Doggy visitor, ideas please!

[NoisyDachshunddd]

I am unexpectedly looking after a relative’s 5 year old dachshund whilst he is in hospital. Neutered male. our visitor is quite assertive and bossy, active and very busy. We will probably have him for at least a week.

We have a flat-coated retriever also male and also neutered. Very submissive, a bit of a wuss, and definitely not bossy. The sausage is ruling the roost, our flattie is huffing a lot but otherwise content and tolerant.

But, but, but …. The sausage! . Oh, the barking. How do people deal with this?! It’s such a loud noise for a smallish dog! The last time I saw the dog it vaguely responded to a ‘quiet’ command but it isn’t working and the din is doing mine and my sons’ heads in. Also, I’m pretty sure the doggo is trying to communicate something to me but it’s a bit of a mystery what it actually is… poor doggo must be missing his normal human, though.

I want to make things as manageable and comfortable as possible till relative is out of hospital and back on feet.

Am just supposed to ignore the barking and respond only when the dog is quiet? This rarely happens and even if I think I’m being stealthy and wait for peace before going in for the requested fuss …. The barking starts immediately the attention/ game/ whatever is given.

My own dog barks once a day when the postman comes, he does three lots of four staccato barks and that’s it.

Tips please to save my neighbourly relationships.

PS Sausage Dad is truly out of action and unable to offer any coherent advice, and there is no-one else who can shed any light or give any tips.

I would hold and snuggle him a lot. Poor chap must be so bemused.

He is getting loads of side-on cuddles, although he isn’t that cuddly for a sausage! He will grudgingly get on the sofa and lean into my side for a scritch.

I think you’re right though, he is out of sorts and feeling like, “who in all that is holy is this person who doesn’t understand my perfectly reasonable barks and howls… ?”

Sausages are known to be barky - they will bark at a sparrows fart!
Is he food or attention motivated? If its food, get some nicer than usual kibble and scatter it for him to hunt out. If attention motivates him more then lots of snuggles and cuddles.
They also famously dislike cold wet weather, so if its very cold and or raining he will be trying his best not to go out so may need a wee or poop and not want to go.

I'm looking after a jack Russell that has similar issues. He barked a lot the first couple days and I think he must be missing his owner .
I checked he had food,water, or if he wanted to play.
It turns out he was barking to say he wanted out. After a few days of taking him outside every 3 hrs for toilet, as well as 2 walks a day, the barking ceased and he's very quiet now.
I do sit with him near me and he rests his head on my leg I think he just needs the reassurance as he's 8 years old and getting on a bit.

@ELCismyspiritnana food! I have never seen a dog eat so fast. Thank you, I’ll try that. He isn’t keen on my garden, I’m not sure why, maybe I will take him to wee/poo somewhere else.

@ZiggyZowie yes that sounds pretty similar! I do feel it might be a bit of a peak … first two nights quiet and meek, third night bit louder, etc …

he also follows me around everywhere including into the loo. Poor wee chap, although he is living his best one food wise

Keep taking him out regularly. They have a tenancy to sneak and toilet inside if they don't like the conditions outside!

I would take him out each time he barks. You hate to think of them feeling desperate.

Some friends had a tiny mini sausage called Cupcake, about 25 years ago. She stayed at mine when their son was born. Sweet little girl.

@ELCismyspiritnana yrs I don’t want a little present on the floor …

@LaurieStrode i shall try that today although it could involve a lot of being outside!

Ok I’m making headway! Intense barking this morning solved by food. Think I’ve fallen into the trap of measuring him by my dog’s yard post.

he can take or leave meals, this dog is clearly like a machine who needs fed promptly when up!

will go in garden when other dog not in garden … sheesh!

Does he have enough entertainment? My dachshhund used to bark at me when he was bored. He came from a working like though.
I swear I spent my entire twenties trying to come up with new ways to entertain him.. kibble wrapped in old newspapers or toilet paper rolls, packed into a box with some toys, was a long time favourite. Or try leaving a trail of food in your garden to make him sniffle it out, sniffling makes them tired.
Also, he used to bark when he was tired and wanted to chill, but didn't want to do it alone or his bed wasn't in it's usual place .. sausage dogs are really particular assholes aren't they? I now own a kooiker and he's much easier. Still, I loved that sausage dog to bits, miss him every day.

Dachshunds are really smart, energetic little dogs. Is he getting plenty of exercise and mental stimulation?

Loads of exercise, plenty. Seems to have boundless energy. Also games of tug, find it, etc. He is working line and definitely needs employment!

I think it's actually mostly to do with toileting. It seems to be relieved mostly by going to the nearby grass verge for a wee/ poo. The back garden seems to be a problem for some reason (although he is fine in his owners' shared garden, which I know because the other garden-sharers are always moaning about the dog's presence!).

They are funny little dogs, I have to say. I think he's just trying to keep me on my toes ;) @GelatinousDynamo that reminds me so much of my puppy when he was younger, I used to spend hours devising entertainment. I was very happy when he chilled out!