First-time poster, first-time Doxie owner… where are all these "bad traits" people warned me about?! (Plus, show me your weiners!)
Hey everyone! First-time poster here.
Before I took the plunge and got my boy, I did a ton of research on dachshunds. A lot from reddit as well. I read all the warnings about their negative traits, stubbornness, and potty training nightmares, but I figured the good would outweigh the bad.
The only thing is... I see literally no bad? 😅 I have a miniature Dachshund, purchased about 2 hours away in Montreal, Quebec.
Don't get me wrong, we had a tiny bit of resource guarding to deal with at the very beginning, but we nipped that in the butt right away using positive reinforcement. Since then, it’s been absolute smooth sailing:
- Crate Training: He’s completely crate trained. At night, he sleeps in a crate right by my bed with his big fluffy dog bed. Sometimes I allow him in my bed as well, but half the time I wake up and he's in the crate beside my bed. During the day while I'm at work, he hangs out in a crate fit for a Great Dane so he has plenty of room for activities. (I only work 3 minutes away, so he’s only ever left alone for 4 hours at a time tops!).
- Potty Training: I used strict positive reinforcement for house training. We had very minimal accidents between 10 weeks and 6 months. He is and has been 100% completely house trained. He is 1 year and 1 month old currently.
- Destruction (or lack thereof): He knows exactly what toys are his and doesn’t chew anything else. He has a toy bin to retrieve his toys, and there are plenty of variety for him.
- Socializing & Barking: He absolutely loves other dogs. Yes, he does bark, but pretty much only when he is protecting his home. When we are out and about around town, he’s quiet. But if you come near our house? You’d think we have a large dog standing guard! I will say, he is judgy with some people, but I believe dogs can sense a person's character.
I honestly think that with lots of time, effort, and LOVE, dachshunds are hands-down the best choice. I am just so incredibly in love with him. I wanted to post a bit of positivity here because before I got him, I heard so many horror stories about how stubborn they are with potty training, barking, and chewing. I have had zero issues. He is quite literally the best dog ever.
To anyone on the fence about looking to buy one: do it. You won't regret it.
Tax in the comments, now show me your weiners!!! 👇🏼