[KayGates]

Ok, I recently purchased a seven week old Dachshund puppy. Her name is Lyla and she is adjusting to my house very well. It has been three days. I have had Dachshunds before, but this is the first time she is 100% my responsibility. I have just a few questions. :)

She is going to the bathroom outside very well, and even whines when she has to go. When she is inside and has no other choice, she goes on the puppy pad(most of the time). I was originally pushing for crate training, but I let her sleep in my bed last night and had no issues. Does sleeping in my bed really guarantee behavioral issues(I have had other dogs who slept in the bed, and none had dominance issues)?

Also, she will be left alone in her crate for 6 hours two days a week. I don't know if I will be able to find someone to come in and let her out. Should I make finding a walker my top priority?



Thanks for any answers :)

[starbuck8]

Letting your dog sleep with you doesn't necessarily mean automatic behavioual problems, but it is how you handle it. You have to claim the bed as yours, and she has to be invited to come up. Since she is so young, she really hasn't developed her personality yet though, so you need to be careful.

What would likely be best to get her used to her crate, is bring her into bed with you for a while before you go to sleep. After a little time has passed, you can take her down and entice her into her crate with a little bedtime snack (treat) and/or a favourite toy. Praise her, but don't get excited. It's best really not to talk at all, except for saying something like "It's bedtime." When she gets a bit older and knows "bedtime" means go to her crate, you can probably let her sleep with you for a little longer, as long as she understand when you say the command, she gets down and goes to her crate.

She actually shouldn't have really been taken from her mother until at least 8 weeks. but you have her now. She is likely to be missing her pack, and will be a bit lonely for awhile, so I understand why you would want her in bed with you, but just make sure as she gets older that she doesn't take over.

I taught my dog this way, although I didn't use a crate, she likes her doggie bed. When I go to bed, I invite her up and we have some cuddle time. Then as soon as she sees that I'm drifting off, she jumps down and goes to her bed. It really wasn't too hard to teach her at all, so I hope it goes the same for you.

As for getting her a dog walker, I definitely would do that. Even if you have a neighbour or a friend that has a little time when you're gone, until you get home to walk her.

Best of luck with little Lyla! :)

[KayGates]

Thank you!

I was told not to take her until eight weeks as well, but she turns eight weeks on Monday and three of her litter mates had already gone so the breeder wanted to do it sooner. It threw me off a bit too, but she is a little sweetie. I definitely like the bed to crate idea. Thanks again!

[starbuck8]

You're welcome and good luck! :)