[snizzle]

So, my wife and I have been married for just over 6 months. We live in a 2 bedroom apartment and we are planning on waiting a few years before kids come into the picture. She has a 9-5 job and I'm graduating in May so my schedule is pretty flexible. We are by no means rich but I think we could afford a dog. We hope to move into a house after I graduate.

I've never had a dog, and my wife has had one in the past and really wants one again. For some reason, both of us really want a miniature dachsund. They're small, energetic, loving, and fun. (Much like my wife. ) We've got a couple of friends with this particular breed and we both really think it's a good match for us.

As you can probably tell, i'm pretty analytical. I'm really trying to decide if we can handle the responsiblity of a dog right now. We both really want one, but this is a big committment and I want to make sure this is the right choice for us right now.

So, what do I need to be ready for? What responsibilities, costs, time, etc. do I need to be ready for. I've never had a dog so I know NOTHING. What do we need to know to properly care for this dog? Are we ready for a dog?
-shane

[snizzle]

On a side note: Does anyone have one?

I'm afraid of housebreaking as well as leaving it alone during the day. Anyone?
-shane

[SecretAgentRat]

I've never owned a Dachshund, but I've known a few. They seem like generally nice, companionable dogs.
However, I do know about dogs. Haha. When I was 16 I bought two Border Collie/Husky mixes and raised them from 12 weeks until now--so let me tell you about dogs.

Are you looking to adopt? I highly suggest it.
Pros of adopting:
- Often vaccinated
- Often neutered
- Loyal pets
- Often housebroken
- Saving an animal's life
- Benefiting a worthy organization
Cons of adopting:
- Adult dogs sometimes have annoying habits such as barking or jumping and are more likely to have fears (men, children, loud noises)
- Limited to what is available at the time, so could take awhile before finding the perfect match

Please, whatever you do, do not purchase a dog from a pet store unless you can find out where the store gets their puppies. The vast majority of pet stores get their puppies from Puppy Farms. These are horrible places where dogs are bred unto death and often kept in unimaginable conditions. The chance of a Puppy Farm puppy having diseases, birth defects or parasites is much higher than if you purchase from a respectable shelter or breeder. While not all Pet Stores are guilty of this, many are and it's often hard to find a respectable one. (I bought both of my dogs from a pet store that is known for getting their puppies from a local ranch.)

Carrying on...

Do you want a puppy? They're more expensive than adult dogs and require more time at first, but I assure you that it is very rewarding.
Thing to consider financially:
- Vaccines and first year vet checks
- Neutering
- Food
- Toys
- Cleaning products to eliminate possible stains and the odor of urine
- A dog crate (I highly recommend that you read up on crate training your dog. I did with both of mine and they still love their crates. It is not cruel. Dogs need "homes" and often the crate is that safe place.)
- Food and water dishes
- collar, leash and tags
- pet training class (this is very optional, but something good to consider. Having a well mannered dog--even if not trained to do amazing things--makes having a dog much more enjoyable)
Responsibilities to consider:
- A puppy often requires middle of the night trips outside, if you want to avoid unpleasant messes in the morning.
- While you can leave a puppy alone all day, it makes housebreaking more difficult. Housebreaking only need take a week or two before the puppy understands, but remember that they're babies and can't hold it all day long!
- Walks in the morning and evening--and on weekends. They need exercise and to be introduced to the outside world of people and other animals. It makes them happy!
- Your attention. Dogs get lonely too.
- Training. You want to train your dog a minimum of these things: to sit ("sit"), not to jump, not to beg, to give you anything that they have in their mouth (including food) on command ("leave it"), to lay down ("down"), to come when called ("come") and not to run out of doors when they open (some say "stay" but I use the term "wait"). It just makes life easier, and it's not difficult if you take the time. Even small dogs should be well behaved.
- Vet visits
- Grooming. Some dogs require more than others.

Now, that's all for a puppy. If you purchase a full grown dog, then you may not have to house break or train him...or you might have to train him NOT to eat out of the garbage.

I don't know if any of that was helpful or not (it seems a jumbled mess to me) but please, ask more questions. Also, research the dog you want and the place you're going to purchase from. Honestly--dogs are a LOT of hard work...but the reward of having a true and loyal companion is so worth it, in my humble opinion.

[snizzle]

Thanks for an amazing post! That was exactly the kind of thing that my analytical mind needs.

I've been reading a lot today and it's been very rewarding. Pet stores are overpriced anyway so that option was out, but I didn't know about the 'puppy farms' until my reading earlier today. Not cool. I'm torn between buying one out of the newspaper from a breeder (seems like I can get one for $150-300) or getting one from the pound.

