Dachshunds are intelligent problem solvers who love following you around the house. They particularly like sleeping on your bed and following you into the bathroom!
Train your puppy to come when called by finding a quiet area in your yard and starting by saying his or her name followed by “come”. As they approach, run backwards a few steps and reward with “good”.
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Exercise
Dachshund puppies require lots of exercise, especially the long-legged variety. Bred specifically to scramble down badger holes and chase small game, these dogs require regular play sessions in order to remain physically fit.
When taking them on walks, make sure not to overdo it – too much exercise can actually harm a puppy and must be monitored appropriately by him or her; an off-lead garden exercise session would allow your pup the freedom to stop at any time!
For recall practice, have your puppy sit and hold out a hand for them to sniff (they love this!). As soon as they sniff it, say their name and “Come!”, saying this five times per day in three different locations to help generalization. Reward them with treats afterwards! To maintain generalization over time.
Training
Dachshunds need regular training in order to avoid getting themselves into mischief. These clever little dogs will find any excuse possible to cause havoc!
As soon as your puppy learns its name and knows its response, this lays the groundwork for future training and harmonious coexistence! Simply say their name while holding out a low calorie training treat in your hand; once they look at you drop the treat and show them that responding to it can bring rewards!
Training your puppy to sit and stay on command is also highly beneficial in helping keep them calm and focused when playing or eating, preventing distraction from other dogs or objects around them. Furthermore, teaching bite inhibition skills is vital so they won’t use their mouths as a form of play or exploration.
Health
A Dachshund’s unique body build — also referred to as doxie or weiner dog — can be both strikingly attractive and health issues, such as predisposing them to intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) resulting in difficulty walking or climbing stairs, osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), more commonly known as “brittle bone disease”, which may lead to broken bones.
Though these concerns exist, dachshunds tend to be generally healthy dogs. With proper exercise, stimulation/training/stimulation, grooming and diet dachshunds can live 12-15 years with healthy joints, reduced eye strain and Omega 3 fatty acid supplementation which may delay cataract development. Furthermore, an appropriate diet can decrease diabetes and heart valve disease risk in your pup – now is a good time to initiate your puppy wellness plan and discuss proper foods with us!
Care
Before buying your sausage dog puppy from either a breeder or animal shelter, always carefully inspect them. Reputable breeders won’t object to you inspecting their puppies – you should be able to check that their eyes are clear of discharge, their ears free from infestation and that their gums and teeth look healthy.
If the puppy is rescue, you should be able to access its medical records from its shelter or vet and verify that its inoculations and deworming treatments have taken place.
Be mindful that sausage dogs, also known as weiners, cannot keep their bladders full for an extended period, so you may need to get up with them several times throughout the night to make sure their bladders don’t overflow. Jumping can put undue strain on their spines so be mindful and provide ramps when they want to hop up onto couches or beds.
