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Posts Tagged ‘Dachshund’

Nothing smacks of a long dachshund training project than persuading a dachshund that it is born for more fruitful things than excessive digging and barking.

Some owners who do not have the patience to clear up things for the breed simply pick up the dog. But this is no better than losing your temper, or rather like stepping in and fixing things as if nothing happened.

Dachshunds combine an excellent memory with their own brand of obstinacy to come up with a notorious defiance towards most trainers. Punishment will basically get nowhere as this dog breed thinks its own will reigns supreme. On the other hand, the most effective and most satisfying Dachshund training is reward-based training.

In order to start things right with dachshund training, you need to give your dog good major reasons for doing things your way. You need to also keep in mind that this dog, no matter how cute, has food-related interests in mind and nearly put them in first place of its list of priorities. What’s more, if this were not the case, there would be a drastic fall in pet dachshunds’ weights all over the globe. Consider this as one of your prized information about the target in dachshund training.

And now, for steps on how to keep away barking. When your dachshund gets into situations or scenarios that you think are sure to result to an avalanche of barking, let your dog know it gets a treat if it lays off barking. This sort of behavior can be reinforced if the dog is taught through a light hold on the muzzle not to bark, and the treat is held for it to see clearly.

The next time you see the dog not barking in a situation, praise it and give it its treat. Of course, in Dachshund training it will take lots of early training and socializing before the dog catches the drift, so to speak, since barking happens to be an instinctual response for this breed.

Discouragement against digging are ordinarily a combination of physical barriers, and among many examples of these blocks are blackberry brambles, or alternative channels for the dog’s energies. More importantly, a good start to anti-digging or anti-barking plans is a well-exercised dog, or a busy dog of multiple owner-initiated activities.

The first time your dachshund gets home, you owe it the lesson of where it could properly relieve itself. But a lot of effort will go to this, since the breed is known to be stubborn and willful. If you want the dog to fully own up housebreaking (and to give dachshund training), you will have to make the dog think it is the owner of this cool idea.

The dachshund happen to also like treats, so treats need to be part of your Dachshund training regime. For example, dogs born in the spring can often be trained with the fresh fruits of summer if these are ripe enough.

The first thing that needs remembering when it comes to housebreaking is that the dog must never form the vice of taking a leak inside the house. If you see a puppy sniffing and circling a spot on the floor, then that spot is a potential place where it might pee.

Many dachshund owners crate-train their dog in order to prevent accidents like this. If not, the next alternative is to bring the puppy out every few minutes, and to give it a treat when it does relieve itself on the spot agreed on.

Now here is a critical detail that no dog owner can miss: what to do when you spot a mess in the house, and it is obvious the dog did it. Nevertheless, there is no sense or point in admonishing a dog for a mess that happened even only a minute ago (by then, it is already some meters away, which means it doesn’t have a clue what your ranting is for). Dogs cannot simply understand what the blaming is for. The solution? Catch the dog in the act, so that it can be told about what it is doing, and picked up and brought outside.

Some people argue that paper training is among the most effective Dachshund training methods. Here, an entire floor area in a room is covered by newspapers and the puppy is permitted to pee or poo on the papers. Each day, the papers are removed section by section. Eventually, the dog is only permitted and rewarded when it relieves itself in an isolated portion of the papers in the middle of the floor. Lastly, the papers are moved outside, the assumption being that the dog will relieve itself wherever the papers are placed.

In case you also go for paper training , then be ready to have a room in your house watered daily by dog urine for around ten days to as much as three weeks. It is also being presumed here that your dog understands the link between the urge and the act.

Crate training houses the dog in a crate, which ought to be spacious enough to allow the dog to turn around and stand up in. Looking for the correct crate size can be a challenge, what with the dog’s unique shape!

By keeping the crate open even if the dog is out, dogs are allowed to develop a certain fondness for sleeping or hiding in the crate, though they would definitely go for the furniture if given the choice. Crating a dachshund puppy while you are out will keep out any chance of the dog nosing around and ending up chewing furniture or appliance cords.

In any event, you need a strategy that entails plenty of praise, and also plenty of patience that helps the dog reduces its mistakes.

Far more than most dogs, a dachshund with poor socialization has the worst chance of stoking fear baiting as a habit that can make friendly encounters with new people or dogs more of a reason for fear than for excitement. But an even more worrisome fact is a dog owner’s ignorance of the dog’s possibly giant amounts of anxiety pent up inside. All this, simply because of a lack of dachshund training.

