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Ladywithafan · Mar 2, 2006, 12:17 PM

I am thinking about adding a mini daschund to my family. I have a crate already. I work from 8-5 p.m. and no one will else is usually around. What is the best way to deal with housebreaking? Would this be wise?

labman · Mar 2, 2006, 12:36 PM

Crates are a great tool, but I don't think a puppy would be a wise choice for you. They need a chance to relieve themselves plus until they are 4 months old, a third meal during the day. All day isn't that good for for an older dog although being crated restricts its activity extending the time it can go. Do you have a neighbor or could you find a professional dog walker to give any dog a mid day break? Otherwise you are going to be coming home to a puppy in a fouled crate.

I think you should look into adopting an older rescue dog. There are purebreds available. These are dogs that lost their home, but were taken into a foster home to be retrained as necessary and placed in the right home for them. You may find a rescue near you starting at http://www.akc.org/breeds/rescue.cfm The rescues charge a fee to help cover their expenses, but is much less than the price of a puppy plus all its medical expenses the first year. A good rescue won't let you have a dog unless it is a good fit.

Ladywithafan · Mar 2, 2006, 12:45 PM

Originally Posted by labman

Crates are a great tool, but I don't think a puppy would be a wise choice for you. They need a chance to relieve themselves plus until they are 4 months old, a third meal during the day. All day isn't that good for for an older dog although being crated restricts its activity extending the time it can go. Do you have a neighbor or could you find a professional dog walker to give any dog a mid day break? Otherwise you are going to be coming home to a puppy in a fouled crate.

I think you should look into adopting an older rescue dog. There are purebreds available. These are dogs that lost their home, but were taken into a foster home to be retrained as necessary and placed in the right home for them. You may find a rescue near you starting at http://www.akc.org/breeds/rescue.cfm The rescues charge a fee to help cover their expenses, but is much less than the price of a puppy plus all its medical expenses the first year. A good rescue won't let you have a dog unless it is a good fit.

Thank you for the quick response!!

I will look into that... It's been awhile three years, since I had a mini-daschund and at that time, I was home most of the day...