I'm planing on getting a new Dachshund (weiner dog ), I got some great tips online for crate training, but I would like to know if anyone out there with a Dachshund has any tips, tricks and pointers on raising a well behaved puppy. Peace, SB
I'm probably the last anti-crate training person on the planet other than my crazed Republican father, but it just doesn't seem right or natural to stuff a dog in a little cage. Can't you at least keep him or her in the bathroom? Also, take your animal in the car early and often. This isn't Dachshund specific, but once they learn to love it, they'll never stop. It also helps if you get a special treat like a little bite of hamburger or a popsicle for the pup everytime in the car. Let him or her eat it in the car if possible.
Abyle, I'm anti crate too It does seem very cruel, and perhaps a little counter productive. You want the dog to get used to the whole house and behave appropriatly, so get them used to it from the start. Far as I know crates aren't that common in the UK. So maybe check out some UK websites for info. Seems like we have a very diffrent attitude to animals sometimes, we don't really have yard dogs either. Do agree about the car too, that goes for all animals really. You'll be taking them out a lot for walks further from home, the vets etc. So they need to be cool with it (vet visits are stressful enough). Just go with your instincts and common sense. Good luck, enjoy your new fur baby.
Actually it's just the oppisite -- it's very natural. In the wild, pups stay in a small den. Even after they are old enough to come out, they use that den as their place of security. A crate is not cruel at all -- it offers a dog it's own den where he/she can be safe and secure when the owner is out, and feel safe and secure at the same time. It's also a great housebreaking tool. A pup will not pee or poo in his den (unless it is too large for it to be concieved as a "den"). I've never met a crate-trained dog that doesn't love his crate. Most of my friends have crate-trained dogs, and they sleep in their crate, eat in their crate, etc...One of my friends has two dogs that fight over a crate. Because it is such a good house-breaking tool, it sets a dog up for his later years when he will have free run of the house. It is also an awesome tool to help seperation anxiety. Like I said before, a dog can feel secure when in the crate. They won't feel as bad when their owner leaves. When you try to crate-train an older dog, however, you can have troubles! Alot of older dogs that have never been in a crate or have only been able to associate the crate with bad things (car rides to the vet, punishment, etc) will absolutely HATE the crate. It takes alot of training to get some over that, so it's best to start young! It took a friend of mine very little time though. She rescued an abused dog who took to the crate right away. He feels very secure in it. I think number one on the list is going to a reputable breeder or rescue, NEVER a backyard breeder or petshop. Have you decided where to get the pup yet? I agree with taking him into the car alot. But make sure to take him to alot of fun places. You want him to associate the car with fun, happy times! TONS of socialization is needed! You need to make sure that he gets alot of time spent with other dogs and people. As soon as he's had all of his shots (4 months), you can take him to a dog park. NEVER let him go to a dog park or any place where dogs may have been before that. It is extremely easy for him to get parvovirus (deadly) or something else. You can pick up the parvo virus from simply walking where an infected dog has been. That's why it is best to buy all of your dog supplies beforehand, so that you need to make less trips to the pet shop (parvo can stick to your shoes, clothes, etc). It is best to let him play with dogs that you know have been vaccinated and are healthy. Make sure you get him started on a good food. Have you decided what type of food you are going to feed? From my own personal experience with doxies, I know they can become a bit dominant. It's best to get rid of that option for him while he is young. Always eat before he eats. In the wild, the alpha wolves always eat before the other members of the pack. It shows that you are dominant. Don't baby him too much (carrying him around all the time). Tug-of-war is a competitive game that a dog will take advantage of to make himself think he is dominant. If you want to play it, make sure you always "win." That's about all I can think of for now! Good luck! I hope to see pictures of this pup.
I'd recommend getting the book ASPCA's Complete Guide to Dogs.......it's extremely informative. Good luck!
I love Dachshunds. I have one thats 4 years old, he's my sweetie. Using a crate to train might seem cruel but sometimes it's necessary. Dog's love to mark their territory and will in every room you allow him in. To allow your puppy free roaming of the whole house right off isn't recommended. It's overwhelming for them. Start with one room, let him get used to it for a day or two, he'll feel comfortable, then two rooms and so on. Keep a puppy training pad (pee pad) down in the same spot always and put him on it alot especially about 15-20 minutes after he drinks. A pet carrier is also good if you need to leave the home for maybe 3 hours of less. The dog won't pee where he has to lay. Then take him outside or onto the training pad soon as you take him out of the cage. He'll learn quick where he's suppose to be using the bathroom. If he snaps or growls at anyone, again the cage is a "time-out" away from his "family" he'll get the point if your persistant at it. I hope you post pictures when you get him or her.
