Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi, I am living alone and I have a full-time job. I really want a small dog and have always loved doxies. I don't want to get one if it would be traumatized by not having it's "mom" around all day.

My grandma has a doxie/chihuahua mix and he is extremely dependent on her. But he was raised in an environment where she was there 24/7 so I don't know if he's just conditioned to be that attached to her, or if it is a trait of the species.

Does anybody have any advice on this?

>>Hi, I am living alone and I have a full-time job. I really want a small dog and have always loved doxies. I don't want to get one if it would be traumatized by not having it's "mom" around all day.
>>
>>My grandma has a doxie/chihuahua mix and he is extremely dependent on her. But he was raised in an environment where she was there 24/7 so I don't know if he's just conditioned to be that attached to her, or if it is a trait of the species.
>>
>>Does anybody have any advice on this?

>>>>>>>>>>

A dog needs potty opportunities at intervals appropriate to the dog's age and physical needs. Chances are, you would have to arrange for someone to come in while you're at work and relieve him. Don't plan on "litter box" training. Cats have the instincts for that, but dogs do not, and the result tends to be lifelong accidents in other indoor spots.

Think, too, about what you want to do when you're not working. The dog could sleep for an 8-hour work day and be content if you spend your off hours with the dog and the dog sleeps in your bedroom at night. But if you have an active social life on top of work, a dog is not a good choice of companion animal. A cat or two would probably do great.
-----
Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series articles at http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=SRC&S=1&SourceID=47

Ha ha, yes I understand the differences between cats and dogs. I grew up having many of both (country life). But I have always been much more of a dog person.

Potty training isn't something I'm too worried about - I have experience here. And my boyfriend will be moving in soon and our schedules are different enough that pooing and peeing isn't a concern too much. But there would be times that the dog would have to be alone.

My grandma's dog is so attached that she can't go to the grocery store alone without some serious whining and crying from the dog. He acts like his life is coming to an end. I don't want a dog that is going to be that dramatic about having his alone time - but I suspect my grandma's problems are because she is his constant companion and he wasn't raised having to be alone for more than 15 minutes at a time. But I still worry that maybe that is a personality trait associated with doxies.

Hi, Kathy,
As I said in my reply to Lefty, I've had Dachshunds since 1975. I've litter-trained all of my girls when they were puppies. My two reamining girls are 13 and 14 years old, and don't have accidents in the house. They use the littler pan every time, and always have. I have newspapers down for their BMs. This is just along the lines of assuring people that they can be litter-trained and can reliably stay liter-trained. Actually, they'll go outside, too, so they can learn both ways. Dachsies are so clever and smart! )

Hi, Lefty! I've had Dachshunds since 1975, and can tell you from personal experience that they do not do well alone. They're very loyal to their owners, and it just crushes them when they have to be left alone. If you could get two Dachsies, it would be better for them. They're very pack-oriented. Maybe you could rescue two adults, who're already housebroken and mannered. I've rescued two and they've been the best pets! They're so grateful to be out of a kennel /shelter enviornment that they become attached to you immediately. Please consider getting two if you're going to get a Dachshund, and please consider adopting adults.

That is something I will definitely consider. I will also consider other small breeds. I plan on adopting from a foster family or shelter because there are so many dogs out there that need homes that getting a puppy from a breeder just doesn't seem fair. Especially since I'm not interested in showing.

Sometimes I think that mutts are the best dogs anyway, so any "taint" in the bloodline is no problem for me! My first puppy ever was a mutt, and my grandma's doxie/chihuahua/terrier is quite the character!

You're so right about mixed breeds, Lefty! They have a "hybrid vigor" that purebreds don't have. In the Equine world, Mules and Hinneys are much more resistant to horse diseases, like Anthrax, than horses are. Good for you for considering adoption! You're a wonderful woman! )