adoption - am I a good candidate?

[mlshores]

I'm interested in adopting a female, adult miniature dachsund. You dachsund experts out there please tell me if - based on my lifestyle and your knowledge of the dachsund temperament - this is a good idea.

1) I'm a single, professional working at an academic library. I never work more than 8 hrs a day, and have virtually no social life (i.e. I'm home a lot!) I make an excellent salary - for a librarian anyway - so I can easily support a little dog. My work schedule is very flexible, so I'd be able to make vet trips when required. (we have 2 vet offices in the town where I live)

2) I live in a 1BR apartment, about 800 sq. feet. I only have one neighbor and she's hardly ever home. Also, my apt. is a 3-4 minute drive from my office, so I can easily come home on my lunch hour. My landlord has OK'd my request to get a dog, but has stressed that any/all damages will be my responsibility. Therefore, I would need a dog that is house-trained and has no history of accidents. There's a big field right in back of my building, so a place to do "business" is very handy.

3.) This would be *my* first dog, though we had dogs while I was growing up. I'm not an overly experienced dog handler, but I'm willing to learn.

4) About twice a month, I travel to see my girlfriend (4 1/2 hr. trip) Hence, I would need a dog likes to ride in the car and travels well. Her landlord has OK'd an occasional doggie visitor.

Please give me your honest opinion. Thanks!
Mark

[Owen's Mom]

I'm in your almost exact same situation... except I'm female, don't date women, and don't have a cool job 5 mins from home.

I do work full time, I adopted a dachshund, I'm in an apartment and I love to stick close to home. I was sure I wanted a red female mini. I ended up with a Standard, male Black and Tan!! I love him to no end. You sound like a good and realistic candidate. Contact www.drna.org (http://www.drna.org) and fill out an application. There are a couple of memebers here, perhaps they'll chime in and offer you some help. http://dachsie.org/ubb/smilies/biggrin.gif I'd also highly recommend you try to find a dachshund to adopt that is crate trained. Owen is a seperation anxiety dog and must be confined either in a crate or X-Pen when I leave him alone in the apt.

<IMG SRC="http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=628165&a=4582128&p=21196866&Sequence=0" border=0>
This is Owen, the day I brought him home. He was 10 months old and only 17 lbs. He's 2 years old now and at least 22 lbs now http://dachsie.org/ubb/smilies/biggrin.gif

Keep up informed as to what happens for you!!

~~Amy & Owen~~

[Mickamack]

Mark, I definitely think that you'd be a great candidate for a furry friend. When I got my Buddy, I had just moved to a new city for a job. I was by myself, was also single, living in an apartment, working full time. I had no life and no friends. Buddy quickly became my best friend. We went everywhere together.

If I didn't have him, I don't know if I would have made it. The lonliness really got to me. But he changed all that. The companionship and unconditional love they give is like no other.

Even though he died 2 years ago, and I got another dachsie Mickey, Buddy will always be my "first love" and I will never forget the impact he made in my life.

You will not regret it! Please let us know how you make out.

Karen

[dutchman]

Hi Mark,

Just a couple of quick notes. First off make sure you can get something in writing from your landlord. Most groups require this before they would consider placing an animal in an apartment. Second with even the best trained little companion the excitement of a new home can lead to a few accidents. Buy some natures miracle or similar solution to help be ready for the cleanup. Lack of a fenced yard may be held as a strike against you but not one that can't be overcome. Be sure you are ready to go out in the rains, slush, snow what ever type of weather you area may have to offer since it won't be safe (or legal in most areas) to just let them out the door off leash into an unfenced area. I hope it doesn't sound like I'm trying to talk you out getting a dog but I just want to make sure you have thought things out. Like you I'm a single male, I'm 47, live in a townhouse with a small fenced private yard. My ground floor (where we spend most of our time is about 800 square feet. I'm about ten minutes from home and average less than one day a month that I don't get home for lunch. I would recommend you don't get a puppy mill rescue but look for a rescue that was a family dog or you also could look into the possibility of a retired show dog. As far as mini females that is what I've always said I preferred but I'll have to admit I'm very attached to the standard male longhair I've got right now. Of course Frank is only about 8-9 months old and there at just the right time to help me overcome the grief I was feeling after loosing my little girl who was a puppy mill rescue. I'm suggesting you avoid the mill rescue since from my experience they can will most likely not be house broken when you get them and may be more accident prone in the house. You should be aware these little guys tend to be very loving and will demand your attention. is your kitchen area carpeted? If not you may be able to figure out a way to close it off as another alternative to a kennel hen you aren't home. There are baby gates and exercise pens that can help in setting up a secure area. As far as the car trips every animal is an individual. Some tend to get car sick rather easy others can ride for a long time. I would say you should expect to make a stop about every two hours on average to let your little friend stretch their legs. I feel the safest way for my little companions to ride in the car is to be in their kennels. The back seat of my car folds down and I loop a rope between the two headrest and the handle of the kennel so to minimize it moving and I also face the door so that it is facing between the front seats. That way my little friend and I can keep an eye on each other. remember an airbag could be just as deadly for you little friend as it can be for a child.

