See You Again String Bass Easy Dachshund
Updated: October 19, 2020
Whether you are a first-time Dachshund owner, oasis't owned one in a long fourth dimension, or are thinking of getting 1, y'all'll definitely want to know these 21 important things nearly Dachshunds.
My First Dachshund
I became a Dachshund owner kind of by blow.
I mean I CHOSE to adopt my first Dachshund Chester but he was not a brood of dog I had ever considered owning.
I had nothing against small dogs, but since I wanted a dog to hike and travel with me, I hadn't thought of ane.
I used to exist one of those people who didn't call up of pocket-sized dogs when I thought of dogs to hike and camp with.
I knew nothing nigh the Dachshund breed.
I didn't do whatever research earlier agreeing to have him from an x-roommate that couldn't continue him.
I didn't know anyone else who had a Dachshund so I had no experience with one.
I was clueless as to what I was getting myself into.
Information technology was supposed to be a temporary situation but, in one case I realized that I was in it for the long booty, I figured I better acquire about the origin, characteristics, temperament, and wellness concerns of a Dachshund.
How I Became a Dachshund Breed Expert
I've get pretty knowledgeable about the Dachshund breed, both standard and miniature Dachshunds, in the 18 years since I became a Dachshund possessor.
Note: there are only two official sizes in the US where I live – Tweenie is a coincidental "nomenclature" not recognized past the AKC and there is no such thing every bit a "toy" or "teacup" Dachshund.
Some might say I'k obsessed:
- I started researching everything I could most the Dachshund breed, including personality traits, and health issues.
- I started a Dachshund club – the Adventurewiener Social club, which has nigh 1000 members – and started learning nearly the deviation and similarities between Dachshunds from members.
- I've taken care of a lot of other Dachshunds during my 5 years as a "Doxie walker" and "Doxie sitter".
- I started this weblog (over 9 years ago) and, although it's too about hiking with pocket-sized dogs in full general, my Dachshund-owning readers and Dachshund research opened my eyes and heart to the breed even more.
I can say that at that place isn't much I don't know about Dachshunds.
I'd even dare to call myself a "Dachshund breed adept" on occasion.
I may not have called a Dachshund in the beginning but now I can't imagine living without i.
They will steal your middle with their love, devotion, and silly antics.
Equally the maxim goes – "They're like chips. It'south hard to have just one."
Yet, I Practise wish I knew some of the things I know now from the start.
Knowledge is power and it makes for a happy healthy life for both you and your Dachshund.
Notation: some of the links beneath are affiliate links, which means that we collect a small committee on qualifying purchases. Also, I may have, or accept had, a working relationship with some of the brands/products I recommend. I only work with companies and product I truly love though.
Top 21 Things Every Dachshund Possessor Must Know
1) Dachshunds Are Hunting Dogs
Dachshunds are scent hounds to be verbal.
They were bred to hunt, covering a lot of ground, sniffing out badgers, rabbits, and other minor game.
This means that they are they are controlled by 2 things: their nose and their belly!
You tin help fulfill this natural hunting bulldoze by making them feel similar they are "hunting" for nutrient and treats.
Cracking ways to practise this are to join a nosework grade or buy a snuffle mat like this one or this 1 for habitation.
2) Dachshunds Smart and Curious
Dachshunds were bred to hunt hateful animals that alive in burrows.
They were bred to not dorsum down or surrender in the face of a threat.
A Dachshund volition keep at whatever problem in front of them until they solve it.
They were also bred to think for themselves because they are down in the burrow without a human telling them what to practise.
Unfortunately, that ways they may use their superpowers to figure out, or become into, things you lot don't want them to.
When I travel with my current Dachshunds, Gretel and Summit, in the machine, I utilize a seat belt tether, or a dog car seat with a strap to concord them in, to keep them from wandering and distracting me.
I also identify my groceries, domestic dog nutrient, etc. that I buy in a tightly-latched cargo box so they tin can't eat information technology while I'thou non in the vehicle (they probably COULD still go into it if given plenty time, which is why I also use a seat belt tether).
three) People Often Say, "Dachshunds Railroad train Y'all"… and It's for a Reason
Dachshunds are potent-willed and want their way how and when they want information technology.
