Roxie the Doxie - our new miniature dachshund
Discussion
Hi everyone,
Having moved out of our little rented one bed flat in London to a comparatively big house in the (far) regions, the time had come to finally get a puppy! I've always had dogs - still have a gorgeous Chocolate Labrador that lives with my parents (I moved out!), before that a Golden Retriever.
A couple of years ago I stayed at a friends - they'd just picked up a miniature Dachshund and I was absolutely smitten. Swore I'd get one some day - even though she (also called Roxie) wore nappies...
So meet Roxie!
She's a red doxie, just coming up to 10 weeks old. Second set of vaccinations are next Thursday - can't WAIT to get her out and about around a week after that though have introduced her to the Labrador already.
She's absolutely perfect and I can't stop looking at her and playing with her. She is incredibly clean and an absolute ace at the potty business; I've never known a better puppy in this regard. It's quite amazing, will pretty much go on demand less than a week in.
She's taken to crate training exceptionally well and after the first 3 nights she now doesn't cry or yap after the first couple of minutes. I get up around 1am and 4am to let her out for a pee though she doesn't seem to need it, as such. Will drop it to once a night in a week or two and then taper off. Hot water bottle, ticking clock and tons of bedding to burrow in seem to be the key.
Super playful but happy to snuggle for hours too. Pedigree and by all accounts a good lineage but don't intend to breed so we'll spay her in due course.
Those little talons are getting cut next week, by the way!
Cheers.
Having moved out of our little rented one bed flat in London to a comparatively big house in the (far) regions, the time had come to finally get a puppy! I've always had dogs - still have a gorgeous Chocolate Labrador that lives with my parents (I moved out!), before that a Golden Retriever.
A couple of years ago I stayed at a friends - they'd just picked up a miniature Dachshund and I was absolutely smitten. Swore I'd get one some day - even though she (also called Roxie) wore nappies...
So meet Roxie!
She's a red doxie, just coming up to 10 weeks old. Second set of vaccinations are next Thursday - can't WAIT to get her out and about around a week after that though have introduced her to the Labrador already.
She's absolutely perfect and I can't stop looking at her and playing with her. She is incredibly clean and an absolute ace at the potty business; I've never known a better puppy in this regard. It's quite amazing, will pretty much go on demand less than a week in.
She's taken to crate training exceptionally well and after the first 3 nights she now doesn't cry or yap after the first couple of minutes. I get up around 1am and 4am to let her out for a pee though she doesn't seem to need it, as such. Will drop it to once a night in a week or two and then taper off. Hot water bottle, ticking clock and tons of bedding to burrow in seem to be the key.
Super playful but happy to snuggle for hours too. Pedigree and by all accounts a good lineage but don't intend to breed so we'll spay her in due course.
Those little talons are getting cut next week, by the way!
Cheers.
Edited by iphonedyou on Thursday 20th October 13:22
She's gorgeous! they are the cutest puppies and super little dogs with a big dog personality.
Make sure you get good insurance, my 6 year old Dachsie has needed lots of surgery, MRI's and treatment for spine disease (IVDD).
Enjoy every moment - prepare to be mobbed when you go out with her.
Make sure you get good insurance, my 6 year old Dachsie has needed lots of surgery, MRI's and treatment for spine disease (IVDD).
Enjoy every moment - prepare to be mobbed when you go out with her.
Yes I was very cynical too, however we have met lots of people with Dachsies (you will find this) and I know many Dachshies who have had surgery including 3 of my very close friends (one has had 3 lots of surgery and another twice). It is extremely common.
The other issue is that it's not something you can ignore or postpone if they need surgery (if the disc has burst, they are screaming in pain and lost use of bowels and legs) they need it immediately for the best chance of being able to return to full mobility. The last thing you need when your pet is in that condition is to be worrying how you will pay the £7-10k for an MRI and surgery. My boy first went down at just 4 years old and he was fit, active and slender with a good shape. So I didn't see him as a 'high risk'. He has since had 2 further episodes.
I have the full PetPlan cover for life. And whilst I loathe PetPlan for other reasons, I would never be with out cover on a Dachs as it is around 1:5 who get a problem! If you are on FB I'd suggest following Ian Seath (chair of the Breed Council) who shares breed and health data .... or sign up to the newsletter. There are regional groups for most areas on FB and they are all very active with events and walks.
https://sites.google.com/site/ukdachshundhealthrep...
http://www.sunsong.co.uk/
https://sites.google.com/site/ukdachshundhealthrep...
