Can anyone talk to me about dachshunds please? Or just getting a puppy in general?

[ENormaSnob]

I am considering getting a puppy this year, probably in the autumn.

Really want a dachshund and have done for ages.

We both grew up in dog owning homes but am a little unsure what having a puppy will entail.

We have 3 dc who will be 12,7 and nearly 3 when we get the dog.

I work part time, soon to be permanent nights (2 a week),dh works full time days.

Any advice?

Could a dachshund be the right breed for us?

I obviously plan to research before we go ahead.

Thanks.

please don't say my need to show off a cute pic has killed the thread...
carry on...
as you were

HAHA!! very cute dax, almost as sweet as the lab

They are untrainable, completely and totally, including house training

They have a tendency to dislike strangers. Quite a lot.

I wouldn't trust mine around other peoples kids, so visiting children need to be kept separate

They are VERY greedy and will scavenge and steal food. This coupled with a tendency towards bad backs particularly if overweight means you have to keep an eye on what they eat

If you can live with all that then they are affectionate and loveable

Notoriously hard to housetrain - actually no, they know what they should do and can when it's a lovely day, just not if it's raining or cold

Quite bright so training basics like sit, down etc are picked up quickly (especially if you train with food)

Can be yappy but they think they are 10 times the size they are

One of mine can be nippy, especially around food

I have two and one is a people person but dislikes other dogs and the other loves other dogs but dislikes people, both socialised in exactly the same way

They are true lapdogs and will happily snuggle up for hours

Can jump onto things that are very high for things with such little legs

The back thing is an issue, both of mine have had major surgery due to slipped discs - £3k & £5 - both are insured but if they have another back issue, the insurers will not pay out again

I would say only get one if you are prepared for puddles and poos on the floor in the winter (spring/summer/autumn) and you can put in the hours for extensive training so you are the boss at all times

Mine dashes ahead of me if he thinks I am going out, and rolls on his back at the door or the gate to try and get me to take him with me :)

Oooo look at us all. May be we should start a quiche. A sausage quiche

They are adorable and delightful, but I wouldn't say they were an ideal family dog

Thanks for all the replies.

Lots of food for thought.

Do you think puppy classes be of help should we decide to get one?

Am a bit worried now

Rascal went to puppy classes. At the first session, when they all had to walk their dogs across the hall on the lead, he firmly sat on his behind and let his owner drag him.
He had improved by the end though.