Dachshunds and Cats Oh my! We have had our male dachshund, Julian, for four years and our female, princess, for three. If that was not enough my wife, Charlotte and 10 year old step daughter, Sydney told me that they really love cats and would like to get one. Because of places that they lived before we got married they could not have animals. I could take them or leave them. Don’t get me wrong I love all animals however I was never really around cats except for a few of my friends that had cats. I had grown up with dogs. Played with them outside and inside. They were fun. But being the pushover I am when it comes to my wife and stepdaughter I decided to let them have a cat. However I told them that I did want take of it, I already took care of the dogs. No problem. Sydney rescued a female kitten. She was with her sister and they were not taken care of very well.

She brought her home and the dogs did not know what to make of them. When I got home I made the mistake of suggesting that she probably needed a companion. When I researched cats I found out that cats do better when there are two of them. Dogs on the other hand are fine on their own. I always thought it was the opposite. Off they went to get Angels sister. However she was adopted about two hours before they got there. Angel did have a brother from the litter however he was still two shy to be adoptable. So we got him one week later. So how did the dog’s do? Princess wanted to jump all over them. Julian did not really know what to do. We had friends staying with us that had cats for many years and they helped us out. With their help we brought them together a little bit at a time, stopping to separate them when it looked like they might get too close and start a problem. We also put up a gate in the upstairs hallway to keep the dogs away from the cats.

The cats were staying in Sydney’s room. Our female always wanted to get in the room to play with them. Time passed and keeping them separated but visible calmed the dogs down. Then we let them get together and sort it out. They did really well. The cats were trying to play with the dogs like they play with the cats and the dogs were trying to play with the cats like they play with each other. The key was taking it slow. Monitoring them and then letting them just work it out.

Charles Coniglio is a marketing executive, internet researcher and dog lover. He has started a blog on training my dachshunds. For more information visit http://www.train-my-dachshund.blogspot.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Charles_Coniglio

There are few things more adorable than a puppy, and miniature dachshund puppies are even cuter than most because they barely get any bigger. One of the most lovable things about puppies is how tiny they are, so it is no surprise that miniature dachshund pups are so popular. They stay small even when they are full grown!

The dachshund comes in two sizes: standard and miniature. Standard dachshunds weigh an average of 20-22 pounds, and the miniature dachshund weighs an average of 10 pounds or less. And these are adult weights we’re talking about, not the weight of miniature dachshund puppies.

Just as with any newborn pup, miniature dachshund puppies are super tiny at birth and don’t achieve their maximum weight – a whopping 9 or 10 pounds – for a year or more. This is a really small dog that can easily be carried around. So if you are in the market for a lap dog, the miniature dachshund may be the breed for you.

Miniature dachshunds have the same characteristics as the standard dachshund breed, with the biggest difference being their size. The maximum healthy weight for a standard dachshund is 30 pounds and their average weight is about 22-25 pounds. The average weight for a miniature dachshund is a mere 8 or 9 pounds, and their maximum healthy weight is no more than 11 pounds.

Maintaining a healthy weight is important for all small dogs, but it is especially vital to dachshunds because of their unusually long spine. The dachshund has an elongated back and very short legs, which gives them their signature “hotdog” shape. If they carry too much weight in their belly, extra stress will be put on the back bone and spine which can cause injury. Dachshunds should also be helped when climbing stairs and jumping onto high furniture because this too puts additional pressure on the spine when done repeatedly over time.

Dachshunds are a friendly and intelligent breed, and their size makes them a perfect pet for apartment dwellers and anyone who has no backyard and no desire to jog through the park every day. Dachshunds do require daily exercise, but a short walk is more than sufficient. They are energetic but will never knock down and slobber on your guests or clomp through the house, breaking knick-knacks as they go.

Training a dachshund can be challenging, but it is not because they lack the brains to learn. It is because they are clever and independent and don’t always see things the same way you do. For example, potty training is probably quite important to you, but sometimes – especially when it is raining or cold – your dachshund just won’t agree. Always keep their favorite treats on hand. This is the best way to convince your dachshund to do what you want them to do when you want them to do it.

