The Dachshund (pronounced DAK-sen) is a dog breed with shorter legs and a longer back than other dog breeds. Dachshund was originally a hunting dog originating from Germany. The name "dachshund" literally means "badger (hunter) dog". In order to properly care for a dachshund, you need to be aware of the breed's special needs, including the dachshund's predisposition to intervertebral disc disease. Caring for a dachshund includes helping it maintain a healthy weight, taking care of its appearance, and teaching the dog good habits. Continue reading this article to learn more about caring for a dachshund.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Protecting the Dachshund.'s Back
Step 1. Know that dachshunds are prone to intervertebral disc disease (IVDD for short)
Like several other small dog breeds, dachshunds have a higher risk of developing intervertebral disc disease, also known as IVDD. In IVDD, the pads between the dachshund's spine rupture or protrude, which puts pressure on the spine. IVDD can cause pain, bladder control problems and even paralysis. To help reduce the risk of developing IVDD in your dachshund, you must take certain precautions. You should also know how to recognize the symptoms of IVDD in your dog to know when there may be a problem with his health. Call your dog's veterinarian immediately if you notice any of the following symptoms:
- Change in activity level, no more jumping or running
- Difficulty standing
- Crying in pain
- Changes in behavior, being restless or fearful
- A bent back and neck and/or tense back and neck muscles.
- Eat less or not eat at all
- Loss of control over the bladder and/or bowel movements.
Step 2. Help your dog to maintain a healthy weight
Being overweight puts your dachshund at a greater risk of developing IVDD, so it's important that you feed your pet properly and help him get plenty of exercise. To find out if the dachshund is at a healthy weight, stand on it and look down. If you can see the ribs, the dog is too skinny and should gain weight. If you can't see his ribs but can feel them when they touch his sides, the dog is at a healthy weight. If you can't see or feel the ribs, the dog is overweight. Your dachshund should also have a slim waist instead of a drooping belly.
- Consult your veterinarian to determine how much weight your dog should lose or gain. Your vet can also tell you how much food you should give your dachshund to help it gain and maintain a healthy weight.
- Take your dachshund for walks and play every day.
- Just give enough snacks
- Consider feeding your dachshund a diet designed for weight maintenance if the dog starts to gain too much weight.
Step 3. Learn how to hold a dachshund
Holding your dachshund the right way will also help protect its back. To carry a dachshund, support the bottom with one hand and place the other hand under the belly to support the back. You may need to practice with something light before picking up your dachshund.
Never hold a dachshund in one hand or hold it only by the legs or head
Step 4. Help your dachshund to climb up and down stairs
Climbing stairs puts stress on the dachshund's back and over time can cause your dog to develop IVDD. Stairs that are usually too high for a dachshund to climb and descend without putting pressure on its back. To avoid this problem, always pick up your dog when you want to take him up or down stairs.
- Install baby railings to prevent your dog from going up and down stairs.
- Consider installing ramps (or walkways) on the small steps your dog has to walk each day.
Step 5. Prevent your dachshund from jumping on furniture or other high places
Jumping also puts a significant amount of stress on the dachshund's back and can increase the risk of IVDD. To reduce this risk factor, don't let your dog jump into high places such as on your couch or bed. If you want your dachshund to climb onto your lap, pick it up. Don't push him to jump up.
Consider buying some furniture ramps if you want your dachshund to be able to climb onto furniture when you're not around
Step 6. Use a harness when walking your dachshund
If your dachshund tends to tug when you walk him, the dog is putting more pressure on his spine which can lead to IVDD. Attaching your dog's leash or leash to a harness instead of a collar will help reduce pressure on the dog's neck and again reduce other contributing factors to IVDD.
Method 2 of 3: Training a Dachshund. Dog
Step 1. Keep training sessions short
For best results, train your dachshund in three to five minute training sessions each day. Keeping training sessions short will help your dog pay attention. The frequency of practice will help reinforce the material the dachshund needs to learn.
Step 2. Reward your dog for good behavior
In order for the dachshund to do what you want, you must reward him as soon as he behaves well. For example, if you ask him to sit down and the dachshund complies, immediately give him a few compliments and caresses to let him know that he's done something good. You should reward your dachshund whenever the dog does nice things so the animal understands that these are behaviors you enjoy.
Step 3. Ignore bad behavior
You help your dachshund to understand what behavior you don't like, simply by ignoring the bad habit or not giving it a treat. For example, if your dachshund wants to go for a walk and run around the house because he's very excited, ignore it and wait for the dog to stop to put on his harness and take him for a walk. Do this every time you take your dog for a walk to help him understand what you don't want him to do. The dog will learn that running doesn't get him walking, but standing still will make his wish come true.
Step 4. Consider hiring a certified professional dog trainer
If you're having trouble getting your dachshund to obey your commands, consider hiring someone to help train your dog. A certified professional dog trainer can help you train the dachshund. This step can be especially helpful if you're having trouble correcting your pet's bad behavior.
You can also look for group dog training classes in your area if you also want to give your dog a chance to get along
Method 3 of 3: Caring for the Appearance of a Dachshund
Step 1. Bathe your dachshund
Use a dog shampoo to bathe your dachshund. If your dog has short hair, you should bathe him once every three months. If your dog has long hair, you may need to bathe him more often. Use a spray hose and wet your dog's entire coat, except for the area around the eyes, ears and nose. Then massage the shampoo into your dog's coat. Rinse all the shampoo thoroughly then dry the dog with a towel.
Give your dachshund lots of praise and treats after bathing to help him associate bath time with good things
Step 2. Brush your dachshund's fur
If your dog has short hair, you may only need to brush his coat once a week. If your dachshund has long hair, you should brush it daily to avoid tangles or dreadlocks. Use a wide-toothed comb to help remove any tangles before continuing with the brush. Don't forget to give him lots of praise when you brush his fur and give him a treat when he's done so your dog associates brushing with good things.
Step 3. Trim your dog's nails
To trim a dachshund's nails, you will need special nail clippers for dogs. You can buy it at the pet store. You may also want to get your dachshund used to holding his nails before trimming them. If your dachshund is afraid when you touch his paws and hooves, help him get used to stroking his paws and touching his toes. Once the dog is comfortable when you touch his paw, you can try trimming his nails.
- Make sure you don't cut too low or you could hit the blood vessels in the nail. This area is very sensitive and can cause bleeding.
- If you're worried about hurting your dog while grooming his nails, ask your vet to show him how to trim his nails or hire a professional dog groomer to trim his nails.
Step 4. Check for health problems
Grooming time is a good time to check for lice, mites and other potential health problems. Make sure you check your dog's skin for growths, sores or areas of unusual pain. You should also check your dog's ears for excessive earwax buildup and unpleasant odors. If you find anything that seems abnormal, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as possible.
Tips
Don't forget to schedule regular vet appointments (twice a year) to make sure your dog is checked and has the most recent injections
Warning
- Dogs who are not used to people and other dogs can bark, growl and even bite. Get your dachshund to get along with other dogs and people from a young age and continue to do so throughout his life.
- Consider buying health insurance for your pet. Dachshunds can be tough and brave - traits that can get these dogs into trouble, which often ends in two options: surgery or euthanasia.
- Do not allow your dachshund to become overweight, this can lead to major back and health problems.
- The dachshund's nails are dark so be careful when trimming them. Try not to cut the blood vessels in the nails.
