Dumb Dachsie??

[Mutzie's Mom]

Sheppie is 8 months old and we've had him for 10 days now. He does not eat unless it's out of my hand. He will not drink unless I splash him with water. My vet is afraid he is suffering from being part of a pack. He was the dominant one who gave cues to the other dogs. Now he's an only fur child and struggles with basic skills. My vet even said he was challenged. When we go outside to potty, all he wants to do is sniff. Just when I think he's found the perfect spot, a car goes by and all is lost! His attention span is zilch. I am very frustrated. He is also a big chicken. I've never met a timid dachsie before and I've been around tons! My Mutzie was known to tear after dobermans and Sheppie saw a squirrel and almost wet himself. I thought a male would be even more dominating. Wrong! The only time Sheppie acts aggressive is when my husband and my daughter wrestle on the floor. He is always there to defend me and my husband. He tries to scare my 4 year old baby girl. She just laughs at him.

Should I be concerned with him not eating on his own? I take him outside every 2-3 hours on a leash. It has been freezing here, but I am still consistent. Sheppie reminds me of an air head. He tilts his head and looks at you like you're stupid! I know he's not dumb because whenever he sees us getting ready for bed, he grabs his blanky. He also is very active and loves to play catch. I adore him, no matter what. I am just afraid there is something wrong with him mentally. Is this silly? He is just so different. Since when do you have to force a dachsie to eat? I've never heard of that! He doesn't even want table food. I just know what Mutzie must be thinking in heaven. She was so smart! She had severe separation anxiety and Sheppie could really care less when we leave.

If anyone has any advice on what to do with Sheppie, please let me know. I am getting more concerned every day. He's so cute and such a sweetie. It is so annoying when he pees inside after I've just spent a half an hour outside with him.

Sherry & Sheppie

[Augie Dog]

I don't think a dumb doxie ever walked the face of the planet. :D

How much info do you have on the first 8 months of his life? Many things are learned then. What kind of dish did he have? Was it plastic, metal, high or low?

Feeding anything different than what he has been fed before?

At 8 months he is going to have the attention span of a two year old. Aug was the same way, he was a bummer to potty train.

I am puzzled about the squirrel thing though.

[Mutzie's Mom]

As I posted my first message earlier, Shep was attacking my husband downstairs (if you know what I mean! <img border="0" alt="[emb]" title="" src="graemlins/emb.gif" /> ). My husband is thankful Sheppie is going to be neutered in 1 1/2 weeks! We're thinking his raging hormones could be to blame. He has been very excitable lately.

He is on Eukanuba puppy food, which is what he was on before we got him. His old owner only fed him 2/3 cups a day and my vet wants him eating no less than 1 1/2 cups a day. I may have over indulged Mutzie, but I fed her at least 2-3 cups a day, which she downed in about 5 minutes. Shep is eating in a different type bowl. The food and water are in the same dish with a divider. Sheppie was used to 2 small metal dishes. I can't bring myself to buy one, as that was what Mutzie took her last drink in at the vet's office.

Shep also won't play with squeaky toys. He is deathly afraid of the squeak. He cowers in the corner until we put it away. I know he is still getting used to our house and we do let him have free reign in it. That is part of the problem, I am sure.

He has figured out how to manipulate us (which is another dachsie trait I love!). We insisted he sleep in his own bed...now he's in ours. He is such a cuddler and loves to sleep under the covers right in the middle of us. We love it! He hasn't had any accidents in bed. He doesn't have them until we're deep in a conversation. We'll be talking and he'll come up on us and act like he's joining in. It looks like he's listening to us and then he'll just squat and pee! Thank God he doesn't lift his leg. Boy accidents are much less damaging than girl's. That is the only positive thing I can say about the situation. He does love doggie treats. As soon as he pees outside, I give him one and praise him like crazy. As frustrated as we are, we've never raised our voices to him when he has an accident. We have been very patient with him. I thought the positive reinforcement would work. But, it's in one ear and out the other. He does enjoy the occasional crunchy stick when he's on a potty excursion. He's so proud when he gets one, too. He rushes to show it to me every time. I guess I should treat him like a 2 year old and just laugh at his puppiness. He will grow up fast.