Good luck,

Tom and Rank

[Wienergal]

Hi, Mark! Welcome to the board! Another single dachshund owner here--I have two. I have recently started working with Dachshund Rescue, and my current volunteer job is interviewing prospective adopters to determine whether the home is suitable for a dachsie and, if so, what type of dog would make the best fit. Everything you wrote sounds good to me. Here are a couple of things to think about.

First, you didn't say why you've chosen a dachshund as your first dog. We all know that they are the BEST dogs http://dachsie.org/ubb/smilies/biggrin.gif, but they have their share of...quirks. Are you familiar with the dachshund personality? They tend to be stubborn and need to be trained. If I were you, I would get myself a good book or video on dog training, and do be aware that you will have to commit some time to this. Dachsies need to know who's the boss in the home, and training is the way to establish that that's YOU. You should also think seriously about doing obedience training with your doggy.

Second, there is no such thing as a dachshund with no history of accidents! Dogs have accidents--sometimes because they have upset tummies or bladder irritations, sometimes just because. It happens, so you need to be prepared for that. Also, as Frank pointed out, when a dog goes to a new home, accidents are common just because of the new environment. Make sure you know how to deal with this --behaviorally AND janitorially-- before you bring a dog home.

Third, a big field is nice, but your dog will need to be walked. On a leash. Regardless of weather, your schedule, etc. First thing in the morning, last thing at night, and a couple of times in between. Is that OK with you?

Finally, if you decide to adopt through a rescue organization, tell the person who interviews you exactly what type of personality you are looking for. It sounds as if a more laid-back dog would be right for you, as opposed to a more energetic and mischievous dog.

A dachshund will change your life in many ways. If you have never had a dog, it's hard to imagine the bond you will feel with the little critter, and how much pure joy and love she will bring to you. This more than makes up for having to clean up the occasional oops! and having to go right home from work to walk the dog. Stick around and keep us posted, and best of luck to you!

[mlshores]

Thanks for all the input everyone! I'll try and address them all, if I can remember them.

The reason I'm looking at mini-dachsunds is because my cousins have 2 and they speak very highly of them. A friend of mine here in Monticello has a mini. female black & tan smoothcoat named Button. I got to meet Button and she is a real sweetie. Also, I need a dog that's small, and will handle apt. life. There are lots of other small dogs, but I think most of them require more grooming than I can tackle. And I just don't find other small dogs as attractive as the miniature dachsund.

As for grooming, I can handle a a daily brushing with a hound glove. There's not too much "ground" to cover on a mini-dachsund, so that's no problem. It's certainly not like brushing my parent's Norwegian Elkhound. I could get a 1 1/2 grocery sacks of hair off him!

From the research I've done, it seems that ALL small dogs have a superiority complex. They test your authority, so I'm willing to learn some dog training tips.

As for the accidents, I'm prepared to gate-off my kitchen & bathroom and the dog can stay there. (They have tiled floors) Later on perhaps they can have the run of the place.

I'm OK with excercising. I like walking and it would be fun to have someone to walk with!

[Wienergal]

Mark, have you visited the "Dachshunds Needing Homes" page at the Dachshund Rescue site? I was browsing over there, and there are quite a few miniatures (not too many longhairs, though) who are housebroken and could be great pets for you. In particular, I spotted two in Kentucky that are just adorable! Be sure to check out that page! Someone else left the link in an earlier post.

[mlshores]

Wienergal,
I filled out an application at www.drna.org (http://www.drna.org) over the weekend. We'll see what happens...

I'm curious as to the logistics of adopting.
How would I adopt a dog in KY, OH or TN? Would I meet the foster parent halfway? OR would I have to drive up there? Just curious as to how that works.

[Wienergal]

Mark, I'm sending you an e-mail with lots of info about this subject.

