Healthcare

1. Take them on car rides
2. Take them on the bus (if your public transportation system allows it)
3. Introduce new doggy friends in small groups after 3rd parvo shot only
4. Go on walks in new places after 3rd parvo shot
5. Walk where there are loud and unfamiliar noises (like on garbage truck day in your neighborhood)
6. Enjoy short training sessions in unfamiliar places

If you plan to take your Dachshund puppy into the world, it’s usually recommended that they have at least their first set of vaccinations. Dogs who aren’t vaccinated can easily contract illnesses such as Parvo, which can be FATAL

Some veterinarians, depending on the risk found in your area, may suggest that you wait until your puppy has had all of their vaccinations.

It’s necessary that they have all of their necessary vaccinations.

I will NEVER let someone bring their dog to my house when I have a litter or a new Dachshund puppy until my dachshund has had the 3rd Parvo (Dhpp shot). No dog parks, no public walking not even to your mom’s house who you know her dog goes nowhere. Safe is better than sorry. Your puppy can go over but must be held at all times and if potty time bring pee pads or towel to protect your dog from walking on all surfaces that are not your home. Place litter on top in case puppy jumps out of litter.

Dachshund Development

Dachshunds inherit the chondrodysplasia (dwarfism) gene. It’s the gene that gives them their short lets and long sausage-like shape. Therefore, it can take longer than average for their legs to fully develop after adolescence has passed.

Once they’re born, Dachshund puppies will have several growth spurts during their first 8 months of life. The growth plates at the ends of their bones take longer to close than other dog breeds. This is what leads to their characteristically short legs. Therefore, their legs will be the last part of their body to cross into adulthood, at around10–12 months.

However, no two dachshunds are the same. Some stop growing at around 18 months, and some may still have little growth spurts until the age of two.

This is why we start swimming and walking in Water between 4-5 weeks of age, this helps to strengthen their core for a strong back and helps them develop their muscles in their little legs while they grow. I highly suggest taking a bath with your new puppy unless you’re fortunate enough to live somewhere warm and have a pool.  Continue letting your pup walk and play in water as well as swim loops around you.  This also creates a Dachshund that will not mind going potty in the rain or snow.

Weight Management

As your Dachshund starts growing and filling out, it is important to keep an eye on their weight. Extra weight gain can lead to a host of physical ailments, especially back problems, because of their low center of gravity.

As mentioned previously, Dachsunds are good eaters, and their metabolism slows down as they age. If you feel your dachshund is putting on a little extra pud, try giving smaller meals and going on long walks.

It’s easy to estimate if your Dachshund is putting on a few too many. You should be able to easily feel his ribs and he should have a defined waist. Do not let your friends try and convince you that your dachshund is under weight because your dachshund is the correct weight. If you are unsure if your fur-baby is getting too thin, send me a picture or video or we can face time. So many people have told me mine are under weight and that’s because they have not seen a correct weight on a dachshund. A silly rule of thumb is think of a silhouette of a dachshund, do you see their chest? Do they have a waistline? Are they muscular under their fur? Can’t say I’ve seen many silhouettes of a fat Dachshund.

What are The Sizes of Dachshunds?

Miniature Dachshund

The average Miniature Dachshund height is 13-18 cm (or 5-6 inches) and the average weight is 5 kg (11 pounds). Miniature Dachshunds are around 5 kg at 1 year old and have a 33 cm chest circumference.

Miniature Dachshunds are much smaller than standard Dachshunds. They are almost half the size. So you have to wait until your Miniature Dachshund reaches 12 months to what size your furry friend will be at adulthood.

Keep in mind Female Dachshunds at correct weight will be 8-9 lbs where a correct male with proper muscles will weigh more and be closer to 10-12 pds. More than likely 11-12 lbs the other thing to note is a male show dog is unable to show if over 12 lbs but won’t win if not 11 pds. That’s because of the correct structure and muscle development the males have. Although females can have some beautiful muscles too and still look feminine.  Health of your Dachshunds starts with correct Structure.

Why It’s Crucial to Socialize Your Dachshund and How to Do It Right

Socializing your Dachshund is essential for their overall quality of life.

These feisty dogs are natural born hunters who are known for displaying some aggressive tendencies, but socializing them properly will help keep those related behaviors at bay.

A socialized Dachshund is less likely to display fear, aggression and anxiety.

Before jumping feet (and paws) first into socializing your Dachshund, ensure they have their first vaccines.

In this article we’ll discuss how to work on socialization without vaccines, but we always recommend proper vaccinations before fully exposing your pup to other dogs and places.

What is Socialization?

Socializing your Dachshund means that you are helping them become accustomed to a variety of smells, sounds, and sights.

When you socialize your Dachshund, you are building their confidence while preventing them from becoming scared of new people, dogs, and circumstances. You are desensitizing them early so they are not overly protective of you and they are not scared of new sounds or trigger sounds. This makes for a richer life together.

Socializing your Dachshund can improve their behavior.

Unfortunately it’s easy for a dog to become fearful when not socialized properly, especially for the Dachshund who is prone to anxiety.

Ideally a Dachshund should be socialized before 16 weeks old. Small things you can do, are have a friend ring door bell and be excited with your dachshund to greet your friend and reinforce this behavior with training treats and trust me, they love all treats and will do anything to get one.

A well-socialized dog is generally confident and comfortable in unfamiliar situations. They will be more likely to go-with-the-flow.

If you’re someone who likes to travel with your Dachshund, takes them on outings or meet up with friends, it’s especially crucial that you properly socialize them.

One of the biggest Dachshund training secrets is to work on proper socialization early.

That’s why I start socializing them from the time they are born, letting all kinds of different age categories of people hold them, do puppy massage with me on litters and continue this through their short time with our family. I introduce them to anyone that comes over, and I take them out, to vet to store. I also start desensitizing them for blow drying and vacuuming, carpet cleaning, laundry tv, loud noises from an early age. I even have them in tub while water is running and then use jacuzzi nozzles as well for a puppy massage reward and noise of this. Nothing is off limits. They travel in my car for pictures & Vet and if I still have them at 8 wks I start taking one with me for any grocery store or shopping errand I need to do. During that I have everyone in stores hold them, hats, construction older younger, all looks and lots of people with hats. The one thing you CAN NOT DO is set them down in grass, sidewalk or public place until they have all shots. Ask your vet when that date is and make a note. This is crucial to their health and life.

How to Socialize Your Dachshund Puppy

Socializing your Dachshund before 16 weeks old is imperative. This is when they are the most impressionable and when your pup will ultimately become fearful or brave.

You should aim to socialize your dog while they’re young, preferably before 16 weeks old.

Most owners want their Dachshunds to be happy around people and other dogs, and that’s where socialization comes into play.

Socializing your Dachshund puppy can help them:

• Get used to new sights, sounds and smells
• Learn to walk and go potty on different surfaces such as grass, rocks and concrete
• Properly greet and play with other canine friends
• Be friendly toward humans and children
• Become comfortable in new places such as hotels, stores, the car, friend’s houses, etc.

Ring your door bell a lot make a game of it. Reinforce good behavior with a small treat. No crying in car ride, they get a treat make it a big deal. Reward them, trust me my doxie gets very excited to go get my prescriptions and If she doesn’t get a treat she will be very disappointed. So I have to bring back up treat to reinforce this excitement for car rides. This could be flying on planes, boating anything social back it up with a treat. Start on day one when you bring your new pup home. Make it all Fun, don’t be scared and they won’t either.