Dachshunds help

[Gonnagetgoing]

My DM has decided she would like to buy me (I've always wanted one) a wirehaired dachshund. Basically one of her close friends (C) is buying one from a breeder (dog had puppies 3 weeks ago) but friend stayed with her friend and got to know the wirehaired dachshund and adores it and DM says she will get me one - I could afford it but it's a gift to me. We have checked the breeder (friend of friend (C) bought a puppy from there 2 years ago) and they are reputable breeders and not inbred. All KC registered.

So talk me through dachshunds, how much walking etc? I will be back in the office 2 days a week, would it be ok being left alone for those 2 days?

Also - Pet Insurance - I have an adopted cat (it adopted me) but don't pay for insurance as she's never ill. What would you suggest for the dog? And the puppy will get on with the cat yes?

My next door neighbour has one and I get barked at every time I go in to the garden to hang washing out, get washing in, go to the shed, dig the garden, weed, plant seeds, pull veg, pick fruit, have a coffee, read a book or generally just be in my own garden.

Even they are getting annoyed with her now.

@Gonnagetgoing

What's the difference between a miniature and standard? The one I'm put down for is a miniature (boy by the way).

Size is the difference, Standards are larger. My only experience with a standard was when I found one in my garden, who had come from about 5 doors down over/under fences chasing a cat.

Escape proof your garden! Even a mini will be pretty determined if they get a good scent, and that can include pushing under fencing.

I agree with everything that’s already been said. Especially doggy day care and insurance. There’s a very real chance your dog could suffer with IVDD. 1 in 4 dachshunds do. The numbers are huge. Don’t skim on insurance.

Another point: Do training religiously. They’re extremely stubborn breeds, and poorly trained daxies are hard work. They’re not a great first time dog. Do puppy classes and then continue with group training right through adolescence.

@SmolCat

I agree with everything that’s already been said. Especially doggy day care and insurance. There’s a very real chance your dog could suffer with IVDD. 1 in 4 dachshunds do. The numbers are huge. Don’t skim on insurance.

Another point: Do training religiously. They’re extremely stubborn breeds, and poorly trained daxies are hard work. They’re not a great first time dog. Do puppy classes and then continue with group training right through adolescence.

@SmolCat - I've had a labrador at 9 and as a teenager.

I also used to help mind/walk a friend's mini pin and Dachshund/Jack Russell terrier cross. In fact they both stayed with me for a weekend.

The funniest thing (I shouldn't laugh) was when I took him for a walk, so he's happily through the park getting adorable looks (he is cute) then we came to a big long flight of steep steps up to the supermarket - he just looked at me like and I didn't realise his little legs wouldn't manage so just walked the way which didn't have steps. Bless him!

I've got another question I suppose maybe for @bunnygeek - is there a difference in aggression between miniature and standard?

One of DB's close friends DP's has rescue dachshunds that after a lifetime of living in Chatham have moved to France. His friend hated them - said they were very snappy and barky but I think the poor things had back and leg problems. Anyway they seem happy in France now.

Oh re IVDD can you scan for that I mean is it passed down through the parent dogs?

My labrador had border line hip dysplaysia.

@Gonnagetgoing

I've got another question I suppose maybe for *@bunnygeek* - is there a difference in aggression between miniature and standard?

One of DB's close friends DP's has rescue dachshunds that after a lifetime of living in Chatham have moved to France. His friend hated them - said they were very snappy and barky but I think the poor things had back and leg problems. Anyway they seem happy in France now.

Most of that behaviour is going to be down to socialisation and training. Small dog breeds can be intimidated by larger dog breeds, especially younger larger breeds with rough play styles which could hurt them. You will need to advocate for your puppy so they know they don't need to retaliate to defend themselves, you're looking out for them if a big shaggy dog comes over to play, all paws and slobber.

And yes, if they do have any leg or spinal pain, they are going to be vocal about it too, which will need vet care and pain management.

We have a miniature, he was 1 in Feb, toilet training was hard work, accidents are few and far between, he goes back the back door to signal if he wants to go.
Hes very vocal if the door goes, he used to bark alot when out and about especially with bigger dogs, we've worked on that.
He likes his walks but doesn't pester for them (had a jack russsll who used to sit by the front door)
Very playful, fab with the kids, we crate trained him. He's barely left longer than 2-3 hours, I work nights and he sleeps with me if I'm sleeping in the day.

@Gonnagetgoing

I've got another question I suppose maybe for *@bunnygeek* - is there a difference in aggression between miniature and standard?

One of DB's close friends DP's has rescue dachshunds that after a lifetime of living in Chatham have moved to France. His friend hated them - said they were very snappy and barky but I think the poor things had back and leg problems. Anyway they seem happy in France now.

Temperament is determined by a mix of genetics and environment. Puppies aren't blank slates. Are you going to view the puppies with their mother? If their mother is nervous I would reconsider buying a puppy. Do you know what the father's temperament is like?

Are the puppies being raised in a home environment, where they can get used to normal household noises? Does the breeder have a socialisation plan in place?

