Teaching Your Dachshund the House Rules
Housebreaking your Dachsie Nipping puppy biting and chewing in the bud Dealing with that Dachshund bark, bark, bark Teaching your puppy not to jump Working with an old dog on new tricks ou've been worrying about training your new Dachshund, haven't you What new dog owner doesn't Bad behavior is a major cause of puppy and dog abandonment to animal shelters, and the saddest part is that the puppies and dogs aren't even to blame. They pay the price for their owners' lack of knowledge and...
Addressing a Senior Dachshunds Care Needs
The good news is, when she has passed her 7th year of life, your Dachshund's chance of developing canine intervertebral disc disease CIDD decreases see Chapter 17 . The bad news is, her chance of developing other conditions such as kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, cancer, heart disease, arthritis, cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, and dementia increases. Fortunately, many of these age-related conditions are treatable if caught in time. Conditions like diabetes and liver and kidney...
Recognizing When Problems Arent Just Old Age
It's easy to assume that if your senior dog is slowing down, becoming confused, or even occasionally yelping in pain, she's simply experiencing symptoms due to old age. Aging, however, isn't a disease. If your Dachshund displays any of the following signs or symptoms, contact your vet right away, because it isn't just old age if your pet 1 Acts confused. This could be a sign of dementia something dogs can develop just like people. Canine dementia is treatable. 1 Yelps in pain. This could be a...
The Miniature Dachshund
All Dachshunds are clowns, but there's something particularly hilarious about the antics of the Miniature Dachshund. Of course, that may depend on your sense of humor. Small-dog aficionados are particularly charmed by the Mini's attitude, obstinacy, independence, and over-confident, rapid-fire barks. And, of course, if you love small dogs, a Mini Dachshund really is as cute as they come. Love cats Miniature Dachshunds make great cat companions as long as you introduce the two carefully and give...
Competing in Earthdog Tests Born to Burrow
Bottom line Dachshunds love to dig. But you already know that. If yours is a digger extraordinaire, he may have the right stuff for earthdog tests or den trials. Most Dachshunds do. Earthdog tests are a lot of fun, and any AKC-registered Dachshund or Terrier 6 months of age or older may participate, including spayed and neutered dogs. Den trials are similar but sponsored by the American Working Terrier Association AWTA , or a local group. Many Dachshunds need minimal training to excel in this...
Be prepared for behavioral changes and keep your
Dachshund's routine as regular as possible. Older dogs tend to become less flexible and more resentful about changes in routine, because changes can be confusing. Feed, walk, and take your Dachshund out at the same times each day. If your Dachshund's vision or hearing declines, be sure to keep furniture and her food and water bowls in the same places so she doesn't get disoriented. If you have an older longhaired or wirehaired Dachshund, don't yank at mats or strip hair too vigorously. Too much...
Recognizing Normal Dachshund Behavior
Despite all the generalizations you hear about dogs and Dachshunds, the fact is, every Dachshund is different. Some are more stubborn than others. And some are jollier or bigger performers, or more retiring, or less likely to enjoy children, or more friendly toward strangers, and so on. You can read every book on the planet about Dachshunds, dog behavior, and training, but until you get to know the personality of your Dachshund, you'll have only half the story. Putting any individual Dachshund...
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a thyroid gland disorder in which the thyroid doesn't secrete enough of its hormone, slowing a dog's metabolism and resulting in weight gain, fatigue, sluggish behavior, dry skin, hair loss, and severe behavioral changes ranging from aggression to depression. If your Dachshund exhibits these symptoms, call your vet for an appointment. Dachshunds, along with many other breeds, are particularly prone to hypothyroidism. Most dogs develop the disease in middle age. It can be...
Getting Regular Exercise Move It or Lose It
Every living thing with muscles needs to exercise. Exercise helps keep your Dachshund young, strong, and slim. Couch potato Dachshunds may be more prone to disk problems see Chapter 37 , less able to fight off disease, and generally less healthy than their more athletic counterparts. How much should your Dachshund weigh That depends on her size Standard or Miniature , muscle mass, and other factors. In general, however, you can tell whether your Dachshund is too fat by checking periodically...
Making your home a Dachshund haven
Your home can be more than safe. It can be a Dachshund dream house. When you're Dachs-proofing your home, I recommend that you get down on your belly and look around for potential hazards see Chapter 6 . You can do the same thing to make your Dachsie's dream house this time getting down there to look for what a Dachshund would like to see. Low furniture, lots of cushions, a Dachshund-sized sofa, enclosed pet beds that give a sense of security cat beds are good for Minis , and lots of blankets...