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Adding a dog to the family is a big step, and deciding if the dachshund breed is right for you can be tough. Every breed of dog has different personality traits, so choosing which one will fit best into your family depends on a number of things like lifestyle, if you have kids and how much time the dog will require. All of this and more should be considered before getting a new dog.

The dachshund breed is probably most famous for its “hot dog” shape. But there are other reasons that the dachshund is a popular choice. Its size make it an ideal pet for apartment dwellers and anyone with a small amount of space. Dachshunds come in 2 sizes: standard and miniature. Both have short legs – just a few inches – and long bodies. The average weight for a full-grown standard dachshund is about 22 to 25 pounds, with 30 pounds being the maximum weight for good health. The average weight for a miniature dachshund is around 8 or 9 pounds, and their healthy weight maxes out at a mere 11 pounds.

One of the first questions a potential dog owner should ask is about grooming. Some dogs require frequent baths and hair care. The dachshund breed is not that type of dog. Dachshunds can have 3 different coats: smooth, wirehaired or longhaired. The smooth coat is short, shiny and smooth. The wirehaired is short, thick and not as smooth. A wirehaired dachshund also has a beard and eyebrows. The longhaired dachshund needs the most grooming attention because their hair is longer, especially on the tail. Combing it when it starts getting shabby and a bath every few weeks will probably work just fine, so grooming time is not overwhelming.

Dachshunds are smart dogs and fast learners. They can be trained fairly easily, but they are also an independent breed, so training can sometimes be a challenge. Treats work well when the dachshund’s stubborn nature begins to shine through. This is a clever breed of dog who may or may not have their own agenda when it comes time for potty training. It is best to put some patience on and keep a positive attitude. Once you learn how to appreciate your dachshund’s quirks, training should move along fine.

The dachshund is a famously loyal breed of dog, and they will develop a very close bond with their main human – whoever they consider to be their master. They are fun and playful, and make a wonderful pet for a family or single owner. They do just fine with kids, but it is best to introduce them to children when they are puppies. Older dogs may have a difficult time adjusting to small kids, but they are not ferocious or mean – simply nervous because they are so tiny.

In general, a properly cared for dachshund will be a wonderful friend and addition to the family.

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Dachshunds can be stubborn and strong willed however, they are also intelligent and willing to please. This makes them very trainable especially with positive reinforcement and commitment on your part. Stop worrying about it, learn all you can and have a plan of action. For the sake of your enjoyment and fun with your Dachshund, you should take action NOW.

A few starter tips:

Watch for signs that your Dachshund puppy wants to go potty – he will stop doing whatever he was doing and may start sniffing the ground. Mine even as a small puppy looked at the back door. I did not notice this subtle sign at first – it was more of a glace but once I got it, life got a little easier. He still does that – no scratching at the door, no barking just a quick look at the door.

Whenever he stops anything. Eating, sleeping, and playing take him outside to go potty – as soon as he stops it is time to pee. Go with your puppy – do not just open the back door and expect him to know what to do. He will have a great time sniffing everything and may or may not go potty. He needs to understand that he should only go potty outside. Also make sure he is not digging under the fence – they love to burrow.

Have an area that you want him to use – make sure the grass is not too long for your puppy. My fully-grown Dachshund only has 3-inch legs. You cannot expect your puppy to get potty trained in grass that is over his head. Dachshunds do not usually go in long grass to pee or poop instead choosing loose soil, short grass, or even concrete.

Choose a word you will use every time you want him to go to the bathroom. I use “go potty”. Say it a few times while you wait for him to go. Dachshunds love to please. When he does go praise him in a happy voice using his name and telling him he is a good boy for going potty. Dachshund puppies need to pee and poop often – try not to leave them for long periods.