Pamela

[Rooney Brudders]

http://dachsie.org/ubb/smilies/wavey.gif Hi! I posted on the one about Ft. Smith, Arkansas, too! My name is Trish & I went through Tom (post below) with DRNA to get my 2 red mail smooth tweenies! They are the light of my life! I met with their former Mommy 1/2 way between she & I (Ark/MO). DRNA also has connections with the Dachshund Underground Railroad and other means of transport. Where there is a will, there's a way! I'm so glad that you are sensible enough to choose rescue and to evaluate what will be best for your situation. That shows that you are a Great candidate for adoption! http://dachsie.org/ubb/smilies/smile.gif

I cannot say enough about DRNA. They are a wonderful organization & they will place the right dog with the right parent & environment. Please keep us posted when you get your new baby! You sound like a good parent already. The tips posted below are excellent. Dachshunds are perfect because they don't shed, are odorless (no yucky wet-dog smell) and will be the best lap-warmer you ever had!

Good luck!

[mlshores]

Do male dogs of any breed still mark their territory after neutering? Or does it depend on WHEN they were neutered? I've been warned about it, and so that's why I'd prefer to adopt a female dachsund.

We had male dogs while I was growing up. They were all neutered at the requisite age level and I don't EVER recall seeing them marking trees, car tires, etc. That doesn't mean they didn't go back in the woods behind our house and do it. Can someone fill me in? If I'm mistaken, then I'm all for adopting a male dachsund.

Thanks,
Mark

[Mickamack]

In my opinion, male dogs do mark more than females, but I can speak from experience that not all males mark. My last dog, Buddy and my Mickey have never marked anywhere, whether inside the house, or outside. Both were fixed.

My mom's dog Oscar is not fixed, but he still doesn't mark. He will, if he's outside and he's trying to cover up a scent with his own...but never inside the house.

I don't know if that helped or not!
Karen

[Wienergal]

Mark, I too believe that, in general, male dogs mark more than females, but, like just about everything else, it depends on the individual dog.

Farfel, who was neutered at two, marks only on trees, lampposts, etc. where other males have marked. He actually squats when he pees, and since his neutering, he has never marked in the house. Same was true of my other male dachs. If this concern is all that's keeping you from a male, I wouldn't let it. I'm a big fan of the male dachshunds; Farfel is a much more affectionate and cuddly dog than Peaches, who's very independent. On any given evening, she's usually in her cuddle nest, while Farfel is ALWAYS in my lap or curled up next to me.

[wireweiners]

In my experience, if they never get in the habit of marking in the house they won't do it. My intact boys decided to start lifting their in the house about the time they reached puberty and decided they were Mr. Macho. When I caught them in the act, I let them have it. BIG scolding. That usually puts a stop to it. The only time I have a problem with marking in the house is when one of the girls is in season. Then they want to mark the area around her crate.

If you get a neutered male that is house broken and their are no other dogs in the house there shouldn't be a problem.

[Dachshundrsq]

