Dachshunds (also known as "sausage dogs"), are known for their long bodies, short legs, and drooping ears. Although this dog looks cute and is a loyal companion, its unusual body proportions make it fragile; Dachshunds have long backbones so they are very sensitive. This means that you need to be extra careful when supporting this dog's back when lifted, carried and lowered back down.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Holding the Dachshund Safely
Step 1. Place one hand under your chest
Picking up a dachshund is different from how you pick up other dog breeds, but it's not that hard to do once you learn how to do it the right way. Start by tucking your hands under your dog's front to support the chest and ribs. Dogs should not be picked up.
Spread your fingers wide so that you are supporting as much of the dog's front body as possible. The wider your support area, the lighter the load on the dog's spine
Step 2. Place the other hand under the dog's bottom
Gently tuck your free hand under the dog's bottom; You can place your hands directly behind the buttocks or in front of the dog's hind legs to support the hindquarters. Get ready to pick up the dog.
Here, again, it's best to spread your palms wide apart to provide the dog with the widest base of support
Step 3. Lift the dachshund slowly and keep its body level
Now, just pick up your dog. When rising, try not to hang the dog's back or droop down. The dachshund's body may be slightly bent, but it's best to keep the dog's back as flat as possible so that it doesn't put any weight on it.
Step 4. Continue to support the dog's back when held
When you walk or play with a dachshund, make sure the hindquarters are always well supported. Dachshunds are different from other dogs; if the dog's hindquarters hang, it will be uncomfortable and may cause painful back problems (such as sprains or disc ruptures) over time.
Fortunately, with practice, over time this technique will become your muscle memory. You will feel "wrong" if you lift the dog the wrong way
Step 5. Continue to "cradle" the dog, if desired
As long as your dog's back is well supported and his body is fairly straight, you should be free to choose how to hold your dachshund. If you prefer to hold your dog in one hand, try it once you've picked it up the right way following the steps above:
- Slowly shift the dog's center of gravity so that it rests on the forearm you are using to support the buttocks. Use your full forearm to support the dog's weight.
- Tuck the dog into your body for better support and comfort. This posture should feel like holding a baby or an American soccer ball.
- Use your free arm when needed to help your dog balance and prevent it from wriggling or struggling.
Step 6. Lower the dog slowly to the floor
If you've held other breeds of dog before, you're probably in the habit of "dropping" them or rocking them slowly back to the floor when you're done carrying them. However, for dachshunds, the dog must be lowered to floor level before releasing it. As always, keep the dog's back supported when lowering it.
Ideally, it's best if your dog's paws touch the floor before you let go. As read below, even a few centimeters of fall can put a strain on a dog's back and joints
Method 2 of 2: Knowing What to Avoid
Step 1. Try not to pick up the dachshund on its front body
Many people are used to picking up dogs like human babies by picking them up from the dog's "armpits". However, this method is not safe for the dachshund because it burdens the dog's back unnaturally; The dachshund's spine is not designed to support its long body without other supports.
In general, you should avoid any kind of support that only supports half of the dog's body, especially if the dog is already standing on only its hind legs, for example when peering over the sofa from the floor. In this case, it's a good idea to lean back so that it can support the dog's bottom before picking it up
Step 2. Never drop a dachshund on the floor
As mentioned earlier, the dog should be "gently lowered", and not "dropped". Dachshund legs are very short compared to most other dog breeds. This means that the dachshund can't bend much to absorb the impact when it lands on the floor, so most of this impact puts a strain on the dog's leg and back joints. This danger can be avoided by not dropping the dog.
Don't trust dog body language here. Dachshund do not know that the skeleton isn't designed to withstand a fall so it's willing to jump out of your arms. Even if the pain doesn't appear right away, it will get worse over time if you let it continue.
Step 3. Never allow a dachshund to bend or twist when lifted
The dachshund's long, thin spine is very easy to injure, so it must be kept straight when lifted. You should really avoid activities that make your dog twist or arch his back as this will increase the load and contribute to conditions such as disc sprains.
For example, you may accidentally do this by "scooping" a dachshund up when he least expects it. The dog will startle and struggle or twist out of your hand, creating an unnatural bend in his spine as he dangles. Make sure the dog is calm and alert before you pick him up
Step 4. Don't ignore stress symptoms in dogs
Dachshunds, like most dogs, are intelligent enough to tell you when you're in pain. If your dog feels uncomfortable when picked up, it's most likely that's how she feels so lower it down and reevaluate the way you hold it before trying again.
- Some signs of a dog experiencing pain are very obvious, such as barking, whining, etc. However, other signs will be more subtle. Here are some non-verbal signs that your dog may feel uncomfortable:
- Shaking (for no other reason, e.g. cold)
- Trying to stay away
- Too sticky behavior or aggressive towards you
- Keep your mouth shut (instead of looking happy and natural)
Step 5. Show how to properly hold a dachshund before letting it play
There's nothing more upsetting than when you've put in the time and effort to practice how to pick up and hold a dachshund properly, but your dog is still injured because family or friends treat him like any other dog. To avoid problems, make sure you teach your guests how to properly hold a dachshund before playing with it.
Teach how to hold a dog properly, especially to children who often abuse dogs accidentally. It's a good idea to supervise children the first time they interact with a dachshund until you're sure they know how to get along with dogs safely.
Tips
- It's a good idea to purchase a ramp or a set of dog ladders to help your dachshund get up and down from high places. For example, if your dog sleeps on a high mattress, a ramp or ladder will help him get in and out of bed without hurting his joints from dropping to the floor. You can even use something simple, like a wooden plank, but commercial ladders or ramps are also quite affordable.
- You should take the health of the dachshund's spine seriously. In the long term, a dachshund that is not raised properly can suffer spinal cord injuries, nerve damage, and even paralysis, depending on the severity of the injury. While most of these problems can be treated with the help of a veterinarian, it's best if you can prevent them in the first place.
