Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 3: Protect your dachshund's back
• Method 2 of 3: Train your dachshund
• Method 3 of 3: Brushing your dachshund
• Tips
• Warnings

The dachshund (pronounced DAK-sund) or dachshund is a breed of dog with shorter legs and a longer back than most. Originally from Germany, the dachshund was originally a hunting dog. (the name "dachshund" is literally translated as "dachshund"). To take good care of your dachshund you need to be aware of their special needs, including their susceptibility to hernia. Caring for your dachshund includes keeping him at a healthy weight, brushing him, and teaching him good manners. Read on to learn more about how to care for your dachshund.

To step

Method 1 of 3: Protect your dachshund's back

1. Be aware that dachshunds are prone to hernias (intervertebral disc disease or IVDD). Like some other small dog breeds, dachshunds have a higher risk of developing hernia. In a hernia, the firm connective tissue of the intervertebral disc tears and the gel-like core comes out, which can put pressure on the spinal cord or a nerve exiting the spinal cord. Hernias can cause pain, bladder control problems, and even paralysis. To help reduce the risk of a hernia in your dachshund, you will need to take certain precautions. You also need to know how to recognize the symptoms of a hernia in your dachshund in order to assess when there is a problem. Contact your vet immediately if you see any of the following symptoms:
   • Change in activity level, no more jumping or running.
   • Have trouble standing.
   • Screaming in pain.
   • Change in behavior, behaving tense, nervous.
   • Curving of the back and neck and / or tightening of the back and neck muscles.
   • Eating less or not at all.
   • Losing control of the bladder and / or bowels.
2. Help your dachshund to maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight will put your dachshund at a much higher risk of developing hernias, so it is important to feed him well and give him plenty of exercise. To determine if your dachshund is of a healthy weight, stand over him and look down. If you can see his ribs, he is too thin and needs to put on some weight. If you can't see his ribs, but you can feel them when you touch his sides, he's a healthy weight. If you can't see or feel his ribs, he's overweight. It is better for your dachshund to have a narrow waist than a belly that hangs down.
   • Talk to your vet to determine how much weight to lose or gain. Your vet can also tell you how much to feed your dachshund to help him gain and maintain a healthy weight.
   • Walk and play with your dachshund every day.
   • Give rewards in moderation.
   • Consider feeding your dachshund a light dog food if he is overweight.
3. Learn how to manage your dachshund. Holding your dachshund properly will also help protect its back. To lift your dachshund, support his butt with one hand and place the other hand under his stomach to support his back. It may be a good idea to practice this with something light before lifting your dachshund.
   • Never hold your dachshund with just one hand, or by its paws or head.
4. Help your dachshund walk up and down stairs. Stair climbing puts pressure on your dachshund's back and after a while it can cause him to develop a hernia. Common stairs are too high for dachshunds to go up and down without putting pressure on their back. To avoid this problem, always lift your dachshund if you want him to go up or down stairs.
   • Install a stair gate to keep your dachshund from going up and down the stairs.
   • Consider installing short flight stairs that your dachshund needs to go up and down every day.
5. Keep your dachshund from jumping on furniture and other high places. Jumping also puts a lot of pressure on your dachshund's back and can increase his risk of a hernia. To rule out this risk factor, prohibit your Dachshund from jumping on high places, such as the couch or your bed. If you want your dachshund to sit on your lap, lift it yourself. Don't encourage him to jump.
   • Consider placing a few gangways near furniture if you want your dachshund to be able to get on furniture when you are not there.
6. Use a harness to walk your dachshund. If your dachshund has a tendency to jerk when you take him out, he will put extra pressure on his vertebrae which in turn can increase the risk of a hernia. By attaching his leash to a harness instead of a collar, it will help reduce pressure on his neck and thereby rule out another factor for hernia.

Method 2 of 3: Train your dachshund

1. Keep training sessions short. Exercise your dachshund three times for five minutes each day for best results. Keeping training sessions short will help your dachshund to stay focused. Regular review will help confirm what you want to teach your dachshund.
2. Reward good behavior. To get your dachshund to do what you want, you need to reward his good behavior as soon as he does it. For example, if you ask your dachshund to sit and he complies, immediately compliment and pet him to let him know he has done something right. You should reward your dachshund every time he does something right so he knows this is the behavior you want.
3. Ignore bad behavior. You can help your dachshund understand what you don't want him to do by simply ignoring the bad behavior or withholding the reward. For example, if your dachshund wants to go for a walk and he is sprinting around the house because he is so excited, ignore him and wait for him to stop to put on his harness. When he stops and stands still, put on his harness and take him for a walk. Do this every time you go for a walk with your dachshund to help him understand what you don't want him to do. He will learn that running around does not lead to a walk, but standing still does.
4. Consider working with a certified professional dog trainer. If you are having trouble teaching your dachshund to follow your commands, consider hiring someone to help you train your dog. A certified professional dog trainer can help you train your dachshund. This can be especially helpful if you are struggling to correct bad habits.
   • You can also look for group training in your area if you want to socialize your dachshund right away as well.

Method 3 of 3: Brushing your dachshund

1. Used to be your dachshund. Use special dog shampoo to wash your dachshund. If your dog has short hair, you can give your dog a bath once every three months. If your dog has long hair, you may need to wash her more often. Using a shower hose, wet your dog's entire coat, but not the areas around her eyes, ears, and nose. Then massage the shampoo into your dog's coat. Rinse all shampoo and then towel dry hair.
   • Offer your dachshund plenty of compliments and a reward after a bath to help him associate bath time with good things.
2. Brush your dachshund. If your dachshund has short hair, you will only need to brush it once a week. If your dachshund has long hair, it is necessary to brush it daily to prevent tangles and a felted coat. Use a wide tooth comb to help remove tangles before proceeding with the brush. Make sure to give your dog lots of praise while brushing him and give him a treat when you're done so that he associates brushing with good things.
3. Cut your dog's nails. To trim your dachshund's nails, you will need a special dog nail clipper. You can buy them at the pet store. You may also need to get your dachshund used to touching his nails before attempting to trim them. If your dachshund is suspicious of you touching his paws and nails, help him get used to them by stroking his paws and touching his toes. Give him compliments and a reward when he allows you to touch his toes. When he's comfortable touching his paws, you can try clipping his nails.
   • Make sure you don't cut too far or you will hit the life of his nail. This area is very sensitive and may bleed.
   • If you are concerned about hurting your dog when clipping, ask your vet to show you how to do it, or have your dog's nails trimmed at a professional grooming salon.
4. Inspect for problems. Brush time is a great time to check your dog for fleas, ticks and other potential health problems. Make sure to check your dog's skin for any unusual bumps, cuts or sensitive areas. You should also check your dog's ears for excessive wax build-up and bad odors. If you find anything that seems abnormal, make an appointment with your vet as soon as possible.

Tips

• Make sure to make regular appointments with your vet (twice a year) to make sure your dog is up to date with exams and vaccinations.

Warnings

• Consider getting health insurance for your pet. Dachshunds can be clumsy and reckless - a trait that can get them into trouble, often resulting in two options: operate or put them to sleep.
• Dachshunds' nails are dark, so be very careful when clipping them. Do not try to hit the life (blood vessels in the nail).
• Dogs unaccustomed to humans and other dogs can bark, growl, and even bite. Socialize your dachshund with other dogs and people from an early age and continue to do so throughout his life.
• Don't let your dachshund put on too much weight. This can cause serious back and health problems.