Potty training a Dachshund can easily become a battle of wills and a continual struggle. Owners who have failed to put the extra effort into Potty training them sadly often surrender their Dachshunds to shelters. Yet these same Dachshunds have then been easily potty trained by ordinary people who understand this breed. I have fostered many Dachshunds in my home and they have left potty trained – once you know how it can be easy. Do not give up on your Dachshund! Due to the uniqueness, stubbornness, and intelligence of Dachshunds it is worth investing the time to understand these little cute bundles of joy and fun. There is a lot of information available on potty training dogs from puppies to adults however — I recommend you find information that targets Dachshunds. You will find a lot of information on potty training a Dachshund on my site http://www.squidoo.com/How-To-Potty-Train-A-Dachshund-Puppy Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Karen_M_Larson

use Dachshund and Chihuahua as a foundation for starters because my little dog, Hollie, I believe is part Dachshund and part Chihuahua. When I found her at a rescue, the information I received was that she was a four month old miniature Dachshund. But as she grew her legs got very long and her belly area became more concaved like a Chihuahua. I also found her mannerisms to be mixed between the two breeds as well. This included the dilemma of housebreaking.

Because the Dachshund is a strong working dog, they have a very willful personality. This tends to make them stubborn and/or independent. Although the Dachshund is trainable they may not be easy to train. As a matter of fact the Dachshund may attempt to train its trainer. The owner of this breed needs to be comfortable letting the dog know just who the “leader of the pack” really is. The stubborn temperament of this dog makes them resistant and not the easiest to house train. With positive and continual scheduling the Dachshund does learn and with a determined owner the Dachshund will develop the training quickly.

The fact that Chihuahuas are so small makes house training them a little challenging. Chihuahuas can hide under furniture or sneak into corners unnoticed and leave little surprise piles to be found at a later date. Patience will be needed in the house training process of this dog. The Chihuahua will learn quickly with positive reinforcement training. Some owners never get their Chihuahuas fully house trained especially in bad weather. The Chihuahua does not like the cold and tends to shiver. They do not like to get their feet wet so going outside to damp grown or wet grass deter the Chihuahua from going outside to potty.

In either dog breed there are two recommended training methods to house training your dog. The first is to crate train or confinement train your dog. The second is to paper or puppy pad train your dog. In either case, consistency is the essential key. Once a bad habit starts, it is much harder to break and retrain your dog.

Hollie, my Dachshund-Chihuahua has a little of both temperaments which has made house training her quite the challenge. She was originally paper trained when I got her. As she got a little older I put her in a pen during the day with a doggie door access to the outside. Hollie would use the carpet piece just inside the door as her potty. She did not like the grass because she was so small that the grass rubbed her belly. When the grass was watered she did not like getting her feet wet. So, when she did go outside she would use the patio instead of the grass and the carpet piece right outside the door as her potty. When she visited other homes she would go to another room and leave the owner a little surprise in the corners even though they had a doggie door she was able to use. As last winter set in the pen was too cold to keep her in and she was given a little more room to roam so to speak. Now she thinks the throw rugs are her bathroom area.

With this frustration at hand, I set out to find some answers. I never had a dog previously that had these issues. Once introduced to the doggie door the rest was a done deal. Not with Hollie! I found a training for dogs that has helped me to overcome Hollie’s behavior issues.

This training source I found has helped tremendeously in house training Hollie. For more information please visit http://www.smalldogjunction.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bonnie_Holscher

Miniature dachshunds are a courageous, fun loving and warm breed of dog. Unfortunately, they are also notoriously difficult to house-train. In this article, I’ll show you how you can get the upper hand.

Your new dog keeps pooping around the house. You seem to have tried everything, showing it the door, picking out a favourite spot in the yard, reinforcing good behaviour. But it still likes to use the house as a toilet!

Unfortunately, this breed are notorious for being difficult to house train. But don’t give up and don’t be one of those nasty people who abandon this breed every year. With a little patience and a little work, you can show this dog how to behave correctly.

This breed will often learn to use the outdoors and the indoors. They just do not know the difference between right and wrong. You need to show them how. Hang with the dog and be vigilant. As soon as it looks like it will use the house as a toilet, tell it strongly “NO” and grab it and show it out of the house. When he does eventually do it outside then praise him a lot.

Make sure you clean religiously the spots in the house where he has already gone. Otherwise he might be back and mark his territory with his urine.

Especially if he is only doing brief urinations and not letting go fully then your dog might be marking his territory. You should consider getting him neutered if this is the case.