Look at your Dachshund from the top see Figure
She should look more like a squash than a sausage. Her body should get narrower between the back of the rib cage and the hips. A too-sharp narrowing, however, could signal that your Dachshund is underweight. 1 Feel your Dachshund's ribs. Can you feel the individual ribs under a thin but slightly padded layer of skin Just right. If you can't find any sign of ribs, however, your Dachshund is too fat. If the ribs are very visible without even touching them, your Dachshund may be too thin. Figure...
Part I Preparing to Live with a Dachshund
Chapter 1 Is a Dachshund Right for Chapter 2 Defining the Dashing Chapter 3 The Long and Short of Dachshund Varieties 39 Chapter 5 Rescue Me Adopting a Part II Starting Out on the Right Paw at Chapter 6 Making Your Home Chapter 7 Dachs-Proofing Your Chapter 8 Purchasing Your Dachshund Chapter 9 The First Day What to Do and What to Expect 109 Not an Oxymoron Chapter 10 Understanding the Defiant Chapter 11 Taking Charge of Your Chapter 12 Determining Your Trainer Chapter 13 Teaching Your...
Purchasing Your Dachshund Essentials
Finding a den that's truly home sweet home Perusing the must-haves and why-nots of pet supplies Picking up grooming tools and toys Deciding what to feed your Dachshund f you love shopping, this chapter is for you. And even if you don't, no need to despair. Many pet catalogs and Internet sites are at your service This chapter is all about pet supplies what you and your Dachshund need and what you don't necessarily need but think would be awfully fun to have. Every dog needs a few basics, and...
Why Good Backs Go Bad
The title Why Good Backs Go Bad is a bit of a misnomer, because many Dachshunds don't have good backs to start with. Dachshunds are a chondrodystrophic breed along with a handful of other breeds, like Pekingese, Cocker Spaniels, and Basset Hounds . Any dog or any human, for that matter could experience disk disease, but because of the way they're built and because of the nature of their backbones, Dachshunds are particularly susceptible to canine intervertebral disk disease sometimes called...
CrateandWait
Waaait a minute, you may be thinking. Just how much is this surgery going to cost me That depends on where you live and where you take your Dachshund, but the all-inclusive charges probably will range from 800 to over 2,000 most are probably close to 1,500 . For many Dachshund owners, surgery isn't an affordable option, so is surgery your only choice when your Dachshund's disks go bad No, although for severe episodes, it has the highest success rate by a long shot. The other option is the one...
Progressive retinal atrophy
Some Dachshunds will develop progressive retinal atrophy, a degenerative eye disease that eventually results in blindness. The disease isn't painful and sometimes has no symptoms until the dog is almost completely blind however, some dogs will show reluctance to go down stairs or go into dark areas night blindness can be an initial stage of the disease . In some dogs, the eye lens looks more opaque or cloudy, but this isn't always the case. In particular, longhaired Miniature Dachshunds may be...
How Dachsies manipulate
Dogs need certain things, like food, shelter, warmth, and companionship. They also desire certain things, like more food, more warmth, and a whole lotta companionship. Dogs don't like other things, like hunger, standing out in the rain, or being ignored. They're social animals, domesticated to enjoy the good life and oh, how they love suppertime. It only makes sense, then, that your Dachshund will do whatever he can to get more of what he wants and less of what he doesn't want. Any creature...
Selecting your den
You can purchase a crate or kennel for your Dachshund at most pet stores or even at discount-type department stores. You can also find a huge variety of pet housing on the Internet, ranging in price from 15.00 or 20.00 to almost 100.00, depending on the brand, the design, and the store. When purchasing a Dachshund den, look for a sturdy, well-ventilated plastic or metal crate with an easy-open door easy for you to open, not your Dachshund . You want to find a size just big enough that your...
Oh Those Dachshund Wiles
If you get a Dachshund, you're dealing with a hunter, a tracker, a digger, an athlete, and an actor destined for whatever stage you'll give him. The combination results in a unique set of what I like to call Dachshund wiles. Dachshund wiles are hard to define, yet exceedingly powerful. They make up the force that mysteriously compels you to hand over half of your hot dog to your devious little darling, even when you're still hungry. They keep you from answering the phone when your Dachshund is...
Ten Great Choices for Your Dachsie Bookshelf
Millions of dog books, so little time Here are a few fun Dachshund books to add to your collection, if you have one and if you don't, why not start one right now The Culture Clash, by Jean Donaldson James amp Kenneth Publishers . You'll never look at training a dog the same way again. When you read this, you'll keep saying, Ohhhh I get it Don't Shoot the Dog The New Art of Teaching and Training, by Karen Pryor Ringpress Books Ltd . Another really helpful book on dog training. Dig In Earthdog...