It's definitely possible to train a Dachshund though – they are whip smart – but it takes a lot of patience and consistency.
The key is to notice what motivates them – a favorite toy or food usually – and use that as a reward during training sessions.
In the cease, you will likely take to adjust your routine a little to fix them up for success and brand sure they, and you, are happy.
While your Dachshund volition melt your heart and you lot will want to give them whatsoever they want, remember that they are dogs that notwithstanding need structure and manners.
My Dachshunds Gretel and Summit are very care for motivated.
My favorite training treats are small and depression-calorie similar Zuke'southward Mini Naturals and teeny, tiny freeze dried liver bits.
I use the larger venison jerky strips when I need something they can see/odor from a distance during photo shoots.
I can hands interruption off a tiny pieces for a reward instead of giving them the whole thing at one time – have to watch those waistlines you know!
4) Dachshunds Live for a Long Fourth dimension
The average Dachshund lifespan is xiv-16 years old.
Most live at to the lowest degree until they are eleven or 12 and I have seen many, many Dachshunds live to be between the ages of 17 – twenty.
If you own a Dachshund, exist prepared to exist in it for the long haul.
I help keep my Dachshunds Superlative and Gretel healthy by giving them these supplements and feeding them these foods.
5) Dachshunds Bark Often and Loudly
Some Dachshund bark more than others but they are by and large dogs that bark at the mailman and bravado leaves with equal vigor.
Besides, the pizza commitment guy may think y'all have a Rottweiler behind that door. Just sayin' 🙂
You'll have to work to train a Dachshund to end barking and keep it under control in most cases.
This is what some of our readers have to say well-nigh it:
"You volition never demand some other doorbell. Earmuffs, perhaps, but no doorbell." – Deci, Dachshund owner
"They're large barkers. They bark and bawl and bark and so bark some more.
This is largely hardwired since they were bred to trap prey underground and and so bark until the hunters could find them and dig them out." – Kay, Dachshund owner
half dozen) Dachshunds Can Be Picky About Weather
Many Dachshunds accept what I similar to call Wet Belly Syndrome.
Your Dachshund may reject to become outside in the cold and pelting to potty or walk just it's up to you to teach them that bad weather won't hurt them.
They are brusk and close to the ground and then rain doesn't simply fall on them from the top just it splashes them from the bottom.
Be prepared to see some resistance if you endeavor walking them in the rain (including going out to become potty) and be prepared to shovel a path if there is snow in your back yard.
That beingness said, I am a huge proponent of Not letting them refuse to get out in inclement weather.
If y'all start young and teach them that you don't allow stubborn shenanigans on rainy walks, they will learn that it'due south something that can be tolerated.
A warm and waterproof jacket made to fit a Dachshund tin aid them to exist comfortable going out when it'due south moisture or cold.
seven) Dachshunds Are Notoriously Hard to Potty Train
I didn't consider my Dachshund Chester 90% potty trained until he was 7!
Honestly though, a huge function of why information technology took so long is because I had to figure out that it was his separation anxiety that cased him to pee on the carpet when I left.
Potty grooming is non e'er a once deal. Your Dachshund may need refreshers throughout their entire life!
This might be the #one reason Dachshunds get surrendered to shelters.
At that place IS hope though.
I believe, and have heard the aforementioned from several Dachshund owners, that it'southward non very hard to potty train a Dachshund if y'all are dedicated and consistent.
I was able to potty railroad train my Dachshund puppy in well-nigh 6 weeks.
At present she rarely has accidents in the house and if she does it's usually because I missed her signals that she needed to go out.
Practise keep in heed that their potty training might slip when they get a senior dog.
Observe out what to do when your onetime canis familiaris starts peeing in the house here.
Yous too might desire to go along this natural, pet-rubber urine and olfactory property remover on paw.
eight) Most Harnesses and Jackets Y'all Detect in the Pet Store Will Not Fit Your Dachshund
Harnesses are safer for Dachshunds than collars when walking considering they help to project their fragile necks and backs.
Dachshunds are funny shaped so yous will have a hard fourth dimension finding harnesses and jackets that fit them properly.