Sherry & Sheppie

[assisivk]

The only suggestion that I can think of is to just be patient. 10 days is not a lot of time... not a lot of time at all when you remember that he is still a baby... and one who has been through a lot of changes in a very short period of time. I just recently celebrated the fact that Willie (who is a little over 2 years old) could finally be called housebroken! And I too was consistent and spent lots of time outside with him etc. etc. They just aren't the easiest of dogs to housebreak. But they get there. Willie still gets distracted by any sound or movement. And who know what may have happened in his first 8 months that may explain the behavior with the squirrel or certain situations that frighten him. It's only my opinion, but I think it's way too early to know whether there are any longer term explanations for his behavior. He sounds like any normal, bright pup. I don't know how to say this delicately so I'll just say it.... as is very normal and understandable, you are still very connected to Mutzie and perhaps this has influenced your expectations of this baby slightly. It's been a long time since you have had to deal with a puppy... and a dachshund puppy at that!!! And I agree that I don't think it's possible that a dumb doxie ever walked the planet! It sounds like you have chosen wisely with this puppy... he sounds like a delight. And is exhibiting all of the wonderful characteristics of the dachshund.... all of the wonderfully maddening stubborn characteristics that made you... and the rest of us... love them. Just be patient and give him the time that he needs to really feel at home and secure in that... and then the time to grow up and mature. The rest will come.

[Mom of Freddie and FG]

Sherry,

You may want to try metal dishes with Sheppie, since he was used to them. Just try it and see if it works. You never know, it just may do the trick! You need to get over the fact that Mutzie used metal at the end. Mutzie and Sheppie are two different dogs. It seems as though you're comparing the two. It is normal, but not a good idea. If you try metal dishes, in time your sad feelings will fade. It's still fresh to you, I understand. But trying metal with Sheppie may work! Go for it! :)

Neutering will NOT necessarily help or stop the "attacking" (humping I'm assuming). Humping is associated with dominance, and is not a sexual thing, as we assume it is. It doesn't make sense, I know, but that is what all behaviorists say. The main reason people have their animals altered is for responsibility (avoiding unwanted pregnancies/over-population) and health (reducing cancer).

It kinda seems to me that Sheppie is trying to dominate your husband?? If that's the case, it may be related to his not eating. The pack-order hasn't been established yet. He may still be confused, as the Vet mentioned. You might want to consult a behaviorist if this continues. Sheppie WILL eat when hungry enough, unless if he's ill. I would also have a complete blood-panel done on him to check everything IF this goes on.

Potty training dachshunds is no picnic. <img border="0" alt="[stubborn]" title="" src="graemlins/stubborn.gif" /> Freddie did the SAME thing, pee/poop INside right after being outside! <img border="0" alt="[Oh my gosh!]" title="" src="graemlins/eek3.gif" /> One of these days it will finally just "click" with Sheppie! It may take months though. 10 days is still so soon to expect things from Sheppie. I would see how much progress is made within the next month or two. He's still very much a puppy. I've heard that dachshunds fully mature between 2-3 years old. So you have a while! <img border="0" alt="[yikes]" title="" src="graemlins/yikes.gif" />

Have you tried cottage cheese with him? If he likes it, add some to his kibble. Or a bit of egg or plain yogurt. Most dogs love it!

But again, I would try the metal dishes and see if it helps. Never know til you try. :)
Good luck and keep us posted, ok?

Susan

[mardoniche]

Sherry,
I get the feeling here by what you have decribed, that Sheppie may have been kept in a kennel or pen for much of his life. It seems that he just does not know how to live in a "home".
If he has been kept penned, possibly with other dogs, it is going to take longer to settle him into a home enviroment. I bought two little sisters, who were about a year old. Sky and Gem, they had been kept in an outside kennel. It took me many months to get them house broken. But they have learnt, just takes longer than a well socialized younger pup from a home situation.
When they are kept in a kennel they just pee and poop where ever when ever. Maybe this is why the outside is so fascinating for him and the slightest thing seems so interesting. He has never had this freedom. I may be wrong here, but it does sound to me as though he has not had much attention and freedom.
It is really early days for you both and I am sure your boy is not dumb, overwhelmed, may be by all this new stuff and attention. All you can do is just keep trying with his food, have you tried a flat plate. Some dogs do not like to put their muzzles into a deep bowl. May be his food was just put on the floor ? Im sure eventually he will come around to your ways, sadly it may well take sometime.
Dawn and dachsies <img border="0" alt="[facelick]" title="" src="graemlins/facelick.gif" />

[MARTHA]

Sherry - You have gotten a lot of good advice. The thingn that I would like to add is that not all doxies like normal dog toys. My Frtiz had a collection of 'normal' dog toys and loved everyone, the more they sqeaked, the better.

