bringing home a dachshund

[gregs317]

Hello, I'm hoping to purchase or adopt a dachshund within the next couple of months. Since meeting my neighbor's Rusty, about a year ago, I've fallen in love. I know that my dog won't be the same as him, but I'm hoping to move ahead with getting one for myself. I really want a little buddy, to keep me company and to love, watch tv together etc.

Can any doxie owners comment on getting a pup vs. and adult? Specifically, I'm a little worried about potty-training. I guess it won't be too bad, once I start to train him/her but just a little unsure.

Does anyone know how I can find a dachshund rescue in my area - I live in PA, so anywhere in PA, NJ, DE or nearby would be good. Or else a reputable dachshund breeder?

PS, what are these 'kongs' I keep hearing about, apparently you fill them with food as a toy? Thanks, Greg

[Swiftwind]

Sorry, I don't have any information on Dachshunds, but there are many owners of the breed here who will be able to help you out and no doubt offer you great advice.

If you want to learn more about Kongs I suggest you go to the official KONG website: http://www.kongcompany.com/
In my opinion Kongs are great toys and 'boredom busters' for dogs, but a bit pricy for my liking.

[Punkygirl0101]

I have 7 dachshunds, I really recommend you rescue an already house broken adult..dachshunds are VERY stubborn, and one of the most difficult breeds there is to house train, and train in general. Not to mention there are TONS of them in rescues! They are #6 on the most popular breed in America.

Look online. Google, Dachshund rescues in "Your location". Also, check petfinder.com, thats a great place to look.

[gregs317]

Thanks for your help. I think I've decided to get an adult at this time. I do love puppies, but I live in an apartment and have neighbors. Plus I would love to give an adult dog a good home. I'm kinda hoping for a female, short-shair.

I have started searching online. If anyone has any tips on owning a dachshund in general, that'd be great.

For example how do you deal with taking a small dog outside if there's snow? Maybe my doxie won't mind - my neighbor's 'Rusty' has been known to eat snow. Thanks, Greg

[Punkygirl0101]

Small dogs enjoy going outside in the snow. Its best to put a sweater on them, and you can even put those doggy boots on, since the snow can harm their feet. It would be best to avoided large amounts of snow, since dachshunds are so low to the ground.

[Barrett]

I have two female mini dachshunds, Bailey and Lucy. I got them both as puppies. They were actually a dream to potty train and obedience train. They look like twins but they couldn't be more different. Bailey is our 3 year old that we bought from a breeder and she is a fetching machine. She is rough and tumble, happy-go-lucky and has the heart of a true athlete. She wants to play frisbee or fetch a tennis ball 24 hours a day and has been officially clocked running at a speed of 25 miles per hour. We adopted Lucy from the pound when she was about 10 weeks old. She is our little sweetpea and likes nothing more than to sit on my lap or follow me around. She doesn't play with toys but loves to chew on nylabones and kongs. She has been the easiest to potty train and obedience train of any dog I have ever owned. She is the most loving dog and showers us with attention. She is so calm and quiet...unlike Bailey the hyper hound.
I love that you are thinking about rescuing your new dachshund. There are so many dogs in shelters waiting to be adopted and go to their forever homes. We will be adopting all of our future dachshunds from now on. I don't think there will be much of a difference in potty training a puppy or adult dog, which ever you choose. The dog will be coming to your house and everything will be new...new people, new house, new rules. It should be easy to start an adult dog off on the right foot if she has not been potty trained before you get her. Good luck in your search and if you have any dachshund questions, ask away!!

[Punkygirl0101]

Bailey is our 3 year old that we bought from a breeder and she is a fetching machine

is she really? lol. My oldest dog, Harry (Dachshund) is the biggest fetcher you will ever meet..its all he does. He always has something in his mouth.

[rmci]

Thank you for considering adopting a doxy. They're a very intellegent breed and even though they are small, need lots of stimulation. You may want to try Dachshund Rescue of North America (http://www.drna.org).

[KennelMom]

No advice as greyhounds are my breed of choice, but I just adore doxies! Good luck in your search. I typically recommend going through rescue vs. a breeder...from my understanding there are usually LOTS of doxies in rescue looking for a home. I prefer adults of any breed to puppies...easier to judge their temperament.

[gregs317]

I like the idea of a rescue, but the contract part is a little scary. One place says you must have the dog spayed/neutered (which is ok), must take dog to obedience school, must have a vet reference (I've never been to a vet before so?). I'm just not sure, maybe I'm just over-worrying. Thanks, Greg

[IceyBlueSibes]

If you have never been to a vet, it would be best that you look around and find a vet that you like. Let them know you may be adopting a dog soon, and would like to set yourself up with them. Some places just really want to see that you have a veterinarian set up for your dog (if you're a first time dog owner). If you have had dogs in the past, but have no vet for them, that's what throws a red flag for them.

The contract is there to ensure the safety and well-being of the dog. They want to make sure the dog is going to the best place possible.

[12weimgirl]

I love doxies too!!! there so cute and there so....LONG.... LOL

Lauren

[LilacDragon]

Originally Posted by gregs317

I like the idea of a rescue, but the contract part is a little scary. One place says you must have the dog spayed/neutered (which is ok), must take dog to obedience school, must have a vet reference (I've never been to a vet before so?). I'm just not sure, maybe I'm just over-worrying. Thanks, Greg

Most rescues will have their dogs spayed/neutered before they are placed in a home. This is to prevent their dogs from being used in puppymills and to help with the pet overpopulation problem.

Obedience school is a great idea! Since it sounds like you have never had a dog before, this will help you learn so much about your dog in particular and dogs in general. You will learn a ton about reading "doggie body language" and other wonderful things. Also, there is no better way to bond with your new dog then to succeed in a training class!

Ask your neighbor (who has Rusty) what vet he/she goes to and what they think of their vet.

[mmorgan310]

I have a mini doxie that I got from a breeder and I think she is the perfect mix of calm and playful. She is playful but is starting to learn that in order to get attention she has to sit and wait for it. I love her. I'm still working on the training so I have no experience with that yet.

[puppylover1089]

I agree with everyone on this fourm. dachshund are smart and very lovable. I used to have three now I only have but they were all lovable and very protective of me especially my first and oldest doxie, Balto (now deceased). Im sure your new doxie will love you and be your fierce litte lover.