Jackets that fit their deep chests may be also brusque to cover their back.
Jackets and harnesses long enough for them may drown them in fabric around the neck and chest.
Harnesses may not fit right because of the Dachshund's prominent breast bone.
The chest strap on my Dachshunds always slides off to the left or right.
Because the fit is a picayune off, the harness may put too much pressure on their fragile windpipe.
If you're having trouble finding a jacket to fit your pup, check out our list of jacket suggestions for Dachshunds and favorite Fleece Jackets.
Ane of our favorite casual harnesses is the VelPro Choke-Costless Mesh Harness. It's the one Summit and Gretel wear for travel and brusk, easy walks to potty.
Finding a jacket or harness to fit your Dachshund may take some trial and mistake.
Read our review of the Velpro Choke-Free Harness for more info.
For long walks or hikes, particularly wet and dirty ones, we employ the Hurtta Padded Y harness or the Ruffwear Flagline harness.
These are the only ones I've establish that fit well and don't abrasion them.
Read our review of these not bad harness for active Dachshunds for more than details.
ix) Dachshunds Are Decumbent to Back Injury
Dachshunds are genetically prone to a condition called Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD).
IVDD is a hereditary illness and your domestic dog volition either have or not.
If they have it, no matter how conscientious you are, they could develop a spinal injury in their neck or back.
Owning a Dachshund is kind of like roulette in that regard considering 1 in 4 Dachshunds are affected by some kind of spinal injury at some betoken in their lives.
You won't know if your Dachshund has IVDD unless they have a back injury. A veterinary tin can't notice it until so.
For more information on IVDD, read my commodity The Truth About Dachshunds and Back Problems.
–> See the Full List of My IVDD Articles, Information, and Resources HERE <–
None the less, it's ever best to minimize jumping, and other things that put pressure on their long backs, because that can exacerbate the effect.
I take a Snoozer Scalloped Domestic dog Ramp for our burrow and my mattress/box-spring is laying on the floor to make our bed shorter.
You tin can read more virtually how I keep my Dachshund from jumping off our furniture Hither.
On the other hand, they are not delicate beings that should be kept inactive.
Sports like hiking (yes, information technology can be condom to hike with a Dachshund), agility, and World Dog can strengthen their backs and keep them supple.
Just know your domestic dog's limit and effort to foreclose UNNECESSARY jumping from high objects.
Note: You must do these this right away if your Dachshund suddenly becomes paralyzed or has trouble walking.
ten) Support a Dachshund's Dorsum When You Pick Them Up
When lifting and carrying your Dachshund, support their chest and bum so their spine is not stressed.
Brand sure your friends and relatives know how to properly pick upward and deport a Dachshund too.
You may too accept to remind any pet care professionals you rent similar groomers, dog walkers, and canis familiaris sitters that Dachshunds take special needs when handling.
The commencement groomer I took Chester to picked him up past his chest and left this back legs dangling.
Then she proceeded to run around and show everyone how beautiful he was, his back end "flailing in the air current".
I nearly had a heart attack.
eleven) Dachshund Are Prone to a Few Other Wellness Problems Too
Too IVDD and back or neck issues, Dachshunds are prone to some other health issues besides.
Some of the most mutual are:
- Dental Disease
- Cushing's disease
- Seizures
- Patellar luxation (dislocated knee cap)
- Alopecia (baldness) due to colour dilution or skin allergies
Dachshunds, similar many other breeds, are decumbent to several different health issues.
Check out this commodity to see the 11 of the Near Common Health Issues in Dachshunds.
12) Take a Backup Plan for Medical Expenses
The three most frequent medical issues I've seen with Dachshunds are:
- The need for back surgery, or expensive physical rehab, due to the IVDD mentioned above
- Teeth cleaning and extractions
- Bowel obstruction from eating things they shouldn't
Back surgery tin hands price $5,000 – $seven,000 and I've known Dachshunds to need surgery more than once.
Depending on where you live in the country, and the extent of whatsoever dental disease, teeth cleaning costs can range from around $500 to $1,200 or more.
My Dachshund Chester needed surgery to remove a blockage twice.
The first time, the cost was effectually $2,000 but information technology was over $4,000 the second time due to complications.
