Carriers and peeing

Question
Hello~

I have a beautiful mini dach that I adopted from the humane society. She is about a year and a half, is exceptionally long bodied and short legged. I have two questions for you:
1) I like to tote her around with me while walking, hiking, shopping, etc. but don't want to put her at risk for back trouble by keeping her in an inappropriate pack. Do you have any ideas for a dachsy-style front pack?
2) She seems to still have trouble announcing she has to pee when she's not in our house. She will urinate inside even if we've just come from the outside when I stay at my boyfriends house. Sometimes it seems like it may be out of protest, and she has no desire to hold it until it is time to go out. At home, I periodically open the door and ask her if she needs to go, and when she does she'll go right out. I can leave her home for hours and she will wait til I get back. But when we travel its another story...

Thank you for your help! I never knew I could love a creature this much, and I want to make sure I'm doing things right for her.

Suzanna


Answer
There are some doxie websites that carry things made special for dachshunds you can search for but any place has carriers - just make sure it is long enough for a comfortable fit.  She may be peeing out of nervousness and fear - you might need to socialize her more and she can overcome that.  Be sure to take her our frequently at other places and carry her favorite treat as a reward when she does go.  Again, she might be a nervous travel but the more she travels - even if it is for longer car rides - the better she will get.  Be sure to look for signs she might pee and tell her No, go outside in a firm voice and take her out but be careful you do not scare her or it will get worse.  Patience is the key.

I love my doxies too!  I have 8 and they are each special.  Good luck and give her a hug and kiss for me!