General Dachshund Care
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 An overindulged Dachshund may become snappy, and an under socialized dog may become afraid and withdrawn.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.