The two best backup plans, in my opinion, are either to have an emergency fund of $5,000 to $x,000 set aside or to invest in good pet insurance.
That existence said, don't immediately surrender if your Dachshund needs back surgery and you can't afford it.
In that location may be other options as well putting your Dachshund downwardly if you can't beget the cost of dorsum surgery.
I know of several Dachshunds that have recovered with bourgeois handling – medication and strict crate rest – alone.
You may likewise be able to go help with back surgery costs through a clemency, Care Credit (carte du jour), arescue, or by setting up a GoFundMe.
13) Dachshunds Are Prone to Obesity
The nickname "sausage dog" may exist cute just your Dachshund should not actually look like 1!
A Dachshund will ALWAYS tell you they are starving.
It'south upward to you to have the willpower to say no when they've had plenty treats and provide the proper quantity of nutrient.
Obesity is rampant in Dachshunds and can exacerbate IVDD.
Information technology can besides bring on other serious medical conditions like diabetes.
Dachshunds at a proper weight should have a constrict behind their rib-cage (think greyhound) and you should be able to meet their waist when looking from the elevation.
If in dubiety, bank check out this body workout chart.
2 of the most important factors in keeping your Dachshund at a good for you weight are to brand sure they are getting enough regular exercise and portion control of their food (take into account the number and size of treats they go likewise).
fourteen) Dachshunds Are Energetic and Need Plenty of Exercise
Because of their small size and short legs, many people think that Dachshund'southward don't need much exercise or are non capable of it.
But they are bred to exist hunters, retrieve? They are bred to be agile dogs.
Certain, a Dachshund is happy to laze around the house if you allow them but they are capable of more y'all think when it comes to exercise.
Most Dachshunds I know took to hiking 3 – five miles their starting time time out.
I've hiked up to x miles a day, three days in a row, with Gretel.
I know many Dachshunds who compete and excel in athletic events such every bit agility.
Although not typical, TruMan the Doxie ran a whole marathon (over 26 miles!).
Likewise needing exercise to stay physically healthy, it will continue them mentally happy.
A well exercised Doxie is less probable to bark incessantly and chew things in the house that they shouldn't.
If they have to be cooped up in the house for the twenty-four hour period, spend some time playing fetch with them or tug with a toy.
Superlative loves this squeakie ball and would probably chase it endlessly if I permit her.
If you're not sure your canis familiaris is getting enough, bank check out these ways your Dachshund may be telling y'all they demand more exercise.
fifteen) Dachshunds Take a Loftier Prey Drive
Dachshund were bred for hunting badgers, rabbits, and other rodents so killing anything that squeaks is part of their nature.
That means that anything that is furry and runs fast, or resembles something like that, is seen as prey.
While I accept seen MANY Dachshunds learn to live peacefully with a kitty or other pet, they volition almost ALWAYS encounter critters exterior of the house as something to exist chased, hunted, and eaten.
Concur onto that leash when near small animals and know that random wildlife in your back yard may meet an early demise.
Information technology tin can be difficult to find a stuffed squeakie toy that they won't destroy in a few minutes.
These are the toys that have lasted more than than a solar day (and sometimes months) around our firm:
- ZippyPaws Hibernate and Seek Burrow Toy – Bucket of Popcorn
- ZippyPaws Hide and Seek Burrow Toy – Milk and Cookies
- These latex squeaker assurance.
16) Dachshunds Love to Dig
Flower beds beware!
Badgers and rabbits live in the ground and so hunters similar Dachshund were bred to dig.
Their paddle-like feet, strong nails, and determination make them naturals.
I know plenty of Dachshunds that are not diggers. Simply be aware that yours might be.
That means they could destroy your lawn, dig up your flowers, or dig nether the fence to escape.
This SmellyMatty Brain Teaser tin assistance to satisfy their digging instinct indoors.
One of our readers had this to say about a Dachshund'south tendency to dig:
While many Dachshunds love to dig, some don't. Others can exist discouraged from doing so regularly.
"They dig because it'southward what they are designed to do. If they tin can take down a annoy, you can bet y'all're going to need to assistance them manage impulse command and give them a whole lot of exercise.