Practicing Good Grooming
Keeping your Dachshund well-groomed is an important part of maintaining her overall health, for the following reasons i A healthy, mat-free coat makes examination of the skin easier and doesn't harbor pests, dirt, or bacteria. i Tartar-free and plaque-free teeth aren't susceptible to gum disease. Brushing also prevents more serious conditions like heart disease, which can result from bacteria in your dog's mouth traveling to her heart. i Short, clipped nails keep your Dachshund's feet healthy...
Shining in Obedience Competitions Surprise em All
Maybe beauty contests aren't your kind of thing. Or perhaps your Dachshund doesn't particularly like to sit still and look pretty. But if he has a particular knack for basic obedience cues and you're great at teaching them see Chapter 14 , obedience competition or the less-competitive sport called Rally may be for you. In Rally, dogs and their handlers that's you compete on a course designed by the judge. The judge tells you where to start, and you and your Dachshund move along at your own...
Longhaired grooming tools
Grooming a longhaired Dachshund is mostly a matter of keeping all those tiny little tangles from becoming great big mats. It takes a little skill and practice, but mostly it takes a commitment to regular grooming preferably a comb-through every day. Several books give good instructions on grooming longhaired Dachshunds for the show ring or for pet homes, but nothing beats watching someone who knows the ropes demonstrate for you. Your breeder may be the best person to show you a professional dog...
Collecting the musthaves
Following is your list of pet supply staples. These items are pretty much non-negotiable. Your Dachshund needs them. You can spend a little or a lot on, say, a leash or a food bowl. You can even buy most of the supplies at garage sales or borrow them from friends who no longer have dogs. But you need to find the following items, one way or the other 1 Food Buy as good a food as you can afford see the later section Kibble, Kibble, Everywhere . . . for more about what to feed your Dachshund . 1...
The crying game
One of the hardest parts for dog lovers to endure is the whining. Your Dachshund will cry, moan, howl, plead, and beg on the first night. He wants to sleep with you. How can you resist He sounds so pitiful, so pathetic, so lonely. If you were in that kennel, you'd want someone to take you out and cuddle you, too. But you aren't in that kennel, and your Dachshund isn't a human. Dogs prefer to sleep in enclosed, den-like places. Yours simply hasn't grown accustomed to his den yet, and he won't if...
Dachshund Bloat
Bloat, or gastric torsion, is an emergency condition that happens most often to deep-chested breeds like Dachshunds. For unknown reasons, the stomach fills with gas and then twists on itself. Without treatment, bloat is fatal. If your Dachshund suddenly starts pacing, salivating, and acting upset, nervous, or in pain or it just seems like something is very wrong suspect bloat. Call your vet immediately. Emergency surgery could save your dog's life. Some experts theorize that you can prevent...
A companion to dens Dog beds for Dachsies
If you're talking aesthetics, dog beds see Figure 8-1 for an example are much nicer looking than crates and kennels. Some Dachshunds love them especially the beds that are more enclosed. Many Dachshunds, especially Minis, like those cushy, semi-enclosed cat beds. If you want to and can get yours used to a bed, that's fine. You can buy some beautiful ones even furniture-quality wooden beds sized just for small dogs. Figure 8-1 Some Dachshunds, like these longhairs, like to call dog beds home....
Understanding your chondrodystrophy canine
Your Dachshund's spinal column is made up of small bones called vertebrae that surround and protect the spinal cord see Figure 17-1 . His spinal column consists of four primary sections the cervical spine, or neck area the thoracic spine, or chest area the lumbar spine, or lower-back area and the sacral spine, or pelvic area. The spinal cord is the information highway of the body, sending messages from the body to the brain about what's going on in the environment and from the brain back to the...
Communicating with Your Dachshund
How do you talk Dachshund First, you have to see the world from your Dachshund's point of view. Imagine that you're a Dachshund, scampering around about 8 inches off the ground. You've suddenly been uprooted from the home you knew, and here you are in a strange place with a strange creature who towers above you and keeps uttering strange, undecipherable sounds. The creature seems very nice, offering food and petting you. The voice sounds well-intentioned, and sometimes you get treats. But...