However...Mandy my second doxie didn't like toys at all...but, give her a pair of my dirty underwear, open the front door and she would get out in the FRONT yard, throw them up in the air, shake them, bark, howl, wave at the neighbors, and do her best to stop every passing car to stop and watch the show...

Skooter, when she could see, played only with hickory nuts. They were the only thing small enough for her to carry. She would even through them down the driveway and chase them, she would bring them in the house and throw then down the steps and chase them, she would grab one out in the yard on the way to getting into the car, just in case she wanted to play when we got to where she was going (she learned early on that not every yard had hickory nuts).

Sadie doesn't like conventional toys either. She wil play with a stuffed stoy for a little while but she would rather play 'kill the sockie" while you are trying to get get dressed...She also like dirty clothes but I try not to give her the opportunity to indulge in too much in that...she is too rough with the clothes and I can't afford new ones every week...Funny, she usually doesn't other the dirty clothes if they are in the dirty clothes basket. I think my Mother sent her to live with me...

The main think is to be patient. Mandy was very tramatized when we got her and it too several months for her to socialize and a good year or more for her to turn into the michevious dachshund that waved at the neighbors with my underwear. Just give him time and he will adjust and so will you. All of my doxies have been so very different, just like people.

Sheppie will open a whole new door in your heart (I think he has already) and he will teach you more than you can imagine...

Martha

[Rusty's mom]

Our 3 are totally different in terms of temperments and toy preferences. Rusty doesn't like the squeaky toys - he will chew and chew until the squeaky is out and then he'll play with the toy. He really prefers stuffed toys/animals. Duffer doesn't like toys at all. He's a love bug who wants to spend all his time in your lap or wrapped around your head. Hobbs loves the squeaky toys - the louder the squeak the better. Rusty and Hobbs love the cat and play with him an awful lot. Duffer and the cat NEVER have anything to do with each other at all. I don't think Duffer ever would have barked if Rusty wasn't such a yapper and Hobbs barked the first time he set paws in the yard. Rusty is an alpha with Hobbs running a close second. Duffer is lucky he's not in the wild or he would starve to death - he's really a long way down the 'pack pole.' I guess my point is that all dogs are different. From your posts it sounds like you really miss Mutzie and perhaps want Sheppie to help take her place. But, Sheppie will make his own place and I'm sure that all his little quirks will become so dear to you and will provide many laughs in the future. All he needs is time (10 days is not very long). Take care and keep in touch. Rusty, Duffer and Hobbs send Sheppie 'atta boy lickies.'

kathy - mom to Rusty, Duffer and Hobbs

[Mutzie's Mom]

Thanks for all the great advice! Bill & I have been working with Sheppie to let him know that he is NOT at the top of the pack. I make sure I am first out the door and when I am "disciplining" Sheppie, he is the first to look away. He had 2 accidents inside today. This was after spending 45 minutes outside together, just the 2 of us.

He did eat off a regular plate today. I think his dish might be too deep and it is a dark gray color, so maybe he can't see his food.

I know I told everyone about him nipping at Lexi, my 3 1/2 (will be 4 next month) year old daughter. She is very tiny and petite--not a threat to him in the least. She is very timid around the dog. We told her he would take a while to get comfortable with us, so she's been leaving him alone. She's been wonderful. Well, every time she gets near me, but especially my husband, Sheppie goes nuts. He started growling and nipping at her. In the middle of the night, she came into our room. Sheppie let out the biggest growl. I thought he was going to rip her head off. I know it might have come as a shock to him to have someone come in our room late at night, but this behavior has carried into today. My baby girl is such a sweet, kind child. Sheppie has no problem with Logan, my mischievous 18 month old son. They actually play ball together a lot.

Any suggestions as to what to do when he growls at her? Why would he growl at her when she's never done anything to him? They haven't been alone together. When he does growl at her and she goes toward him (with tears in her eyes as it really hurts her feelings), he cowers underneath the dining room table. He's such a chicken! I love this little guy, but he must understand that my 2 babies are at the top of our pack. I guess I'll have to start making him sleep in his crate at night. I just love snuggling with him so much. Last night, he shared my pillow with me. I know that's a big no no in establishing pack order. Does it count if he sleeps on his back? I thought that was a sign of submission! :)

Any other suggestions?

