Taking care of a Dachshund
is not an impossible task, but it is guaranteed to go much easier once you take
the time to educate yourself about the needs and temperament of these little hot
dogs. Dachshunds can be good-natured and friendly, but require plenty of training
and guidance to be acceptable dogs in the home and with a family. An overindulged
Dachshund may become snappy, and an under socialized dog may become afraid and
withdrawn. Dachshund care must include consideration of basic needs, building
a relationship with your pet and training your puppy in obedience and potty habits.
Meeting your Dog’s Basic Needs
The primary needs that will become
a part of your regular Dachshund care will be feeding, grooming and exercising
your dog. These needs must be met every single day, preferably in the form of
a regular routine that your dog can learn and depend upon. Feeding your pet as
a part of your Dachshund’s care will include offering measured amounts of food
once or twice a day. Since obesity can cause some fairly major health problems
with this breed, it is usually not recommended to free feed your Dachshund. However,
there are exceptions to nearly every rule, so if you are in doubt about the proper
way to feed your dog, check with your vet or breeder for advice and instructions.
Grooming
a Dachshund is a fairly low maintenance part of Dachshund care, since the short
hair of the coats rarely needs to be brushed. The exception will be the long-haired
Dachshund that will require frequent brushing to keep his coat silky smooth and
free of tangles. Baths will be an occasional necessity as part of Dachshund care,
but keep in mind that outdoor baths are only acceptable during the warmest days
of the year. Most baths will need to take place in your bathroom or mudroom to
keep your pup as warm as possible.
Getting to Know You
Spending
time with your pup is the best way to develop a bond with him, and an important
aspect of Dachshund care. Play fetch, go for walks, or simply curl up on the couch
with a good book and your favorite furry lap warmer. Your Dachshund will be happiest
to be with you, doing whatever you are doing, as often as possible. Playing with
and walking your dog will also ensure that your dog gets adequate exercise which
is important for physical and mental health, as well as proper weight maintenance.
Puppy
Training
Training your pup as a part of overall Dachshund care will begin
at about the moment that your puppy places his first paw inside your home. You
will be responsible for setting the rules of the house for your dog, and enforcing
those rules with patience and persistence. Housebreaking is another part of training
in Dachshund care, and most Dachshund owners are anxious to have this training
step completed as quickly as possible!
General Dachshund care is not terribly
difficult, but is very important in building a lasting relationship with your
dog. Part of Dachshund care will be in knowing about health
concerns facing the Dachshund.
Attention: To discover how
YOU can have the Happiest, Healthiest and Best Behaved Dachshund,
get a copy of this Dachshund Guide
NOW!