Understanding the Defiant Dachshund
Opening the books on a Dachshund's intelligence Accepting that Dachshunds don't speak English Talking to and understanding the Dachshund Relating to your individual Dachshund X ou've heard it from this book if you've read earlier chapters and probably from many other places if you've been doing your Dachsie research Dachshunds are notoriously stubborn. You may also have heard the words defiant, willful, obstinate, headstrong, and intractable. All true, yes, and appropriate in some Dachshunds...
Poisons
Want another thing to worry about with a chew-happy puppy Poisons. Even if you keep the drain cleaner and the bleach out of reach, plenty of other household items and substances can poison your puppy, from ibuprofen like Advil or aspirin tablets to rotten food in your trashcan. Here are some common household poisons that you should keep well out of reach from your puppy l Cleaners of all types. Some are more toxic than others, but who wants to wait and see which ones may be okay i All human and...
Which commercial food is best
If you choose to feed your dog dry kibble the easiest option the number of choices is astounding. Corn-based, meat-based, hypoallergenic, natural, meat meal, fresh meat, by-products, no meat, human-grade ingredients how do you pick Well, your first job is to learn how to read the labels. The following list explains how i Look for kibble that lists meat or meat meal as the first ingredient, and preferably also as the second and or third ingredient. Fresh meat and meat meal are both high-quality...
Compensating for Stairs
A big thing to consider when Dachs-proofing your home is how to make your stairs Dachshund-friendly. Stairs are hard on Dachshund backs see Chapter 17 , especially for the Minis because each step is a lot bigger to a 7-pound dog than to a 30-pound dog. If you have stairs in your home, that's no reason to give up your Dachshund dreams. But you do need to take a few precautions. If you have the space and the resources, a ramp is great for Dachshunds. A ramp is most practical outside, where you...
Making a Friend for Life
Adopting a Dachshund can be one of the most rewarding things you can ever do as a pet owner. People who've adopted often claim that their dogs seem eternally and exuberantly grateful throughout their entire lives. Will the dog know what you've done for him Maybe not in so many words, but a dog who has lost his home and then finds one with you will probably be as devoted a dog as you'll find. Of course, not every rescued or shelter dog comes pretrained, presocialized, and ready to accept a new...
The athlete
Dachshunds may have delicate backs and may not appear particularly buff, but many are superior athletes see Figure 11-1 for an example . Dachshunds are built to work, not to sit around looking pretty. Even Minis are designed to follow quarry into small dens. No lap dogs in Dachshund land although they do love your lap . What does the Dachshund's natural athletic ability mean to your training Figure 11-1 This Dachsie looks like a natural athlete, no Figure 11-1 This Dachsie looks like a natural...
Allergies
Some Dachshunds have skin problems that a veterinarian will diagnose as allergies possibly to environmental contacts and inhalants or food. Many pet owners think their pets have food allergies, but true food allergies account for only about 5 percent of allergic skin problems. Allergies usually show up in the form of rashes, itchy sores, and plenty of scratching. A switch to a higher quality food with a single protein source like lamb, fish, or venison helps some dogs not only with food...
Ten Good Foods Ten Bad Foods
Feeding your Dachshund good people food occasionally Avoiding dangerous people foods lenty of people can't resist giving their Dachshunds just a little bite of this and just a tiny smidgen of that. After all, how can you turn down those pleading, hungry faces A little bit of healthy people food won't hurt a Dachshund, as long as your Dachsie isn't ingesting too many calories. In fact, a variety of healthy foods may actually be good for your Dachshund. Many experts disagree, but it makes sense...
Pros and Cons of Adopting a Dachsie
Before you run out and sign the papers to adopt a rescued or shelter Dachshund, put some serious thought into it. Sure, it's a wonderful thing to do. However, you don't want to get into a situation where you'll regret the adoption or, even worse, have to give the dog back. You should consider the pros and cons of adopting a Dachshund, weighing them against your situation and inclinations before making a commitment. The very last thing a rescued or shelter Dachshund needs is to think he has a...
Examining the Pros and Cons of Dachshund Ownership
Dachshund ownership is easy to romanticize You and your cute little wiener dog, together forever. You see yourself taking leisurely walks through the park with your Dachsie by your side relaxing with a good book and his warm body on your lap having a loyal companion and friend, and a playmate for the kids and having friends comment on how well-behaved, well-trained, and intelligent your dog is. Well, guess what Life with a dog isn't always like that. From sleepless nights with a new puppy to...
Meditating on Holistic Health Care
When searching for the perfect vet, chances are you've encountered or at least heard about one or more holistic veterinarians in your area. The movement toward more holistic and natural health care is big right now and nowhere more so than in the world of animal companions. Holistic veterinarians may practice any or all of a number of different holistic healing techniques most specialize in one or two , including homeopathy, herbalism, flower essences, acupuncture, acupressure, pet massage of...
