Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi guys,
I myself don't actually own a dachshund (I've had one, a long haired, in the past as family pet), and my parents recently took the plunge after many years and just rescued a short haired dachshund named Monty, he's about two years old, from what they told us. I'm posting on their behalf, as I'm a little more computer savy. My parents have had him for about a month now. He's settling in fairly well, and is fairly mellow. However, he really likes to chew and I know he's still young, but he can eat a medium size compressed rawhide bone in one sitting. That seems somewhat excessive to me. My mother has bought kongs and other really tough hearty toys for him, but he's not interested in them at all. He also destroys rope bones and other softer toys. Does anyone have any suggustions on good chew toys and chew treats (I know rawhide type chews can be dangerous, especially if swallowed, but he doesn't seem to be interested in anything else). He's also a bit of an agressive barker, I know dachshund are a barky breed, but he seems to get a bit too agressive when he barks and my parents are afraid that he may become nippy. Does anyone have any suggestions as to how to curb the aggressive nature of his barking? Right now my mother just uses a squirt bottle with water in it, and gives him a quick squirt (just saying no and being firm with commands hasn't worked). Thanks for your help guys I appreciate it.

I assume that the vet has checked out the dog and there are no physical problems. My other thinking is maybe the dog need more exercise to get rid of some of the extra energy.

Cheryl

Thank you very much for responding, yup he's been checked out by the vet and all looks well. He is fairly young (according to the rescue shelter 2-3 yrs, although my parents and vet think he may be younger).