Moving from outside to inside?

Question
I have a 1 year old daschund that we've been keeping outside with our 2 lab retrievers.  We got him to be an inside dog so I'm trying to introduce him to living inside.  Is that wise?  Will he adjust to living inside a crate at night and during the day again?  I just can't bare for him to live outside in the cold this winter.  I thought about keeping him outside during the day and bringing him in when I return from work, but then I have to bathe him daily or else my furniture will be ruined.  Any suggestions or advice????

Answer
You shouldn't have a problem, Tracie. Forget about the fact that he's been living outside up until now; treat him just as if he were a new dog or puppy that you were just getting. You are right that he should not be out in the cold weather; dachshunds are not cold weather outside dogs.

The only problem you *may* run into is housebreaking. Sometimes doxies can be difficult to housebreak. Make sure that you do not feed him or let him have access to water for at least an hour before you plan on crating him, and take him out before putting him in the crate (on leash - don't just turn him out in the yard because he may just play and not potty). If you can, take him out the front door, or out of your fenced area so that your other dogs don't pester him and keep him from going to the bathroom.

Good luck! I don't think you will have a problem, but let me know if there's anything else I can help you with!

Kristen