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We are down to 7 cats now. We've been thinking about getting another dog, but a small breed. We think a smaller breed would be better for various reasons.
DH just couldn't resist: he wanted to stop into the local puppy pet store. Normally, I like to get animals that have hard-luck stories; i.e., shelter animals, strays, abused animals, etc. These are from a breeder, and we played with several breeds for about 45 minutes. The place seemed very clean, and well-taken care of, as did the puppies (they only offer small breed dogs). One customer was a repeat customer, which I think is good. The pups all seemed very healthy, happy, and loved people, and playing with each other. Also, the dachshund pup was about 11 weeks old--I was told that a younger dog would have a much better chance of getting along with the cats. This is my main question: we had a yellow lab a few years ago, who the SPCA said "got along well with cats", but in realty, didn't. We had to surrender him (they put him to sleep). I'm just so afraid that we'd have to give up on another dog, although I certainly would NOT surrender it to those people. The problem is, I'd get so attached to the dog, and I don't want my heart to be broken again. I still cry when I think about the last dog we had--I feel as if I let him down. And that was over 3 years ago...I still cry over it sometimes.
Dachshunds are a feisty, energetic breed, and they like to chew--although, with 9 cats in the house at various times, what's left to destroy?
I have met several over the years, and liked them. I think a small dog is the way to go for us, and they don't shed as much as other breeds (another big concern--I have 4 long-haired cats, & 3 shorties--and I vacuum a LOT). Dachshunds are also prone to spinal problems. I wonder if tussling with cats that will outweigh him would be a problem?
Another thing: I can't realistically see myself walking a dog every night, but we do have a very small, fenced-in backyard. He would have the run of the house all day, too.
I read that some dogs can be litter-trained--anyone try this? Could it work with a mini-Dachshund?
We plan to think about it for a few days before buying him.
Any advice? Thanks!
DH just couldn't resist: he wanted to stop into the local puppy pet store. Normally, I like to get animals that have hard-luck stories; i.e., shelter animals, strays, abused animals, etc. These are from a breeder, and we played with several breeds for about 45 minutes. The place seemed very clean, and well-taken care of, as did the puppies (they only offer small breed dogs). One customer was a repeat customer, which I think is good. The pups all seemed very healthy, happy, and loved people, and playing with each other. Also, the dachshund pup was about 11 weeks old--I was told that a younger dog would have a much better chance of getting along with the cats. This is my main question: we had a yellow lab a few years ago, who the SPCA said "got along well with cats", but in realty, didn't. We had to surrender him (they put him to sleep). I'm just so afraid that we'd have to give up on another dog, although I certainly would NOT surrender it to those people. The problem is, I'd get so attached to the dog, and I don't want my heart to be broken again. I still cry when I think about the last dog we had--I feel as if I let him down. And that was over 3 years ago...I still cry over it sometimes.
Dachshunds are a feisty, energetic breed, and they like to chew--although, with 9 cats in the house at various times, what's left to destroy?
Another thing: I can't realistically see myself walking a dog every night, but we do have a very small, fenced-in backyard. He would have the run of the house all day, too.
I read that some dogs can be litter-trained--anyone try this? Could it work with a mini-Dachshund?
We plan to think about it for a few days before buying him.
Any advice? Thanks!