@Happenchance - the mother is apparently not nervous and friendly - they're in a house with teenagers and being raised in a home. The father so I've been told is nice but very active and quite friendly and playful. They don't hunt with them or anything so not working dogs.

The breeder has a socialisation plan in that the puppies meet people who come to the house and they're in a separate part of the house but adjoined to the main part but they definitely hear household noises like hoovering, mealtimes, machines etc. They live near but not next to a farm. Apparently there's also 2 cats there with the mother too but the dogs avoid the cats!

The mother lives with another standard dachshund and a retriever and the father lives with another wire haired dachshund and a Cocker Spaniel. They're all country people/dogs.

I was told by the breeder and my friend with the wire haired dachshund that even though I'm a rookie Dachshund owner that it shouldn't be too hard with one as long as I socialise it, take it to puppy training classes etc.

I'm considering - maybe getting another Dachshund to be company for this one? Would this be a good idea?

Sorry - definitely going to view the puppy with the mother. The litter is a 4 puppies, 2 bitches and 2 dogs.

@bunnygeek - puppy will not be going near large dogs unless with me! A friend has a Staffordshire Bull Terrier but he's a rescue and a big softie.

Forgot to mention - I run for about 20-30 minutes once or twice a day but a big park is 2 minutes walk away from where I live, plus I have garden - with pond but it's covered. Will look into getting a dog door fitted.

I mean with running happy to take dog with me.

No they won't be left alone and I would question a breeder who told you otherwise. They require a lot of time and attention and two days a week alone would be too much for them.

@Pebble3 - I haven't actually asked the breeder about leaving them alone! The breeder did say they required lots of time and attention but said it was doable.

I'm considering - maybe getting another Dachshund to be company for this one? Would this be a good idea?

I wouldn't look to introduce a second puppy until the first one is 18 months or so, adolescent period conquered & training well established. With two puppies (even from different litters) you run the risk of littermate syndrome.

Most of that behaviour is going to be down to socialisation and training. I strongly disgree with this most of behaviour is due to breeding, genetics and early socialisation before 8 weeks.

You will not want to run far with a mini dachshund.

As others have said do not get two together - if the breeder says this is ok do not buy one from that breeder!

@Gonnagetgoing

Forgot to mention - I run for about 20-30 minutes once or twice a day but a big park is 2 minutes walk away from where I live, plus I have garden - with pond but it's covered. Will look into getting a dog door fitted.

You won't want to do much, if any, running with a mini dachshund. Their backs and joints are so fragile, you run the risk of doing severe damage to your dog.

I have a miniature smooth haired dachshund and she is just wonderful.

She was yappy as a tiny puppy when wanting her food etc but i taught her quiet and now she only barks if someone comes to the door.

Toilet training took her 6 months to be fully toilet trained ( so 4 months of work for us, but accidents were much less in the last month or so)

I work from home which really helped with her training. She hates being left alone, if I need to go to the office once a month i put her in to doggy day care and she is happy there. I can leave her for an hour to go to the shops etc but thats about it. She doesn't destroy anything or have accidents, just cries and is upset.

She would sit on a knee all day if she could, sleeps and looks out the window most of the day, one good walk of around 45 mins is enough for her and she goes to the backdoor to get out for the loo the rest of the day. She does not like rain or traffic so i try to go out when its dry and go to a park etc as she enjoys it much better.

I pay around £35 a month for her insurance.

She walks nicely on the lead, doesn't bark when out walks, is fine with cats and loves other dogs, will be quiet and sits nicely when asked. But thats as much training as we mastered as she struggled with lie down, wait etc and i didnt train it further, but im happy with her behaviour she is a lovely wee dog.

Walks can take a while as everyone loves her and stops to pat her which she absolutely loves!

I wasnt prepared for just how small she was when I got her, she was so tiny and such a baby I underestimated the level of care required for the first couple of months but i loved it and love her.

Thanks for all the comments. Breeder hasn’t suggested getting 2 together and all 4 pups are taken anyway.

I had no idea I couldn’t run with a miniature but could I run with a standard?

As far as I can see both parents are well bred (from looking at the papers) and this will be the bitches third litter.

The dog (male) is apparently a show dog.

I run miles and miles a week with my miniature

I have a miniature puppy . She’s amazing and an absolute snuggle monster. Love her dearly.

However, she needs taking out for a wee literally every 30 minutes. You can’t leave her alone for 2 days!! Even a dog walker isn’t going to be enough.

I work from home but have enquired about doggy day care should I ever need to go to meetings and my Husband can’t wfh that day and many doggy day cares won’t take until 20-25 weeks as daxies can be quite anxious and reactive as a result

Insurance is going to be your biggest cost. Do not underestimate how much decent insurance costs and you will need £10k - £15k lifetime cover so you are looking at easily £35 - £40 a month. Are you ok with that?

I know about 40+ dachshunds. I can only think of 2 or 3 who would suit running. They definitely can’t run twice a day. For one thing it’s not going to be enjoyable for them: they like to stop and sniff. You won’t be able to run with it until it’s securely an adult. You’ll know by then anyway whether it can run with you or not.