Also, when you can’t supervise the dog then get a crate. Make sure that it is big enough for him to stand and turn around in but not big enough so that he can go to the toilet at the other end of the cage. This will reinforce that the toilet is only inside and not inside.

If your dog is taken outside and then comes inside and go to the toilet then I suggest you put the dog in its crate after coming indoors then wait ten minutes and go back outside until he learns that he will only get the run of the house after he has been to the toilet. Obviously, don’t do this if your dog doesn’t need to toilet at all!

Are you ready to become a loved and respected master by your dog? Get more training advice and tips at http://www.DogTrainingByEmail.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Rivers

A dachshund, literally meaning a badger dog — a breed developed by German foresters to scent, hunt and kill hole-dwelling animals. In the United States, it is sometimes referred to as wiener dog or sausage dog. The dachshund is 5 to 9 inches tall and has an average lifespan of 12 to 14 years.

Explain the physical characteristics of dachshunds?

Dachshunds are characterized by a long body and short legs. Loose skin, long drooping ear, and a barrel-like chest are the other features of dachshunds. They are red, chocolate brown, fawn or black in color. Dachshunds exist in standard, miniature and tweenie sizes. They have short haired, smooth haired, long haired or wire haired coats.

What is the difference between standard and miniature dachshunds?

A miniature dachshund weighs less than 11 lbs, and a standard size dachshund weighs between 16 and 35 lbs.

How to train dachshunds?

Considerable time, patience, and firmness are required on the part of the owners, as well as dog trainers to train dachshunds. It is always advisable to train dachshunds when they are puppies. Dachshunds training should s be game oriented and food-based. These small dogs love it when you praise them.

Do dachshunds require exercise?

Dachshunds require a modest amount of exercise. Dachshund exercises are generally a moderate walk and games in the yard.

How to groom dachshunds?

Shorthaired coats require minimal grooming. But, wire-haired and longhaired coats need regular brushing, trimming and clipping.

Can dachshunds be housebroken?

Due to its stubborn nature, it is quite difficult to housebreak a dachshund. But properly devised training programs coupled with consistency and persistency can transform a stubborn dachshund into a sociable breed. Housebreaking methods include direct method, paper method and crate training.

How are dachshunds with children?

Dachshunds are generally good with children, if they are properly trained and socialized at an early age, especially when they are puppies.

How are dachshunds with other pets?

Dachshunds easily get along with pets like cats, provided they are given proper training and instruction when they are puppies.

Dachshund provides detailed information on Dachshunds, Miniature Dachshunds, Dachshund Rescue, Dachshund Puppies and more. Dachshund is affiliated with Yorkshire Terrier Adoption. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Josh_Riverside

Indoor potty training is the way to go if you have a Dachshund puppy. This is true for Miniature Dachshund puppies as well as for those of the standard variety. I love Dachshunds in general but am partial to the Miniature Dachshund. This article also applies to adult dachshunds but the focus is on the puppies.

Indoor training will spare you some of the unpleasantries of having a Dachshund that must go outside. Who wants to get up at 5 AM in the morning, when it is rainy or cold or, when you are watching a great movie? It is also better on the Dachshund’s bowels and bladder if they can go potty anytime they want. By the way, indoor potty training can be initiated for a Dachshund at any age. It is better, however, to start their training sooner rather than later.

Start the potty training as soon as possible once you get your new best friend home. Dachshund puppies are quite small so even if they do make a mess it is no big deal. However, having them make a mess on a hard floor is preferable as it is much easier to clean than if they go on carpet. For the first few days you have your Doxie at home, I suggest you have them mostly contained to a room with a hard floor…like in a 2nd bathroom or laundry room. The space should not be too small but also not too big.

I suggest not shutting them in their space by closing the door. Instead, gate them in the room. Leave the door to the room open but invest in some kind of child or pet gate that stretches across the door so they cannot get out. You control the gate so they get out when you want them out and they are gated in when you want them in. This is better as the doxie will not feel shut off from the world (as with a closed door) and you can easily look in upon them anytime you wish. This gate will come in handy for the lifetime of your pet; you will be very glad you purchased one.

