my new puppy has the face of a chihauhau and the body of a dachsund. She's only 2 wks old...... How can I tell if she will be good with kids? Is there any special care I need to take for her?
2006-08-27 18:05:30 · 8 answers · asked by chgocas 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
If your puppy is only 2 weeks old, then it is really too young to be away from its mother. It needs to stay with the mother until at least 5 or 6 weeks of age, if possible. If this is not possible or there is a problem with the mother, etc., then please get the pup to a vet, or at least call a vet for advice, ASAP. Puppies that young usually need to be fed by bottle, & definitely need canine milk replacer. Special care would definitely be needed, & a vet can advise you best. If you actually meant that the pup is still with its mother, but you have picked it out to adopt it later, OR if you actually meant the pup is 2 MONTHS old, then that's much easier. Any puppy needs "special care," including good quality puppy food, a visit to your veterinarian for its first physical exam, vaccinations, & deworming, etc., & either a crate, an exercise pen, or some other restricted area in your house, where it can stay when not supervised, to help with the housebreaking process & the pup's safety. Since she is a mix of 2 small breeds, be extra careful that nobody trips over, steps on, or sits on your puppy. I know that sounds odd, but sometimes young pups don't realize that they are underfoot, or that they are in danger. And people who are not used to having a little dog around don't always think to look down for one by their feet or on their chair. Both Dachshunds & Chihuahuas are adorable dogs, smart & very people-oriented. The best way to prepare your pup to be good with kids is to handle her very gently yourself, & when you introduce her to kids, explain to the kids & SHOW them how to handle the dog & treat the dog gently. For young kids, you may have to tell them that they can only hold or play with the pup when you (or another responsible adult) is watching. Also, explain to the kids that this little dog is NOT like their stuffed animals, dolls, or other toys. She is ALIVE just as the kids are, she has feelings & can feel pain, & if something would hurt or scare the kids, then it would hurt or scare the dog. Tell the kids that if they would not want it done to them, they can't do it to the pup, such as pulling on ears, poking at eyes, shaking, dropping, or otherwise handling the pup roughly. If you introduce your pup gradually to a variety of people & situations, including well-behaved, gentle kids, then she will probably be good with everyone as she grows up. That dachsie body, with the long back & the short legs, is at risk for back problems, if the dog jumps up to or down from a high spot, such as floor to couch, bed to floor, etc.. So, try to teach your pup to stay on the floor, unless picked up by a person. Or, only allow the dog onto certain pieces of furniture or other high spots, & put a ramp, doggies stair, or a step stool next to the dog's "OK places." That way at least the jumps will be shorter, & easier on the dog's back. You can get dog ramps & stairs many places, but the best selection & best info I've seen is at drsfostersmith.com, the Drs. Foster & Smith website. Again, if your pup is 2 WEEKS old, you MUST get her to a vet ASAP. If she is 2 MONTHS old, she also needs to see the vet for her shots soon, but it is not as big an emergency as at only 2 weeks. Basically, the way you raise & train your puppy is what determines the most about how she will be with kids, & with everyone & everything else, to some extent. Good luck & have fun!
2006-08-27 19:05:12 · answer #1 · answered by dare2go4it 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
At two weeks of age you wont be able to tell a thing about a dog.
I hope you mean she is 2 months old????
If she is raised with kids there should not be any problem as long as you don't have heathens for kids that will hurt the puppy.
In defense of herself she might bite. But if you teach the children to be gentle when they handle her, everything will be fine.
2006-08-28 01:23:36 · answer #2 · answered by Chihuahua Magic 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Dogs have different personalities just like humans, and these personalities develop as they grow, race is a factor but a small one in my experience. So if you raise it with love, safety and kindness around children, it will be good to children, and it will care for them, and even tolerate a lot.
If your dog is really two weeks old, see a vet, it needs a lot of special care.
2006-08-28 02:08:16 · answer #3 · answered by Javier O 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Why do you have a two week old puppy!? Yes there is special care needed get together with a vet immediatly. Little dogs can have big issues!
2006-08-28 01:12:04 · answer #4 · answered by sparklepup 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I bet she is a hyper little thing!! HEHEH SO CUTE! I heard dachsunds are good with kids. So maybe this one will be.
2006-08-28 01:10:59 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
that mix is called a chiweinie. I am the proud owner of one and she is great with kids.
2006-08-28 02:05:20 · answer #6 · answered by s 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
i have a chiweenie and she's great with kids. she just had puppies too
2006-08-28 02:24:28 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
It's a MUTT/MONGREL!!!
NO WAY to predict ANYTHING!!!
2006-08-28 07:04:33 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