Not trying to scare you, just to make you aware, if you don't want to get insurance that's fine as long as you have credit cards or savings just in case
The other issue is that it's not something you can ignore or postpone if they need surgery (if the disc has burst, they are screaming in pain and lost use of bowels and legs) they need it immediately for the best chance of being able to return to full mobility. The last thing you need when your pet is in that condition is to be worrying how you will pay the £7-10k for an MRI and surgery. My boy first went down at just 4 years old and he was fit, active and slender with a good shape. So I didn't see him as a 'high risk'. He has since had 2 further episodes.
I have the full PetPlan cover for life. And whilst I loathe PetPlan for other reasons, I would never be with out cover on a Dachs as it is around 1:5 who get a problem! If you are on FB I'd suggest following Ian Seath (chair of the Breed Council) who shares breed and health data .... or sign up to the newsletter. There are regional groups for most areas on FB and they are all very active with events and walks.
https://sites.google.com/site/ukdachshundhealthrep...
http://www.sunsong.co.uk/
https://sites.google.com/site/ukdachshundhealthrep...
Not trying to scare you, just to make you aware, if you don't want to get insurance that's fine as long as you have credit cards or savings just in case
lovely dogs , try (its almost impossible btw) to stop her running up and down stairs and jumping up on the furniture , we had two one unfortunately had a back problem (disc) BUT did recover with lots of rest ended up with liver failure at about 12 years old , we still have her daughter 10 years old now and still as lively as a puppy , and very willing to have a go at rotties , staffies etc lol
eta - we must have been lucky re vets fee's - only had to pay for teeth extraction on both dogs and usual vaccinations . So they can be low cost - another point regarding insurance IMO__ once __some vet discover this they tend to run up the bill at the insurers cost (stands by to get flamed)
eta - we must have been lucky re vets fee's - only had to pay for teeth extraction on both dogs and usual vaccinations . So they can be low cost - another point regarding insurance IMO__ once __some vet discover this they tend to run up the bill at the insurers cost (stands by to get flamed)
Edited by dingg on Saturday 22 October 16:28
dingg said:
lovely dogs , try (its almost impossible btw) to stop her running up and down stairs and jumping up on the furniture , we had two one unfortunately had a back problem (disc) BUT did recover with lots of rest ended up with liver failure at about 12 years old , we still have her daughter 10 years old now and still as lively as a puppy , and very willing to have a go at rotties , staffies etc lol
eta - we must have been lucky re vets fee's - only had to pay for teeth extraction on both dogs and usual vaccinations . So they can be low cost - another point regarding insurance IMO__ once __some vet discover this they tend to run up the bill at the insurers cost (stands by to get flamed)
I agree it is hard to stop them as they are very determined little hounds, but we have baby gates and steps off the sofa - having been through it 3 times now (and nearly losing my job having to care 24/7 for a very sick dog) we want to do everything we can (within reason) to make sure it doesn't happen again eta - we must have been lucky re vets fee's - only had to pay for teeth extraction on both dogs and usual vaccinations . So they can be low cost - another point regarding insurance IMO__ once __some vet discover this they tend to run up the bill at the insurers cost (stands by to get flamed)
Edited by dingg on Saturday 22 October 16:28
Regarding unscrupulous vets, its always worth finding a vet you can trust. Some of the big 'group' practises can have a higher turnover of vets and nurses and relationships /costs can be compromised because of this.