Don’t worry, you can get your puppy out to play and can go into their area to spend as much time with them as you wish. I suggest having some Nature’s Miracle around when a mess on the carpet (it will happen) does occur. You will be amazed at the power and efficiency of this product.

Place everything your Dachshund puppy needs in the contained area i.e. their kennel/bed, food and, potty. If you are lucky, the breeder had already initiated their paper training which will make it easier for you and your new puppy. Start their training off on some newspaper. When they make a mess on the floor put a little of the pee or poop between a few pieces of newspaper. They will smell this and will begin to associate this as the place for them to do their business. Keep the top of the paper dry and clean. Remove the used paper as soon as possible or simply place more paper on top of it and then after awhile, throw it all away and start anew. Some people utilize wee wee pads but I never did.

If you are playing with your puppy some distance away from the primary potty you can always place some newspaper where you are…just in case. I did this when Charlie was a puppy and it worked well. As they get older they need to rely solely on the primary potty area.

Chastise your Dachshund puppy immediately when they don’t perform well; they will feel the disappointment in your voice. Making an unpleasant noise in general works well in this regard. For example, the moment you see the naughty weiner going somewhere they are not supposed to raise your voice a bit towards them, clap your hands, gently shake a can with coins in it, etc. Squirting a doxie with water works wonders also. A spray bottle like the ones people spray plants with is perfect for this purpose. Make sure the bottle is clean and that there is no chemical residue on the inside. Dachshunds hate getting squirted with water so this is a great way to deter them from unwanted behaviors. Squirt them don’t spray them. Do not give the weiner dog praise or a treat when they perform poorly.

Please never yell or scream at your Doxie as they are incredibly sensitive and will be very hurt. If you do you will see how crestfallen they are and you will feel guilty. Your Dachshund very much wants to please you!

Just keep working with them and your Dachshund puppy (or puppies) will soon get it right. When they do get it right praise them and give them a treat. Your puppy will be so happy! It won’t be long until they start getting it right most of the time! You will develop your own little system as times goes by.

One purpose of this article is to spare you some of the mistakes I’ve made over the years. My Mini Dachshund (Charlie) is almost 12 years old and I have experimented with several indoor potty techniques over the years. I started off with newspaper (paper training) but as your Dachshund grows, you will tire of them stepping in their own urine, transferring urine or, having the urine drain off the newspaper onto the floor.

Dachshunds have a quirk where if their front paws are on the paper they think their entire body is on the paper. This results in alot of near misses. Improvement was made when I placed a plastic hallway runner under the newspaper. At some point, I then purchased a large litter box and then placed newspaper in that and a hallway runner under the litter box.

You will so love your Dachshund that messes won’t matter much. However, as years go by, the messes have a way of growing on you. Once Charlie got into his 10th year or so, I started to get quite tired of dealing with the messes. It is a labor of love however and unavoidable.

Just recently, I discovered and purchased a Wizdog indoor potty system. How I wish I had discovered this years ago! Wizdog consists of a large plastic pan with a separate plastic grate on top. You place newspaper in the bottom of the device. The dog does it’s business on top of the grate and the urine falls into the tray below. No more wet footprints or urine on the floor. The poop is easy to clean off the top of the grate. This is so much better than the intermediate steps I went through over the years. Charlie has taken to this upgrade well-messes on or transferred to the floor have decreased dramatically. I’m happier now too as the messes are more contained and much easier to clean up.

Underneath Wizdog is a “round circle thing” in every corner which helps it stay in place on the floor. So, I have had no problem with the device sliding around when Charlie is on top of it. In addition to having newspaper in the bottom to soak up urine I also put some newspaper on top. I fold a newspaper page in half and place it on the far end of the Wizdog. When Charlie approaches, he puts his front feet on the newspaper and then is far enough forward that his pee falls thru the grate and onto the newspaper below. Having some newspaper on top is a kind of a “hybrid approach” I use. Charlie was use to being on newspaper so this method has worked well for us. The grate on the top of Wizdog did feel a bit funny to Charlie at first but he quickly got use to it.

In summary, for indoor potty training of your Dachshund puppy, start off with paper training. Then, soon integrate your setup and system with a Wizdog. You’ll be glad you did-trust me! This will allow you to skip all the intermediate steps I experimented, utilized (and suffered with) over the years.

