Transitioning a 3 yr old to a new home

[DanaNJ]

I will be adopting a 3 year old long hair dachsund whose family can't keep her anymore.

She has been with them since she was a puppy.

Any advice out there on how to give her a smooth transition to a new home?

Thanks.

[Augie Dog]

Doxies are very loving, giving and accepting. I would understand if there was a little heartbreak.

There are a lot of people on this board that I am sure can help you out with advice.

David (augie's daddy)

[Mark]

Hi Dana & WELCOME!

Dachshunds adapt pretty well. When we moved several years ago we were concerned about Duck Butter. Never was there more a creature of habit with attitude. She didn't like the change at first and made no secret of her displeasure, but came around nicely after a week. As far as changing families . . . I'll have to defer to the more knowledgeable members on the board.

Mark

[Jennifer]

Congratulations Dana on the new addition to your family. Bless you for giving a home to a dog who needs one.

We just brought a 2 1/2 year dachsie into our house a month ago. I found her on death row in the pound, so we didn't know a lot about her. Here are some things that I worked or that I wish I had been able to do:

Expect there to be an adjustment period for both you and the dog. You are both getting used to each other. All of the rescue groups I spoke with told me to expect this and be prepared for you.

Try to find out as much as you can about her schedule for eating and going out. I would try to stick with that for a few days and gradually move work her schedule into your schedule. The dog has alot to get used to.

I would also keep her on the same food at least in the beggining. You can then mix it with the food you want to feed her and transition her to the food that you want to feed her. We didn't know what Betty ate and it took her a few days to adjust to dry food (we've now realized by the enthusiastic can opener dance that she used to eat canned food).

If you have other dogs, I would introduce them on neutral ground, like a park or field near your house. And then all walk back to your house, so your dogs don't feel terriorital at the first meeting. I would also definatley feed them separately.

If possible, try to get her old family to give her some of her "stuff" (blankets, toys). This will give the dog some consistency. I know that the dogs I've fostered seem to find comfort in having some consistency even it is just a blanket.

One of the things we did was to bring a blanket that our dogs used to the pound. So that Betty could get used to their smells. My husband and I also each brought a T-shirt that we had worn to the pound and put it in her cage. We thought that this would help her get used to our smells. I think this helped alot because we had absolutely no problems with our dogs and she bonded very quickly with us. Maybe her current owners would let you do something like this. You could also take one of her blankets and let your dogs smell it before she comes to live with you.

Sorry so long. Hope this helps.

[Roxane]

Hi:
You've gotten some really solid advice on previous posts. Both Greta and Baylea came to us as adults. I found that while they were studying us, it was equally important for us to be studying them. They can tell you a lot more than some folks realize. (Although I still can't figure out why Baylea has a fit when I pull a sheet of aluminum foil off the roll.http://dachsie.org/ubb/smilies/rolleyes.gif )
The never fail way to a dachsie's heart; lots of petting, cooing, attention, and last but not least, sleeping in your bed. Positive reinforcement all the way. The rewards are wonderful! http://dachsie.org/ubb/smilies/love.gif
Congratulations,
Roxane

[Penny's Aunt]

One thing to remember is that the new home is going to take some getting used to. If you expect accidents, fear, misbehavior, you won't be so whacked out of shape when it happens. Don't expect obedience; if you get it, great, but don't demand it.

You need to bond with the dog before you can start training, & that may take a while. It doesn't have to mean you have to put up with really nasty behavior, but be ready to let a lot of marginal stuff slide for a while.

Accidents or misbehavior don't need to be praised, but neither should they be reprimanded all out of proportion. Maybe just ignoring him after bad would be best for now. Clean up & deodorize accidents out of his sight, but without reprimand.

Also, get him to a vet ASAP, & have him checked over. If he's got any problems, you'll want to know right away. Don't forget to take in a FRESH stool specimen (less than 2 hrs old) so they can check for parasites. You don't want anything passed on to your existing dogs.