I'm afraid of getting a dog from the pound with a lot of weird quirks, fears, or odd training. I think I also really want to raise it from a puppy. More work, but it also seems much more rewarding in the end. Any advice on buying from a breeder (or individual) rather than getting one from the pound?

How do you train a dog?
-shane

[snizzle]

What's a good age to get a puppy at? 4-6 weeks? 6 months? What can I expect at each age?
-shane

[SecretAgentRat]

Originally Posted by snizzle

I'm afraid of getting a dog from the pound with a lot of weird quirks, fears, or odd training. I think I also really want to raise it from a puppy. More work, but it also seems much more rewarding in the end. Any advice on buying from a breeder (or individual) rather than getting one from the pound?

You can get puppies at shelters. Sometimes they're very young and sometimes they're a little older (under a year) and housebroken. Buying from a shelter isn't as scary as it seems if you go in with a clear mind and realize that, while you may fall in love with every dog there, there are certain qualities in a dog that you want...or don't. Not all shelter dogs have annoying quirks, and let me assure you...all dogs have weird quirks. hahaha. Also, you're allowed to play with shelter dogs and come to visit a specific dog more than once, without the commitment of purchasing right away.

Buying from a shelter also gives the opportunity to buy a mixed breed or mutt. Some people hate that...but I've had really good experience with them. Often they are lacking in some genetic defects that pure breds have. Example? A pure bred German Shepherd is more likely to have hip problems that a German Shepherd mix.
Now, I don't know what kinds of genetic problems a dachshund might have--it's possible that it is less of a problem with little dogs.

How do you train a dog?
-shane

It's actually easy, if you're able to establish yourself as a calm but assertive head of the "pack." Dogs need a leader and that is your job. They need guidance and care--that is your job. It makes them happy to have boundaries and rules and to be expected to "earn" their food or love. Training using food and positive reinforcement are most popular.
To teach a dog to sit you could follow these steps:
1. Say the word sit.
2. Hold a treat over their head and slowly draw it back toward their tail, causing them to look back, back and back until finally their haunches fall to the floor.
3. Praise and give the treat!
4. Repeat for--seemingly--ever. Eventually they start sitting on command with promise of a treat. Eventually just for the praise. Eventually they do it because you are the leader and they live to serve you. I kid you not.

Originally Posted by snizzle

What's a good age to get a puppy at? 4-6 weeks? 6 months? What can I expect at each age?
-shane

Most breeders may sell puppies before they're weaned, but you won't get to take him home. Which also means you won't get to see as much of the dog's personality before you've bought it. Dog's all have unique personalities--kick anyone who tries to tell you differently. I got my puppies at 12 weeks--that's pretty young, but still old enough that they're not completely helpless. I actually think it's a pretty good age--they're already maturing enough to really comprehend what's happening around them, but young enough to mold easily into the well behaved dog you want.

There is a book that I read when I first got my dogs...while I don't agree with everything in the book it really did help me to know what to expect with the different age groups of dogs. It's called... Good Owners Great Dogs by Brian Kilcommons. I believe. The title says it all--a dog's behavior problems are rarely ever the dog's fault. We are the leader of his pack and we are the person that provides him mental stability as well as sets his behavior guidelines. Another good book is Caesar's Way...I believe it's called. He's known as the Dog Whisperer, and while I can't say I agree with everything I do agree with most of what he "preaches."
Both talk about training to a certain extent. Both are good, if read with the knowledge that there is room for personal adjustment as well.

[snizzle]

You just became my new best friend on CGR. Thanks for all the great, real advice. I've pretty much been reseaching all day and it's great to hear some first hand advice instead of generic tips.

I've heard a lot of great things about crate/kennel training. That is, training your dog to stay in the crate as it's 'home'. http://www.thedachshundnetwork.com/cratebenefits.htm

My biggest fear right now is that my wife works full time and I am a full-time student with two jobs. My schedule is a bit more flexible, so I think i'll probably be able to stop in at least once during the day while my wife is at work. Is it unrealistic (or cruel?) to keep a dog in a crate (or even just alone) for 8 hours a day, provided he/she gets a lot of attention at night, in the morning, and on weekends?

Basically, will a dog (or puppy) be ok being alone from 9-5? Would it be dramatically better if I made a stop in during the day (lunchtime?). What can I expect from a puppy/dog in this situation?