dingg said:
lovely dogs , try (its almost impossible btw) to stop her running up and down stairs and jumping up on the furniture , we had two one unfortunately had a back problem (disc) BUT did recover with lots of rest ended up with liver failure at about 12 years old , we still have her daughter 10 years old now and still as lively as a puppy , and very willing to have a go at rotties , staffies etc lol
eta - we must have been lucky re vets fee's - only had to pay for teeth extraction on both dogs and usual vaccinations . So they can be low cost - another point regarding insurance IMO__ once __some vet discover this they tend to run up the bill at the insurers cost (stands by to get flamed)
From my personal point of view I have become fatigued at trying to explain how insurance *actually* works in nearly all vet practices. In fact people's attitudes to vets etc has left me so disillusioned that after 26yrs of being a vet nurse I am out. So no flaming from me as I know there is no point.eta - we must have been lucky re vets fee's - only had to pay for teeth extraction on both dogs and usual vaccinations . So they can be low cost - another point regarding insurance IMO__ once __some vet discover this they tend to run up the bill at the insurers cost (stands by to get flamed)
Edited by dingg on Saturday 22 October 16:28
OP- that is one supercute puppy you have, such great characters, so much fun
, sounds like she has settled in brilliantly 
I've never come across a vet who has deliberately run up a bill, and I also hear people on forums (who don't have insurance) trying to compare the cost of a specialist referral spine surgery - which is utterly ludicrous and laughable!
I only found that the high turnover at the large UK wide group practise was unhelpful and impersonal on a few occasions and we built a much better relationship with an independent practise and with that better relationship comes deeper trust and I know there is no way my vet would advise something unnecessary.
I only found that the high turnover at the large UK wide group practise was unhelpful and impersonal on a few occasions and we built a much better relationship with an independent practise
and with that better relationship comes deeper trust and I know there is no way my vet would advise something unnecessary.
parakitaMol. said:
I've never come across a vet who has deliberately run up a bill, and I also hear people on forums (who don't have insurance) trying to compare the cost of a specialist referral spine surgery - which is utterly ludicrous and laughable!
I only found that the high turnover at the large UK wide group practise was unhelpful and impersonal on a few occasions and we built a much better relationship with an independent practise and with that better relationship comes deeper trust and I know there is no way my vet would advise something unnecessary.
Yes that is definitely true,in fact the practice I have left was in that category though all the vets were dedicated and hard working and it is a young practice it doesn't have the same touch as an independent practice does (I'd only worked at independents before this one)I only found that the high turnover at the large UK wide group practise was unhelpful and impersonal on a few occasions and we built a much better relationship with an independent practise
and with that better relationship comes deeper trust and I know there is no way my vet would advise something unnecessary.
parakitaMol. said:
Yes I was very cynical too, however we have met lots of people with Dachsies (you will find this) and I know many Dachshies who have had surgery including 3 of my very close friends (one has had 3 lots of surgery and another twice). It is extremely common.
The other issue is that it's not something you can ignore or postpone if they need surgery (if the disc has burst, they are screaming in pain and lost use of bowels and legs) they need it immediately for the best chance of being able to return to full mobility. The last thing you need when your pet is in that condition is to be worrying how you will pay the £7-10k for an MRI and surgery. My boy first went down at just 4 years old and he was fit, active and slender with a good shape. So I didn't see him as a 'high risk'. He has since had 2 further episodes.
I have the full PetPlan cover for life. And whilst I loathe PetPlan for other reasons, I would never be with out cover on a Dachs as it is around 1:5 who get a problem! If you are on FB I'd suggest following Ian Seath (chair of the Breed Council) who shares breed and health data .... or sign up to the newsletter. There are regional groups for most areas on FB and they are all very active with events and walks.
https://sites.google.com/site/ukdachshundhealthrep...
http://www.sunsong.co.uk/
https://sites.google.com/site/ukdachshundhealthrep...
Not trying to scare you, just to make you aware, if you don't want to get insurance that's fine as long as you have credit cards or savings just in case
Thank you everybody for the kind words and advice, and particularly you parakitaMol for your contributions including the above.The other issue is that it's not something you can ignore or postpone if they need surgery (if the disc has burst, they are screaming in pain and lost use of bowels and legs) they need it immediately for the best chance of being able to return to full mobility. The last thing you need when your pet is in that condition is to be worrying how you will pay the £7-10k for an MRI and surgery. My boy first went down at just 4 years old and he was fit, active and slender with a good shape. So I didn't see him as a 'high risk'. He has since had 2 further episodes.
I have the full PetPlan cover for life. And whilst I loathe PetPlan for other reasons, I would never be with out cover on a Dachs as it is around 1:5 who get a problem! If you are on FB I'd suggest following Ian Seath (chair of the Breed Council) who shares breed and health data .... or sign up to the newsletter. There are regional groups for most areas on FB and they are all very active with events and walks.
https://sites.google.com/site/ukdachshundhealthrep...
http://www.sunsong.co.uk/
https://sites.google.com/site/ukdachshundhealthrep...