Please feel free to contact me if any questions arise.

Sincerely, Bob Smithson
Friend of Dachshunds Everywhere

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Dachshund training needs a lot of love, patience and most of all knowledge in proper training techniques. A mistake in your training techniques can lead to a disastrous Dachshund training. And what you will get is an uncontrollable Dachshund that displeases everyone around. Here are some of the don’ts to guide you and let you know what are to be avoided.

• Do not punish your dog by hitting his rear or yelling at him. If he is not responding to your commands or if he did something wrong, let him realize his mistake by not giving him attention and being silent for a while. Since the dog’s major goal is to please and make his owner happy, it will then dawn upon him that you do not like what he did thus he will refrain from doing it. Besides, physical and harsh verbal punishment won’t do well in training your dog, but will do harm instead.

• Do not use the crate as a tool to punish him. The crate is supposed to be their sanctuary, their haven, a happy place where they are safe and they can really call their own.

• Do not punish the dog after responding to a recall. Recall commands such as “come” or “here” are important commands in training. Punishing a dog after responding to a recall will teach him that if he returns, he will be punished thus he will then quickly learn to run away every time you give a recall command.

• Do not punish you dog hours after he made the mistake. Punishing him in the afternoon for the mistake he did in the morning will just confuse him. He will not understand why he is being punished. Correction should be done right in the act.

• Do not over train your dog. Make training sessions short, at least five to fifteen minutes to maintain your dog’s motivation. A five-minute rest for every fifteen minutes of training is recommended. Training activities should be enjoyable and challenging for your dog. Remember that dogs get bored easily so it is important to come up with activities to keep their active bodies and intelligent minds working.

• Do not let your dog feel that he is the leader of the pack. Your dog must understand that there is only one leader in the house and that is you. Set limits and let your dog acknowledge you as the leader. Failure to do this will cause your dog to disobey you.

Richard Cussons trains different breeds of dogs. Learn more about Dachshund training and other information pertaining to Dachshunds. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Richard_Cussons

Apparently every dog owner wants a trained and intelligent dog that looks cute and adorable especially when performing a command. Though dogs are intelligent animals, they can not figure out basic obedience thus training them especially when they are still puppy is still needed.

There are lots of training areas as well as training methods that you can use to train your dog. Usually, basic command such as ‘sit’, ‘down’ and ‘stay’ are often taught first. These commands are not just mere tricks to show their talents but training them these commands will make them behave in a way that makes them nice to be around and keeps them safe and other people and pets as well.

Potty training should also be done at a young age. If your dog is potty trained, you can be sure that he will only use the bathroom only in the spot you have selected for him. You won’t have to spend time and effort cleaning the mess he created anywhere he wants.

Many methods and tools can help you in your dachshund training. Loving praise is one of the most simple and easy tool in training your dog. Praising them after he has done well will make him understand that you want him to continue what he is doing. Giving him rewards such as food treats and toys are also ideal training tools. Just make sure that the dog is not aware of the presence of the reward before giving commands so as not to bribe him to perform.

Most dog owners find leash and collars helpful in their dachshund training. There are several types of collars available in the market. Flat collars carry your dog’s name, license and rabies tags. Other types of collars are martingale collar, choke chain, halter or head collar, prong collar and electronic collars. However, some trainers suggest that using tools such as choke collars, prong collars and electronic collars can inflict pain to your pet. A choke collar, once misused, can cause permanent injury to your dog’s throat and the organs it contains. Prong collar, though might look like a medieval torture device is less likely to cause pain compared to choke collar. Electronic collar or shock collar is the less recommended tool for dog training use. It can cause more problems than you could imagine especially to aggressive dogs.

Whether doing the simple obedience training or training a dog to perform tricks, choosing the right method and training tools is one of the most important factors to consider. But always bear in mind not to inflict pain to your dog even if he has done something unacceptable. Cruelty will not give you a well behave dog. It will just cause physical and psychological problem that could make your dog suffer.

Richard Cussons trains different breeds of dogs. Learn more about Dachshund training and other information pertaining to Dachshunds. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Richard_Cussons