Can I teach him/her to be housebroken (use the bathroom outside) if he has to be in a crate for 3-4 or even 8 hours?
-shane

[SecretAgentRat]

Originally Posted by snizzle

You just became my new best friend on CGR. Thanks for all the great, real advice. I've pretty much been reseaching all day and it's great to hear some first hand advice instead of generic tips.

Hahaha. No problem--I love dogs. I'm mad about dogs. I'm super passionate about dogs. I even ignore my annoying dog allergy to be with dogs!

My biggest fear right now is that my wife works full time and I am a full-time student with two jobs. My schedule is a bit more flexible, so I think i'll probably be able to stop in at least once during the day while my wife is at work. Is it unrealistic (or cruel?) to keep a dog in a crate (or even just alone) for 8 hours a day, provided he/she gets a lot of attention at night, in the morning, and on weekends?

Basically, will a dog (or puppy) be ok being alone from 9-5? Would it be dramatically better if I made a stop in during the day (lunchtime?). What can I expect from a puppy/dog in this situation?
-shane

Unrealistic? No, plenty of people do it. Cruel? I wouldn't go that far, but I don't think it's "nice" either. Dogs need to move about just as much as we do, if not more. But people do it. If you have the ability to set up a room that the dog can move around in as well, such as a bathroom, that might make it less difficult. Eventually you may not need to keep your dog in the crate, but simply keep it accessible. I've gotten to the point where my dogs no longer use their crates (not because they wouldn't love to, but because I don't have room in my new house for two crates big enough for 70lb dogs!).
It would be great if you could stop in over lunch and take the dog out for exercise and business. The dog would love you madly! Haha.
Some people even consider taking their dog to daycares (can be expensive) or hiring a neighbor kid to play with their dog outside at some point during the day (a well trusted neighbor kid...oy).
Or...some people just keep their dogs cooped up in the house for 8 hours a day, it can be done. But if you do that, then you MUST give the dog other outlets for outdoor exercise on a daily basis. Well...must is a strong word, but it's kind if you do.

Expect a dog with a lot of energy that is thrilled to see you when you get home. You may also have to expect messes to clean up until the dog is housebroken (the rule my mom used is...if the dog can go 6 months without a mess then you know it is fully housebroken). Most dogs can go, no problem, from morning to night without a potty break if they're kept on a regular feeding and walk schedule. Some dogs develop separation anxiety if your leaving is not properly handled. Some dogs can get destructive with boredom if not given the appropriate outlets (toys and regular exercise with you). Again, a lot of that depends on you and how you raise the dog.

Can I teach him/her to be housebroken (use the bathroom outside) if he has to be in a crate for 3-4 or even 8 hours?

Yes. Easily. It might take a little time, because you won't be there to catch every accident at first--but it can be done. My puppies were housebroken within the first week, at 12 weeks old. During the day they knew to ask to be let out--now, they were too young to make it through the night or even longer than about 4 hours at first, but you eventually do reach the point where 8 hours is not a huge deal. Obviously you don't want to leave them alone for 8 hours every single day, so if you can make it home for even a few lunches that is just plain ol' nice. Haha.

(Please let me know if I get too lengthy--I can be more concise. Really!)

[snizzle]

Lengthy is good. Your posts are perfect and I think you just convinced me to get a dog! I'll probably give my wife a leash and some books for Christmas and then we can go pick one out in January when we get back into town.

Any other tips or advice? I'm really enjoying your posts.
-shane

[SecretAgentRat]

Originally Posted by snizzle

Lengthy is good. Your posts are perfect and I think you just convinced me to get a dog! I'll probably give my wife a leash and some books for Christmas and then we can go pick one out in January when we get back into town.

That is a great idea as a Christmas gift! I'm sure she's be thrilled! [gets all warm and fuzzy]

Any other tips or advice? I'm really enjoying your posts.
-shane

Remember that dogs are animals. One thing I see people do is treat their pet like a little human, or child and, while we should love and care for them, we have to remember that they are an animal.
My dogs are allowed on the furniture, but the second I tell them to "get off" they know that they'd better. My dogs are not allowed to eat the same kind of food we do. They don't get bites of dinner, and in return they don't beg, either. Sometimes I'll slip them something good (they like carrots) as a treat, but never when I am eating them and never in the kitchen (as a result...I have dogs who won't even touch food if it's been dropped on the floor). Little dogs are a different, we did offer bits of food to our smaller dogs...because they weren't tall enough to see the top of the dinner table! Haha.
Don't be afraid to say no and mean it. I'm serious. It's just a dog and it's not going to hate you for life if you don't let it run off with the other dogs or chew on your favorite shoes.