Welcome Mark! Let me tell you that one of my females is one of the worst "Markers" I have. She knows better but sometimes does not do better. Dachshunds are the BEST dogs I have ever found. Yes they definately have their down sides but their stubborn personalities is one of the reasons I love them most. The fisrt thing I think is important to work on when adopting a new one into the house is develope the "bond" between you and the dog. Ignore it's short comings and learn it's positive attributes. Of course you want to establish routines. (If you have vacation time coming this is an excellent time to take it.) I would try to concentrate potty hours realistically within your schedule, so if you take time off try to establish feeding schedules and potty routines. The digestive tracts on dogs are very short. This means within 20 min to an hour the doggie may have to do his/her business outside, shortly after they eat. Some dogs are not very good at letting you know they have to go out, you will have to learn to read them. (Some people hang a bell from the doorknob that the dog can reach with their paw, to train them to use it, every time you take the dog out, you grab their paw, smack the bell with it then take them out. I have not tried this myself but I have heard they do get the picture and Dachshunds are extremely intelligent.) After you astablish a routine and have bonded with the fella then it is time to start inforcing the rules of the house. Since you have bonded with the pupper and it does want to please you. Now showing disgust in an accident will let the dog know you are unhappy with it. Of course a dog will have no recolection of a mess it has made several hours after doing it so you have to catch them in the act! I have found that once a dachshund bonds with the owner it will stay close by you most of the time, if it disappears it is time to investigate exactly where it went and what it is doing. Trash cans often attract dachshunds, most of them LOVE to shred paper, tissues....Here is when boredom plays a key role in their decision to scope out the No No's or perhaps a nice scent coming from the trash can helps them out in their decision to tump it over and investigate. (mainly meat packaging products ie: hamburgar packages, chicken packages, bones, etc.) Treats work well for those who are treat oriented. You should always put a couple in your pockets when you head out the door for potty breaks, this way you can immediately reinforce the good behavior of going potty outside. Some people make the mistake of giving treats when the dog re-enters the house, this only reinforces thei behavior of going outdoors and not the behavior of going potty outdoors.
Mostly it takes a lot of patienceand understanding on the Hoomans part to train the dog to your needs while still providing them with their needs. Just remember that nothing is impossible, even the most stubborn Dachshund can be trained. I would suggest you provide the dog with a place to potty while you are gone, either use some pee pee pads or newpapers. Also crate training does work as long as a previous owner didn't abuse it by using it and never letting them out. 90% of dogs will NEVER mess in a crate/bed. The other 10% well it just doesn't work for them. X-pens are nice because they confine the dog to a certain area and the crate/bed can be put inside of it so the dog learns not to mess in the bed for those that do. I have placed papers covering the whole area of floor inside the x-pen, then the dog has no choice but to learn to use the papers for their potty area, then slowly I expose more of the floor area and confine the papers to one area of the x-pen, if the dog does well with that, only using the papers, then I can remove the x-pen and confine to the room, then I slowly move the papers towards the door.Ultimately you want the papers to only be used for emergency's when you are not home. So when you are there they should never be put down. hopefully eventually the dog will be able to hold it long enough until your return home. Many of the Foster Homes have full time jobs so these people would know which ones are reliable and able to make it for periods of time without messing in the house. Some dogs can never make it more than 4 hours, but they are few and far between and usually they either have chronic urinary problems or extremly small bladders or have never been trained to go for any length of time without someone letting them out. You always have to look at a dogs history to better understand their behaviors. Sometimes in rescue this really isn't possible, but usually the Dachshunds are kept in Foster care until the DRAN is sure of what the dog's needs will be. Only the ones that are placed early (within a few days or weeks of their arrival)are the ones where their history is known, and or the new adopters are fully aware that problems could show up and they have to be fully willing to accept that responsibilty. Many, Many Dachshunds have been turned over to rescue due to potty training issues, then what we have found is that it wasn't the dogs problem but the families lack of commitment to the dog.
I hope you can find the Perfect little Dachsie to fill your needs and the void in your life. They truly are Great Little dogs that will love you unconditionally.

[Krista]

Wow that was a lot of great info from beckie!

Let me just say, I have seen both males and females mark, so the gender is no guarantee. My Rudy is neutered. When he pees in our yard he squats. The only marking he ever does is on trees, rocks, an lamposts that other dogs have marked. He lifts his leg ever so slightly, but it is still kind of a squat. He also occaisionally pees (squatting) over another animals poop that irresponsible people don't pick up. This is normal animal behavior. He has never ever marked in the house. I love my boy and wouldn't trade the cuddlebug for anything.

[mlshores]

I adopted Pepper on August 11. She's a 4 yr. old female chihuahua mix. I think there might be some dachsund in her, too. She's got kind of a dachsund snout and she's black/tan; she definitely has the chihuahua ears and eyes. Pepper's a real sweetheart. She barks very little, she's housetrained, & likes walks.

I got her from a rescue group in Little Rock, AR. www.careforanimals.org (http://www.careforanimals.org) I've got 2 different stories on her past and I'm not sure which is true. She was either turned in to the shelter because she barked too much, or her owner had to go to a nursing home.

She is hypo-thyroid and has an arthritis condition called spondylosis (sp?) She takes meds every day for those, but it's not very expensive stuff. For all her good qualities, it's a small price to pay! We still need to work on socializing with other dogs, as well as sit/stay and not pulling on the leash.

I'd like to thank everyone here for their advice & comments. I hope you aren't disappointed that I didn't get a true dachsund!


<font color="#00FFFF" font size="1">[This message has been edited by mlshores (edited August 20, 2000).]</font>

[Krista]

Of course we all think it is great that you found the perfect pupper for you to adopt -dachsie or not, they all need homes.

Congrats!!!!

Are there Chi boards as good as this one????

At any rate, I'm sure we'd all love it if you kept popping in with updates on your new addition!

[dutchman]

Congratulations,
All the little guys need homes. It's great you were willing to take a special needs dog like Pepper. It sounds like you've found a great little girl to keep you company.

Tom