Thanks!
Sherry

[Mom of Freddie and FG]

Everyone seems to agree that time is the key word here. It's true.

My girl (Funny Girl) is from a kennel situation. She is older though, she's 7 yrs. I've had her 9 months now (got her last June). She too pooped and peed in the house. At first it was BAD, as she peed up to 3 times a day in the house (carpet of course!). Now I have a doggie door that the dogs have access to at all times. At first, when Funny Girl was new here, she caught on fast and liked using the door. So she would relieve herself BOTH outside and INside. But she evidentally was confused. At the beginning I was SO frustrated and tired of cleaning the carpet 3 times a day, that I seriously thought of returning her. I didn't have the heart to do it, as I knew she was happy here and was given more attention and better care overall.
Well, just within the last couple months she has FINALLY improved greatly! :) But it took MONTHS! She STILL pees inside occasionally, but no poop.
I have to admit, I didn't work with her as consistantly in the beginning as I do now.
What I do is, I make her go potty at certain times, even though she has a doggie door. I even wake her up. I say to her, "Potty time". She knows, and will go out the doggie door, do her thing, then come back in. I do have to watch her go out the door, as she will be stubborn. But overall, this method has really worked great!
But my situation is a little different from yours, in that I live in an apartment with no yard. So FG doesn't have the distractions.

Kennel dogs are without a doubt harder to potty-train. So add a Dachshund to that, then add a young 8 month old, and it is even more so difficult! <img border="0" alt="[yikes]" title="" src="graemlins/yikes.gif" />

You're not gonna like what I say, but I've heard that having your dogs sleep with you in your bed is the worst thing. My dogs sleep in their own bed with blankies to burrow under.

I'll add that since I've had FG 9 months now, her personality has blossomed and she now KNOWS that this is her home. At the beginning she wasn't sure, and had not yet "settled in". Now she is relaxed and knows the routine and what to expect. But it didn't happen overnight, it took months!
Sheppie will learn too. He will be a different dog in a few months. I think that things will "fall in place". If it doesn't, a behaviorist may be in order.

I do wonder about the cowering though. You may want to talk to his previous owner? Do you know anything about Sheppie's original owner/breeder?

Lastly, while I hate to bring this up (I just now remembered this), sometimes behavior problems are related to health problems. This is the case with one of our members here, her Maggie was diagnosed with a Liver Shunt (from poor breeding). So this is something to keep in mind. I hope everything will be fine, but you never know.

Susan

[Rusty's mom]

I loved to sleep with our crew as well but we had a canine behaviorist in to work with our Rusty and she said that at this point him sleeping with us was a no-no. He needed to accept his position in the pack order. He may have had a bad previous experience with little girls. Our Rusty does NOT like girls at all - but just loves teenage boys. When our daughter has her friends over, we instruct them to totally ignore Rusty and we keep him away from them until he is ready to meet them. As far as your little girl goes, well, I would have her feed him - put his food down, while he is watching (held back of course so he doesn't bite her), have her give him treats which he must earn. He needs to learn to recognize her as the alpha to him. Another thing we do is to fill a spray bottle with vinegar/water mix. When our boys are barking/growling when it isn't necessary we will spray them with the vinegar/water mix - and never, ever let them see us do it and we don't use a verbal command such as 'no.' They think it just comes out of the blue. If they see you they associate behavior=you=spray. They will only curtail the behavior when you are around and probably only if you have the spray bottle in hand. I want them to associate behavior=spray. That way they behavior is extinguished, whether we're there or not. That is something else you might try when Sheppie is not behaving appropriately towards your daugher. These are just what our canine behaviorist told us to do and so far it's worked. The only hard thing is with the housebreaking. We have 2 who are house broken (the 2 youngest of course) and our Rusty still is not. It's improving but really slow, slow going. Time is what it will take and our Rusty may never be totally housebroken - at this point we think that we will only ever be able to manage it - and that's o.k. We love him to death as we do all our little guys. <img border="0" alt="[Love]" title="" src="graemlins/love.gif" /> Good luck.

Kathy - mom to Rusty, Duffer and Hobbs