Not trying to scare you, just to make you aware, if you don't want to get insurance that's fine as long as you have credit cards or savings just in case
We've decided to take out insurance and are currently shopping around. Will get cover taken out this week. Have read through your links and whilst I'd researched beforehand they do make very interesting and informative reading, and do make the case for insurance!
Roxie is still doing really well, and her personality is developing every day. She doesn't eat a lot so I'll be interested to see what the vet thinks of her weight, but due to her age and not having had her second round of vaccinations she's not exercising loads really.
Now that we're around 10 days in I'm starting to up the training each day. Including walking her round the garden on a lead, which is an experience for both of us.
Tumbledryer - yours are gorgeous! More pictures!
iphonedyou said:
parakitaMol. said:
Yes I was very cynical too, however we have met lots of people with Dachsies (you will find this) and I know many Dachshies who have had surgery including 3 of my very close friends (one has had 3 lots of surgery and another twice). It is extremely common.
The other issue is that it's not something you can ignore or postpone if they need surgery (if the disc has burst, they are screaming in pain and lost use of bowels and legs) they need it immediately for the best chance of being able to return to full mobility. The last thing you need when your pet is in that condition is to be worrying how you will pay the £7-10k for an MRI and surgery. My boy first went down at just 4 years old and he was fit, active and slender with a good shape. So I didn't see him as a 'high risk'. He has since had 2 further episodes.
I have the full PetPlan cover for life. And whilst I loathe PetPlan for other reasons, I would never be with out cover on a Dachs as it is around 1:5 who get a problem! If you are on FB I'd suggest following Ian Seath (chair of the Breed Council) who shares breed and health data .... or sign up to the newsletter. There are regional groups for most areas on FB and they are all very active with events and walks.
https://sites.google.com/site/ukdachshundhealthrep...
http://www.sunsong.co.uk/
https://sites.google.com/site/ukdachshundhealthrep...
Not trying to scare you, just to make you aware, if you don't want to get insurance that's fine as long as you have credit cards or savings just in case
Thank you everybody for the kind words and advice, and particularly you parakitaMol for your contributions including the above.The other issue is that it's not something you can ignore or postpone if they need surgery (if the disc has burst, they are screaming in pain and lost use of bowels and legs) they need it immediately for the best chance of being able to return to full mobility. The last thing you need when your pet is in that condition is to be worrying how you will pay the £7-10k for an MRI and surgery. My boy first went down at just 4 years old and he was fit, active and slender with a good shape. So I didn't see him as a 'high risk'. He has since had 2 further episodes.
I have the full PetPlan cover for life. And whilst I loathe PetPlan for other reasons, I would never be with out cover on a Dachs as it is around 1:5 who get a problem! If you are on FB I'd suggest following Ian Seath (chair of the Breed Council) who shares breed and health data .... or sign up to the newsletter. There are regional groups for most areas on FB and they are all very active with events and walks.
https://sites.google.com/site/ukdachshundhealthrep...
http://www.sunsong.co.uk/
https://sites.google.com/site/ukdachshundhealthrep...
Not trying to scare you, just to make you aware, if you don't want to get insurance that's fine as long as you have credit cards or savings just in case
We've decided to take out insurance and are currently shopping around. Will get cover taken out this week. Have read through your links and whilst I'd researched beforehand they do make very interesting and informative reading, and do make the case for insurance!
Roxie is still doing really well, and her personality is developing every day. She doesn't eat a lot so I'll be interested to see what the vet thinks of her weight, but due to her age and not having had her second round of vaccinations she's not exercising loads really.
Now that we're around 10 days in I'm starting to up the training each day. Including walking her round the garden on a lead, which is an experience for both of us.
Tumbledryer - yours are gorgeous! More pictures!
Like you I came from larger dogs, Goldies etc, and was used to having and being around well trained animals - HA! These things have a mind of their own!
Good luck with potty (poo) training if it's wet, cold, snowy, windy, overcast, or looks like it might be in the next two days.... (I'm sure I'm not alone.)
(The pics aren't mine btw, just lucky to have a friend who's into photography.)
