I spend hours outside everyday trying to get her to go, but she insists on doing it immediately after we get back in the house......seems like the second I take my eyes off her (even to just take my shoes off) she goes on the carpet....and she runs from me whenever I tell her it is potty time, or if we're going for a walk....or bye-bye...I thought this breed loves to go for walks??? I've had to resort to leaving the leash on her all day so that I have at least a small chance at catching her. It's like trying to catch a $20 bill on a windy day in a cramped parking lot.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

It sounds like she's afraid of going out on leash with you. Be very careful not to make the housetraining a negative. There must be no punishment, and with a dog this sensitive that means not even a harsh word or dirty look! Try feeding her meals from your hand, while you are outside with her. You need to get her downright happy about being outside with you. And extra happy--maybe have special treats for this--when she potties outside.

I'm concerned that the breeder has placed a dog with you who has serious temperament problems. Be sure to let the breeder know what is happening. Fear now can turn into aggression in the months ahead.
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Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series at www.veterinaryforum.com