Mon 21 Jun 2010
I got my Gizmo D. Wienerdog by accident, when he was found wandering on the side of the expressway. He was all of 3 months of age, only 11 lbs. A kindly good samaritan rescued him and brought him to me.
I have never had any dog like this. Is he a doxie/lab mix? He loves his wading pool! Basset mix? If anyone has any idea please let me know.
I am in LOVE with my little man, whatever he is or however big he gets. He is a real companion, entertaining, loving, playful and smart.
You can see him here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=njrdUH94cnI
Stills of him can be seen here: http://www.allvoices.com/contributed-news/6100386-just-me-an-my-wienerdog
Any ideas? I want to know about any breed-specific concerns we may face in the future. I am brand new to noodle dogs!
:- )
Thanks!
birdpond
3 Responses to “What have we here?”
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He is clearly a Dachshund mix. As far as what he is mixed with I can’t tell because he got most of the Dachshund traits. He is not basset hound. I don’t think he is Lab either but I would have to get another real good look at him in more light.
I would start him on IAMS for small breed dogs until he is one year old then switch to Eukenuba for Dachshunds after that.
Each breed of dog has a specific thing that has to be cared for more than others. In German Shepherds it’s their hips. In Dachshunds, their backs need to be well taken care of. Do no allow jumping off of couches or beds. If stairs are involved, carry the dog up and down the stairs. Keep the weight off your dog. No pushing down or twisting the dog around. My Dachshund is never allowed onto the couch unless I invite him and when he does come up I hold him at all times. The correct way to hold a Dachshund is to put one hand under the butt area and the other supporting the chest.
NO DOG PARKS for socialization. I have explained this hundreds of time to people. Your dog may be a calm submissive dog but other dogs might not be. It only takes a split second for a big dog to kill a little dog. My cousins dog was mauled by a dog at the dog park and is lucky to be alive. The best way is maybe connect with local Dachshund groups in the area and let him meet other calm and submissive Dachshunds. Most Dachshunds lover other Dachshunds. If you go for a walk, carry pepper spray and a walking stick. Your dog should never walk ahead of you but should walk slightly behind you at your left side.
Other than those things, expect to have a possible 16 year or more relationship with your Doxie. I recommend buying pet insurance. It will save you. VPI is one of the major carriers and a top end plan is only like 28 bucks a month. If I had bought one with my cat Gizmo I would have saved thousands. Enjoy your doxie. They are the best pet I have ever owned.
Thank you so much, and I agree with everything you wrote — and it’s funny, because I also joined a local Doxie group just before your comment came in!
It’s just so funny that we both have Gizmos in our lives.
I admit, he has been up and down the stairs on his own accord because my home is tri-level with — kitchen down, LR middle and both baths and the bedrooms up. As you can imagine it’s impossible for me to NOT be up and down all levels numerous times a day all day long. I need to find ways to keep him from following (because he’s getting pretty big to carry and I am usually carrying other things myself — and he follows me everywhere.) This is important and I need to find a way! Luckily they are easy, short flights, but still it adds up.
I will put a lot of effort into thinking of solutions for this. Since he was a found pup, (that is, I didn’t select the breed then find one, knowing I had the wrong environment, but took in a stray that I am now totally in love with) I have to find ways to MAKE this a better environment for him.
As for the couch, I always invite then carefully lift him onto the couch, as you advised — although he does ooze off when he has the impulse and I can’t always stop him. Again I will work on structuring things to prevent that.
Great advice about no big dogs! You are very very correct and I will not even walk by big dogs with him outside — I don’t want him to end up scared, but I also can’t ever risk a tragedy like that.
Is it OK for him to hop and and out of his pet wading pool and slither and bound/splash around? He’s about 13 -16 weeks old right now and LOVES his pool. It’s hot and sticky here in Georgia and it cools and refreshes us both. I’d hate to deny him that but if you think it’s bad for his back let me know, The sides are about 6″ tall and he will clamber and bound in and out.
Again I really appreciate the time and effort you put into your reply. THANK YOU. I hope I will be loving and enjoying, and protecting, my glorious sleek goofy little guy for his full 16 years or more!
Hahah, it is ok for him to play in his pool so long as the jump is not a big one. What I do to keep my Dachshund from jumping off the couch is I keep a short leash handy on the couch. If I allow him up, I leash him up so he does not fly off. He would if I let him.