Great pictures Tumble, thanks for posting. They're just lovely and look like proper little characters! Hoping to get some decent pictures of Roxie soon, but presently suffering from a cold, fairly chronic sleep deprivation and work getting a bit crazy!
Unfortunately Roxie's first vaccination set turned out to be parvo only - so we've another three weeks before we can properly take her out, which is worrying from a socialisation point of view, and to be honest she's definitely realised there's a world out there she isn't getting to see apart from our little walks around the front and back garden! I'm taking her to my parents tonight where she'll meet our Labrador again which will be good.
Regarding your point on potty, tumble - I'm coming to agree with you! As her confidence has increased she's started just going in the house in preference to going outside. After 10 days of zero 'accidents' we've had 5 transgressions in 4 days. Last night she pee'd right outside her crate despite having been let out not more than five minutes previously (and doing nothing) so she definitely needs to be watched. So potty is on the radar as something to watch, and she's bitier than a bitey thing when she's excited so we're doing a lot of 'time out' in the back garden just now.
She's up to 2.5kg now from 1.5kg two weeks ago, despite in my view not eating very much. So that's definitely good news. And she's a happy little character; wouldn't change her for the world.
Unfortunately Roxie's first vaccination set turned out to be parvo only - so we've another three weeks before we can properly take her out, which is worrying from a socialisation point of view, and to be honest she's definitely realised there's a world out there she isn't getting to see apart from our little walks around the front and back garden! I'm taking her to my parents tonight where she'll meet our Labrador again which will be good.
Regarding your point on potty, tumble - I'm coming to agree with you! As her confidence has increased she's started just going in the house in preference to going outside. After 10 days of zero 'accidents' we've had 5 transgressions in 4 days. Last night she pee'd right outside her crate despite having been let out not more than five minutes previously (and doing nothing) so she definitely needs to be watched. So potty is on the radar as something to watch, and she's bitier than a bitey thing when she's excited so we're doing a lot of 'time out' in the back garden just now.
She's up to 2.5kg now from 1.5kg two weeks ago, despite in my view not eating very much. So that's definitely good news. And she's a happy little character; wouldn't change her for the world.
3 weeks ago we took home our 9 week old Black and Tan Mini Dachshund, Long journey from Doncaster to Aberdeen.....She just slept the whole way!
Lovely dog, and like you one we have always wanted to own. She had her second Jab last week, and was finally introduced to the my parents 2 Airedale Terriers (4 months old and 7 Years old) it Was an interesting experience for them all...
I have read many story's about how hard they are to House break, but we have had no issues apart from when we haven't been on the ball in noticing the signs she needs out! Really are a brilliant breed.
Now she has discovered the stairs we are for ever stopping her climbing them....Stair gate is getting bought this weekend!
Will post a photo of hours when she stops running around the house.....Keep the thread updated....be interested in your journey with her.
Lovely dog, and like you one we have always wanted to own. She had her second Jab last week, and was finally introduced to the my parents 2 Airedale Terriers (4 months old and 7 Years old) it Was an interesting experience for them all...
I have read many story's about how hard they are to House break, but we have had no issues apart from when we haven't been on the ball in noticing the signs she needs out! Really are a brilliant breed.
Now she has discovered the stairs we are for ever stopping her climbing them....Stair gate is getting bought this weekend!
Will post a photo of hours when she stops running around the house.....Keep the thread updated....be interested in your journey with her.
tumble dryer said:
Pics
Fabulous pics! how absolutely adorable! I have a real soft spot for wirey and beardy hounds. Anyway I just had the Dachshund newsletter this morning and they have launched a new website for IVDD info.
Thought people following this thread might be interested.
http://www.dachshund-ivdd.uk/
parakitaMol. said:
tumble dryer said:
Pics
Fabulous pics! how absolutely adorable! I have a real soft spot for wirey and beardy hounds. Anyway I just had the Dachshund newsletter this morning and they have launched a new website for IVDD info.
Thought people following this thread might be interested.
http://www.dachshund-ivdd.uk/
Not wishing to scare more inform but also worth looking up Lafora disease esp with the mini wires. It is a form of epilepsy that any breed can get (I am certain my parents toy poodle had it) but they do seem prone. Worth knowing because it is not common so vets may not pick up on the specific condition.
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