Big dog, pocket-sized long trunk. Large voice, large personality. This ain't your Momma'southward Maltese. Information technology'southward a DOG!" – Loren, Dachshund owner
17) Look Earlier You Sit
Dachshunds love to couch under blankets (read this article to learn why Dachshunds love to burrow).
If there is a blanket on the burrow, they are likely sleeping under at that place and then exist sure to feel the blanket or look nether information technology before you lot sit down.
Consider giving them their ain place to burrow and nest when they are not on the burrow with yous – the Snoozer Cozy Cave Pet Bed or the Ethical Pets Sleep Zone Cuddle Cave Pet Bed
xviii) Dachshunds Will Steal Your Heart
Their clownish antics and silly looks will melt your heart.
Dachshund owners will tell you lot they're like potato chips – it's difficult to take simply one.
Many people have at to the lowest degree two and the "in one case a dachshund possessor, always a dachshund owner" mentality leads people to get several over their lifetime.
You'll want to keep a quality camera handy to capture all of the silly, precious moments.
"Know that they are a fascinating blend of ferocity, entitlement, and neediness… and be set up to live with a tiny clown." – Pattie, Dachshund possessor
Bank check out these related articles:
Funny Dachshund Traits That All Owners Empathize
x Things You lot Probably Don't Know Virtually Dachshunds
19) Dachshunds Are Fiercely Loyal
Dachshunds are loyal to their people.
They love to snuggle with you on the couch, sleep with you in bed, and follow you around the business firm (including into the bathroom).
They will be protective of their family members and sometimes 1 particular fellow member of the family unit.
Socialization is very important and then they don't become super protective and lash out at strange dogs or people (resource guarding a person).
This is what some of our readers had to say about a Dachshund's Velcro nature:
"They are fiercely loyal to their "pack". Y'all are their pack. They alive to love and be loved." – Sue, Dachshund owner
"Oh yes they WILL be in your bed. I've had dogs my whole life, never slept with any of them. Then I got a dachshund." – Susan, Dachshund owner
twenty) Dachshunds Are Very Social
I tell people that this is NOT a breed that will be happy hanging alone all day while y'all are at work (although every canis familiaris is unlike).
They are very social and can be unhappy when bored and alone.
Somme people choose to get two Dachshunds and then theirs isn't lonely when left home alone. This should be considered advisedly though as a second ane is an additional responsibility and cost.
Many are totally fine if a canis familiaris walker stops by during the twenty-four hours to give them a lilliputian people fourth dimension or they have a friend to go on them visitor.
I will say though, my Dachshund Gretel was an just dog in between when Chester passed away and we got our puppy Elevation. She missed the company a little but was generally fine.
Ane way to help fulfill their want to be social is to find a dog meetup grouping near yous.
21) Prepare Yourself For a Lot Fun
Be prepared for wiener jokes. Dachshund owners love a great pun.
Yous will also hear a lot of the same comments over and over if you hike with your Dachshund.
As well, owning a Dachshund makes you office of a community. Dachshund people are fanatic and gravitate to one some other.
Random people will run up to you on the street to tell you about theirs out abode.
There are many Dachshund clubs and meetup groups around the country you tin can join.
I have become good friends with several people who belong to my Dachshund Guild in Seattle.
Dachshunds aren't just a pet, they're a lifestyle!
You tin can hear all of the above plus more directly from other Dachshund owners on our Facebook page.
Every domestic dog breed has a set of typical characteristics that brand them who they are.
Dachshund may certainly exist more than challenging than some breeds merely are less challenging than others.
I Beloved, LOVE Dachshunds simply they are not a brood for everyone.
If you already own a Dachshund, yous should learn all you lot tin can near them and acquire to work WITH them instead of against them.
If you are looking to add a new pup to your household, Delight have into consideration all of the above and be honest well-nigh whether a Dachshund is the right breed for you lot.
So many Dachshunds end up in shelters every year because people don't know what they got themselves into when they brought home 1 of these funny little dogs. That makes me deplorable!
Are you a Dachshund owner? If you take something to add together to this list, please do in the comments.
Source: https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/21-things-about-dachshunds-every-owner-should-know/