The Dachshund is a dog breed with short legs and a particularly long back. It is originally from Germany, where it was used as a hunting dog and called Dachshund (ie "badger dog"). To take care of your dog, you will need to consider their particular needs, including their susceptibility to back problems. You will need to help him maintain the right weight, take care of his hygiene and train him. Read on to learn how.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Protect Your Dachshund's Back
Step 1. Remember that Dachshunds are predisposed to intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), like other small breeds
This disease causes the jelly-like material between the animal's vertebrae to bulge outward or break, starting to push against bones and nerves. IVDD can cause pain, bladder control problems, and even paralysis. To reduce the risk of your dog getting this condition you will need to take precautions. You should also learn to recognize the symptoms so that you can spot the problem right away. See your vet immediately if you notice any of the following symptoms:
- Change in the activity level of the dog, which does not jump and no longer run as before.
- Problems standing up.
- Moans of pain.
- Behavior changes, which becomes more anxious and nervous.
- Incorrect back and neck posture leading to tension in those muscle groups.
- Lack of appetite.
- Loss of bladder and bowel control.
Step 2. Help your dachshund maintain adequate weight
Overweight dogs are at a much higher risk of IVDD, so it's important to feed your dog the right way and get him to exercise plenty. To see if your dachshund has the right weight, stand on top of him and look down. If you can see his ribs, he is too skinny and should put on weight. If you can't see them but can feel them with your fingers, the weight is correct. If you can't see or feel the dog's ribs, he is overweight. The dachshund should also have a narrow waist and not have a sagging belly.
- Talk to your vet to determine your dog's ideal weight. He will be able to suggest the best diet for him to follow.
- Take the dachshund for a walk and play with him every day.
- Give treats to the dog in moderation.
- If your dachshund is too fat, you may want to feed him diet foods.
Step 3. Learn how to hold your dachshund
By doing it right you can protect his back. Support the dog's hindquarters with one hand and place the other under the belly to support the spine. Practice with something lighter before holding it.
Never hold the dachshund with one hand, by the legs or by the head
Step 4. Help your dachshund up and down stairs
Climbing stairs would strain your back and over time could develop IVDD, because normal steps are too high for these animals. To avoid this problem, always take your dog with you when he has to climb from one floor to another.
- Install a baby gate to prevent the dachshund from climbing or descending stairs.
- You can install ramps on smaller stairs that your dog can use to go up and down.
Step 5. Prevent your dachshund from jumping on furniture or other high places
Jumping can also put a lot of strain on the pet's back and increase the risk of IVDD. To eliminate this risk factor, do not allow the dog to jump onto taller furniture, such as the sofa or bed. If you want him to get on your legs, lift him up and don't encourage him to jump.
You can install furniture ramps to allow the dachshund to climb up when you are not around
Step 6. Use a harness to walk your dachshund
If he had a tendency to pull on the leash, he would strain his vertebrae too much and could develop IVDD. By tying the leash to a harness and not a collar you can reduce this stress on his neck and eliminate another risk factor.
Method 2 of 3: Training the Dachshund
Step 1. Have short and regular training sessions
For best results, train your dachshund with three 5-minute sessions every day. The duration of the training must be short because the attention threshold of the dogs is limited. The high frequency will instead help to reinforce the attitudes that the animal must learn.
Step 2. Reward your dachshund for good behaviors
To encourage him to do what you want, you'll need to reward positive attitudes right away. For example, if you ask the pet to sit and it reacts in the right way, you should immediately praise and stroke it, to let it know that it is behaving well. You have to reward him every time he does something positive, so that he understands what actions to repeat.
Step 3. Ignore your dachshund's negative behaviors
In this way he will understand which are the actions not to repeat, because they did not allow him to receive a reward. For example, if your dog wants to go for a walk and runs around the house in excitement, ignore him and wait for him to calm down before putting the harness on him. When it stays still, prepare it and take it out. Follow these tips whenever you go for a walk with him to help him understand what he shouldn't do. He will learn that running around the house doesn't help him get out, while staying still does.
Step 4. Consider getting help from a professional trainer
If you have trouble getting your dachshund to obey, you can hire someone more experienced than you. A professional trainer will help you educate your dog to your preferences and can be especially helpful if you are unable to correct your pet's unwelcome behaviors.
You can also do research on local group training courses if you want to socialize your dachshund
Method 3 of 3: Treating the Dachshund's Hygiene
Step 1. Wash your dachshund
Use a special dog shampoo. If the animal has short hair, a bath every three months will suffice. If, on the other hand, it has long hair, more frequent washes will be needed. Use a hand shower to get all of his fur wet, but avoid the areas around his eyes, ears, and nose. Then, apply the shampoo by massaging it, rinse it and dry it with a towel.
Praise him and give him treats after a bath, to help him associate washing with a pleasant experience
Step 2. Brush your dachshund
If you have short hair, you just need to do it once a week. If they have long hair, you should do this every day to avoid tangles and felted hair. Use a wide-toothed comb to remove knots before moving on to brushing. Remember to give your dog a lot of praise when you brush him and reward him with food when you are done, so that the experience is enjoyable for him.
Step 3. Trim your dog's nails
To do this, you will need a special tool that you can buy at pet stores. Before you get to work, you can get your dachshund used to contact by touching its claws. If you notice that he is particularly wary when you approach him, start by stroking his paws. When he feels more comfortable, you can try cutting his nails.
- Make sure you don't cut them too much or you could injure the dog and make him bleed.
- If you are afraid of hurting your dog when you cut his nails, ask your vet or a professional to show you how.
Step 4. Pay attention to any problems
The moments dedicated to your dog's hygiene are ideal for checking for ticks, fleas and other health problems. Be sure to inspect the pet's skin for suspicious masses, wounds, or sensitive areas. You should also check the dachshund's ears for bad odors or too much ear wax. If you notice anything unusual, make an appointment with your vet right away.
Advice
Make sure you schedule regular vet appointments (two per year) so your dog doesn't miss vaccinations
Warnings
- Consider taking out insurance for your dachshund. These dogs can be brave and a little wild - qualities that can get them into trouble and lead to premature death.
- Dachshunds' nails are dark, so be very careful when cutting them. Don't get to the blood vessels.
- Dogs that are not used to people and other animals may bark, growl and even bite. Socialize your dachshund from a young age and continue to expose him to contact with strangers throughout his life.
- Do not let your dog become overweight or he will risk serious health and back problems.