And the last thing that comes to mind...at a young age, train the dog to let you take it's food bowl away from him. My dogs are 5 and won't let each other near when they're eating, but I can walk up and stick my hand in their bowl or even just snatch it away from them and they simply stare at me as if I'm mental.

Ohonemorething! Handle the dog. Seriously, from a young age play with its paws, stick your fingers in its mouth, rub its belly...Teach the dog to trust you enough that it will let you touch it anywhere. You never know when this will come in handy, and it's a good way to bond. My dogs will let me, begrudgingly, play with their mouths and paws. There will be times when the dog may get hurt or simply need to go to the vet's for a routine check up and it will be very handy to be able to handle that dog with little to no protest from him.

Please, don't hesitate to grab me for more questions. I love this! You'll be a dog-lover yet! hahaha.

[SecretAgentRat]

AND! Even if you don't have kids...expose the dogs to kids. Stay safe and keep a close eye on the dog, because a dog should NEVER (no matter how wonderful) be alone with a child. I didn't get my dogs around kids enough and they're now a little wary of them.

AND! If the dog shows of a fear of something don't coddle it. If he's afraid of trash bags keep a light attitude and act as if the trash bag is a very silly thing to be afraid of. Be confident, and your dog will be too. Coddle and coo and you'll raise a fearful dog. I kid you not. Some things your dog may never fully accept...but that's okay, as long as their fear is manageable.

[snizzle]

You've been a huge help. I'm also talking to my friend's wife that has a mini dachshund and she's giving me a lot of specific tips. Feel free to keep the tips and pointers coming anytime you think of something! I'll have lots more questions as I continue to dig into this!

Right now my wife is going crazy because I've started to drop little hints about it and she doesn't know what it is! I love this stuff!
-shane

[Big_al]

Dachshunds are notoriously hard to housebreak...

[snizzle]

Originally Posted by Big_al

Dachshunds are notoriously hard to housebreak...

Actually, from my vast amount of research and talking with dachshund owners today, this is a myth. They are very independent, which can sometimes be construed as stubborn and learn differently from most dogs. They do, however, adapt VERY well to the 'crate' method and seem to be fairly easy to housebreak as long as they are taken immediately outside after they are taken out of the crate.

There was also recommendations of leaving the dog on a leash with you for the first 6 months or so inside the house. Basically, if you leave a puppy to wander around it's going to make a mess. So, if you either leave the puppy in his crate or on a leash for the first 6 months or so (until he is housebroken) apparently dachshunds are fairly simple to train. They also seem to be quite intelligent.
-shane

[PontiusPirate]

I pretty much agree with everything that SecretAgentRat has said.

On Adoption:
*Check out petfinder.com. You can search specific breeds/ages and they will also let you in on certain "quirks" the dog may have (fear of children/other animals etc.)
*"No-kill" shelters and sanctuaries will usually have a trainer on staff. Most of the time they have alot of a dogs problems worked out before you adopt, and if not they are very helpful.
*Shelters/sanctuaries (even city shelters) will almost always (unless the dog is too young) already have the spaying/neutering and puppy shots taken care of. This is a big plus!

Crate Training:
*Crate training is a great tool, however, it is not fun for your dog to be cooped up all day. Possibly look into reputable places that do "off-leash" daycare. (*cough* I work for one. They are incredibly rad.) The daycare is great because your dog won't be stuck in a crate all day, and it is also wonderful for socialization. (Trust me, it is quite important to have your dog socialized with other dogs at a younger age...especially with small dogs.)


Etc.:
*Doxies are incredibly intelligent. They are also quite obstinant. They are a small dog. That's what small dogs do. I have not seen/heard anything that makes them any harder to potty train than any other smaller breed.
*In my opinion, it isn't a great idea to leash your puppy. Be watchful. If they make a mess or do something wrong, reprimand them. If they are unable to do anything wrong, how will they know it's wrong when they are unleashed? Also, if you're leashing so you don't have to keep as watchful an eye on them....bad idea. It is VERY easy for a dog to get tangled in a leash QUICKLY and choke itself. A co-worker of mine has had this happen in a matter of seconds.
*The major medical problems that doxies are susceptible to are back problems and obesity. Because of their short legs and stocky bodies, alot of pressure and wear is put on the back. Also, alot of people let their dogs become....couch potatoes. Small dogs need excercise too. Obesity can worsen the back problems and lead to diabetes. With being crated...I have seen people with set-ups that allow their dog to go outside, but still be "confined" so to speak (double-door cages on both sides of a doggie door).


Sorry if this is a jumbled mess of nonsense. I'm sleepy.