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The doghouse

If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

Does anyone have a dachshund?

83 replies

Anothernamechanger1 · 24/01/2017 16:39

I just wonder if you do, could you share your experiences please? I'm looking to get a smooth haired and Iv not read great things about them but the few I know are great with kids etc. I have 2 kids and would be about in the day etc.

What is yours like? Any negatives?

Tia

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BiteyShark · 25/01/2017 16:02

When we were trying to decide on a breed we went to crufts and wandered about all the stands with the different breeds to talk to the owners and narrowed our choices down as to which we liked etc. Could you do something like that?

After that I did research on the traits for each of the breeds but remember they are traits and any dog is individual so don't take everything people tell you about certain breeds as gospel.

dotdotdotmustdash · 25/01/2017 16:58

Physically and pschologically, dog-shaped dogs are generally better to have around. Dogs are supposed to have legs in proportion to their bodies, faces that have long enough noses to allow them to breathe properly and eyes that set securely into their heads. Any variation on those is entirely human-engineered and never, ever benefits the dog.

ErrolTheDragon · 25/01/2017 17:02

It might be well worth looking at adult dogs. Apart from the basic physical requirements (small, doesn't set off the asthma, appropriate health checks) the main thing you want is a nice temperament, and sufficient trainability I think? You've heard negatives about dachshunds .... we got our current one at about 10 months (from breeder, kept as potential show dog but developed alopecia) - by which age his nice laid-back character was apparent, he was housetrained, well socialised and far less work or gamble than a pup. We were doubtless lucky, but there are such gems around.

Anothernamechanger1 · 25/01/2017 17:05

Ideally yes just out of puppy hood would be ideal, but I don't want an older dog as I want the kids to be able to get as much life from it as they could. Obviously if the dog was just for me living on my own I would be willing to adopt an older dog to give it a new home.

I had thought of crusts but that is Birmingham isn't it? Or do they change the area each year? We are miles from there. I will speak to our local rescue to ask them for advice aswell. At the moment they only have old or large dogs.

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sparechange · 25/01/2017 17:07

Therapy dogs aren't born

They are made from lots and lots and lots of training. I have one, we do hours of training a week and have done since she was 8 weeks old (she is now 3)

I think you mean 'calm lapdog that can be my DC's best friend' rather than therapy pet, unless you want the dog to do specific tasks?

This is an overview of what happens at a therapy dog assesment - to give you an idea of both the personality traits and training you will need to be looking for
"Walk on a relaxed lead, without excessive pulling and without the use of head collars, harnesses or check chains. Why? PAT dogs need to be under the owner’s control at all times, without relying on the use of training or behaviour correction aids.
Accept being stroked and handled and having their paws, tail and ears checked by the assessor. Why? PAT dogs have to accept being patted, often vigorously. They need to not be overly worried about having their paws, ears, or tail handled.
Take a food treat gently without snatching from the assessor. Why? Patients and clients love to be able to give their PAT dog a food treat. It is important that they do not snatch it because some patients, such as older people have very fragile skin.
Respond appropriately to a sudden noise or disturbance in the room whilst being tested. Why? PAT dogs have to encounter lots of new and unexpected stimuli – they should not be overly fearful of this and recover quickly"

You can really see why a dachshund is not going to be a suitable dog in many, many respects...

As I said in my earlier post, and another poster has pointed out, the list you've posted is very odd. The dogs have nothing in common other than being small and on the current designer dog list.

ALL dogs shed and ALL dogs can bring mud, ticks, water etc into the house. Their coat is a consideration for any dog owner, but should really not be the top consideration, especially when you've got a very specific ask of your future pet.

Wolfiefan · 25/01/2017 17:09

Spare change is clearer than me! I think of a therapy dog as a trained PAT dog or one used to do specific tasks such as unload the washing machine!

Anothernamechanger1 · 25/01/2017 18:00

No not an assistance dog. I appreciate and am aware of the training that goes on with them.

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Anothernamechanger1 · 25/01/2017 18:02

Yes the list seems odd, hence asking about specific types and then other posters giving other options and me then being able to look into them. As I have previously said I keep reading conflicting advice when I am researching , hence me asking the questions.

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