Wirehaired grooming tools
If you don't care about keeping your dog looking like a show dog, a wirehaired Dachsie can get by with an electric clipper shave whenever her wiry coat gets out of hand. If you want your dog to look ready for the show ring, however, you need a few other tools including your thumb and forefinger, which you'll use periodically to pluck the longer hairs from your Dachshund's coat it doesn't hurt her , or a stripping knife. Just as with longhairs, you'll learn a lot by watching a pro demonstrate...
A common Dachshund mentality
Most Dachshunds aren't complicated. And neither are most people, really. They share many characteristics, which I list here 1 They enjoy pleasurable activities. They require food, water, sleep, and affection. They absolutely love to go on walks, play outdoors, chase squirrels, chase balls but not necessarily give them back to you , sleep under the bedcovers with you, and curl up on your lap to watch television. They'll do just about anything for your undivided attention. 1 They don't enjoy...
Ten Foods You Should Never Feed Your Dachshund
The foods in the following list won't necessarily harm every dog, but many dogs have developed serious illnesses after eating these seemingly harmless people foods. Why take a chance I suggest that you never, ever feed your Dachshund any of these ten foods. If you believe your dog has ingested any of them, call your vet right away for advice. Chocolate Both the theobromine and the caffeine in chocolate can be very harmful to dogs. Baker's chocolate is the worst, but even milk chocolate can make...
Looking at the senior diet
When you browse the dog-food aisles of your local pet store or supermarket, you probably notice dog foods targeted for senior dogs. Does your aging Dachshund need a change in diet As long as her health is fine, your Dachshund can continue on her regular diet for her entire life. In fact, switching your Dachshund's diet away from the food she thrives on can actually be detrimental. Some senior formulas are low in protein, but older dogs with healthy kidneys need protein in order to maintain...
Why Dachshunds Are Independent Thinkers
Different dog breeds have been bred for different reasons. Some have been developed to be very in-tune to their humans' every need working in close partnership to herd livestock or retrieve game, for example. Some have been developed to be strong, protective working dogs. And some have been developed to curl up and look pretty on the laps or in the sleeves of royalty. Dachshunds like most Hounds have been developed to think for themselves see Figure 10-1 for a Dachsie deep in thought ....
Dachshund paraphernalia A collectors dream
From framed Dachshund folk art to antique Dachshund-shaped boot scrapers, Dachshunds make for a great decorating theme and great collecting opportunities. Scan antique shops and flea markets for Dachshund items. Tell dealers what you're looking for, and they may be able to point you in the right direction. You can also purchase Dachshund paraphernalia on the Web. Check out the following Web sites t Distinctively Dachshund at www.disdox.com. This site has Basset Hound stuff, too. t Dachshund...
Pest control
No matter where you live, and no matter how often you keep your Dachshund inside, your pup probably will have some contact with some kind of pest. Fleas are everywhere, for instance, and in the southern states and parts of California, fleas have established a comfortable and prolific year-round existence. Ticks are everywhere, too, in the wooded areas of most states. Lyme disease a serious and sometimes fatal disease spread by the deer tick has been detected in 47 of 50 states. People can catch...
The Long and Short of Dachshund Varieties
Deciding how much dog you need Picking out your favorite coat Settling on a color and pattern Choosing a boy or a girl or boy and girl ne of the great things about bringing home a Dachshund is that you have so many options Big or small longhaired, short-haired, or wirehaired and plenty of colors to choose from, too. Do you want a boy or a girl A puppy or an older dog You have some important choices ahead of you, and you need to think about some issues and weigh some options before you can...
Dachshund Anatomy
Although the Dachshund's unusual form makes it an ideal hunting dog, and many Dachsies are still used for this purpose see the previous section , the Dachshund's more common role today is one of companion, friend, and resident court jester. But the Dachshund's unusual shape is worth understanding even if you don't plan to hunt a day in your life. Knowing your Dachsie's anatomy will help you understand her health needs and prevent or prepare for potential problems. Talking dog anatomy means...
Troubleshooting Conquering Training Problems
It's easy to read about dog training. It sounds so simple, so obvious, and so effortless. Then you sit down and try it, and it doesn't always go the way the book says. Often, the problem is that you aren't in the right mood. Or you just don't have the energy to enforce certain rules consistently. Or you don't train as regularly as you should, so your Dachshund forgets. Following are a few common training problems and how to address them. If you're really having problems, go to obedience class...