Just inherited a 2 year old Doxie?

Oh you are so lucky. Dachshunds are very loving and smart. They need lots of exercise to keep from getting fat. They are prone to back problems. They love to dig. They don't always come if their little minds are in hunting mode after a squirrel or cat. They are very fast even with those little legs. We have 2. Both black and tan standard. Is yours mini or standard?What color? They love to fetch, and an obedience class is a good start for training. They are very possessive dogs, so socialization is important, but if you new dog is fine with your other pets, then that shouldn't be a problem. (watch for food allergy)

Visit the Dachshund Club of America website at

http://www.dachshund-dca.org/ It may be able to answer some of your questions.

Be careful with your introductin betwee your 2 dogs. Best to introduce them on neutral ground, not in your home. Be careful with the introduction between the dog and the cat also.

Dachshunds are usually very food motivated, some love to play fetch. They are usually pretty active since they are hunting dogs. Don't be surprised if she kills rodents, squirrels, rabbits etc. Expect that she may chase the cat, that's why introduction is so important.

As for the back issue. Keep your new dachshund lean and fit, use good judgement and don't treat her like a China doll.

I would not let her have free reign of your home, I would use a crate when you can't watch her and don't leave the 2 dogs alone together. That all has to be earned. When you walk your Wheaten, take the dachshie along, I have no doubt she will be able to keep up.

Dachshunds are notorious diggers, so make sure if you have a fenced yard, that it's escape proof. That are also very loud barkers, they don't have that lovely bay that the beages do. Some dachshunds can be difficult to housebreak. In the beginning I would expect some accidents, since she's in a new home with a new routine, just be firm and consistant.

Be very careful about how you introduce this dog to your Wheaten, and to yourcat. It is ingreater danger of being hurt by either one - simply because Doxies are a bit too curious for their own goods, a nd small. Terriers can take exception to suh advances, and I would highly recommend a gate between them.

Dachshunds are amazing dogs I had one for 17 years and I unfortunately had to put him to sleep! Just one thing of advice for you be careful with there backs, because they are long they can hurt their backs more easily by jumping on the couch or coming down the stair and jumping in the pool. My doxie hurt is back really bad by jumping in the pool and he couldn't walk for a long time, doc said give him time and it was like 6 months later that he could walk, of course not fully righty but enough to get around again!