Dotty

🐾 Dotty – 7-Year-Old Dachshund Dotty – our rather long sausage! 🌭❤️ Dotty is a 7-year-old Dachshund girlie looking for her forever home, and this little lady is an absolute sweetheart. Dotty is wonderfully natured with people and has such a lovely, affectionate personality. She is playful, fun and enjoys having a bit of a potter around, but she is also very much a cuddle monster . Dotty is perfectly happy to climb onto your lap for some fuss — although, being a particularly long sausage, she doesn't exactly fit very well! 😂 She really is a gorgeous girl who loves her human company and would make a lovely companion for someone looking for a dog who enjoys both fun and plenty of cuddles. 🐶 Dotty & Other Dogs Dotty isn't particularly keen on other dogs and can be reactive when other dogs are kicking off , so her new family will need to understand this and be prepared to manage her appropriately. Interestingly, Dotty can walk nicely alongside calm, small-breed dogs . She doesn't need canine friends to be happy, though, and we feel she would be perfectly content as the only dog in her home. Her new owners will need to be sensible when out walking, giving her space from dogs that make her uncomfortable and avoiding situations where she could become overwhelmed. Positive, reward-based training can help her continue to build confidence and learn that she doesn't need to react. 👧 Children Dotty has never lived with children, so we feel an adult-only home would be the most suitable for her. This will allow her to enjoy a calm environment where she can relax and receive all the attention she loves. 🌭 Understanding the Dachshund Dachshunds may be small, but they certainly aren't short on personality! Originally bred to hunt badgers, they are courageous, determined and often wonderfully cheeky. They can be independent and strong-minded, while also being incredibly affectionate and devoted to their people. They are intelligent dogs who enjoy having things to do, so Dotty will benefit from walks, appropriate enrichment, sniffing opportunities and gentle training. Their hunting instincts can also mean they have a strong interest in chasing small animals. And, of course, there is that very long back ! 🩺 Dachshund Health & Back Care One of the most important things any Dachshund owner needs to understand is their increased risk of intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) and other spinal problems because of their long backs and short legs. Dotty's new family will need to take sensible precautions throughout her life, including: Avoiding repeated jumping on and off sofas and beds Minimising unnecessary stair climbing Using ramps or steps where appropriate Keeping her at a healthy weight , as extra weight puts additional strain on her back Providing regular, sensible exercise to keep her muscles strong Avoiding rough play that involves twisting or jumping Supporting her body correctly when lifting her This doesn't mean Dachshunds shouldn't have fun — far from it! Regular controlled exercise is important. It's simply about protecting that precious long sausage back. Her new family should also be aware of signs of potential back problems, such as sudden reluctance to move, crying out, weakness, wobbliness, dragging the back legs or difficulty walking. Any sudden change in mobility should be treated as a veterinary matter. 🏡 What Dotty Needs Dotty would love an adult-only home where she can be the centre of someone's world. Her perfect home would provide: ❤️ Plenty of love, affection and cuddles ❤️ A calm, adult-only environment ❤️ Understanding of her reactions towards other dogs ❤️ Sensible management when meeting dogs out on walks ❤️ Regular, appropriate exercise ❤️ Mental stimulation and enrichment ❤️ Careful management of her back and weight ❤️ Comfortable bedding and a cosy place to relax ❤️ Regular veterinary care as she gets older ❤️ Plenty of lap time — even if she does take up the entire thing! 😂 Dotty is such a lovely little girl. She has a huge personality packed into a very long body , and once you've been chosen as her person, you're likely to have a very affectionate little shadow following you around. She's playful, she's cheeky, she's cuddly and she's definitely one of the longest sausages we've had through our doors! 🌭❤️ Dotty is ready to find someone who will love her for all that she is — long back, big personality and all. Could that be you?