The first step in Dachshund training for a dachshund puppy is to provide it the socialization that is critical for its formation. This is as simple as bringing the dog around the blocks. You need to refrain from coddling the dog, while ensuring that it is free from being dominated upon.

Naturally, even dogs that belong to the same litter will always have diverse temperaments. Some dachshund puppies are fearful owing to their young instincts, but there is usually some critical point that cements the concern. If there is a way that breeders can help stamp out these tendencies, it would be by observing carefully the puppies as a group for their first few weeks. It does not help at all if the smallest pups are kept away from the others.

To trace whether your dog is biting out of fear or out of aggression, observe the position of the dog’s ears during its tense moment. If the ears lie backwards rather than forward, then its possible the dog is a fear biter. It may be especially true if the dog is usually submissive around dogs it knows well.

Fear biters most of the time are housed nowadays in shelters, and carry histories of abuse. Most breeders recommend that these dogs need to be altered by their owners as soon as possible. Breeding them is clearly out of the question, much less getting them to join trials and show rings.

It is therefore clear that a dachshund given to fear baiting will rely heavily on tons of its owner’s understanding and patience. Shouting at a fearful dachshund, if it also bears the bad luck of submissive urination, therefore ought to be among the last things a sensible owner will do.

Lastly, those interested in Dachshund training need to be aware of the challenge of restoring the self-esteem of a dog that is among the most hard-headed that a trainer could deal with.

The challenge that all owners are up against is to know the trigger of the fear in the dog. Keep in mind that all animals are sight-oriented, but that they are more prone to focusing on very specific things such as people with bright clothes. Again, it is essential to never blow your top over a dog’s behavior, regardless of how bad it is behaving. There are always more effective and subtle ways for you to get across to the dog your displeasure.

Dogs require regular grooming to keep their coats healthy and their nails in trim. Exactly which technique to use for your Doxie depends on which of the three main types you have.

Smooth-Coat

A Smooth-Coat Dachshund is the classic, short-haired type you have seen in a hundred films and ads. Requiring little more than a regular brushing and bath, their coats are easy to care for. “Regular” can vary with the dog’s environment and age.

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Younger dogs might require baths as often as once per week, though once a month is fine when they stay out of dirt and bushes.If they live in rougher circumstances, be sure to keep their coats brushed and clean regurlarly. “Regularly” means at least twice per week, and as necessary.Remove plant material as soon as they are done playing.

A wire slicker is okay for grooming, but exercise care. All dogs are durable, but it’s important not to scrape the skin. Which can lead to hot spots that the dog will make worse by licking and chewing. Since Doxies are an assertive, high-energy breed, extra caution is necessary.

Wire-Hair

The wirey hair on the muzzle, chest and legs of this variety gives them the name. It can also give them a necessisty for extra grooming care. More frequent baths will be called for in their case, along with more regular brushing. Brushing will take longer, too.

The stiff coat is actually in two layers, like the terriers they look like.Get the undercoat with a slicker and use a regular brush for the topcoat. Keep in mind that they will shed more.A shed control shampoo, in some cases, may be necessary. In most cases, be prepared for seasonal changes as they naturally adjust to the change in weather by shedding more.

Trim any excess hair off the muzzle to avoid it dragging on the ground. A trim behind the rear legs will also be necessary once it reaches a length that leads to mats. Otherwise, regular brushing of once or twice a week is good enough.

Long-Hair

As the name suggests, this type has long, wavy hair. Since Doxies are low to the ground, more regular trimming will be necessary, along with more frequent bathing. Matting is especially common in this variety, but can be avoided with brushing every other day, especially behind the ears.When mats form, trim the gradually with a blunt-nose pair of scissors until you have removed enought to work out the tangle with a brush and fingers.

A combination shampoo and conditioner works well with this type.Dried, scaly skin can be caused by over-bathing. Regular brushing will help, since it smooths natural oils under the coat and over the skin.

Nail Trimming

All types need to have their nails trimmed often, usually weekly. The normal technique is okay. Obtain a good pair of guillotine scissors and hold each foot firmly, searing for the quick. Cut away from the quick to avoid accidents, which are more likely in the Doxie’s case because of their feisty nature.

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vaccines

Vaccines are an essential tool in keeping your Doxie healthy, but a few do carry some risk of allergic reaction.  Knowing which are vital and which are optional can help improve your odds of doing good without doing harm.

- Rabies

Rabies vaccine is among the most important for your Dachshund, as it is for any dog.Even though the disease is much less common today, the consequences of getting it are still so drastic – often fatal – that most veterinarians still recommend it.

Rabies vaccinations are normally given every year to puppies and every two to three years subsequently.Most states require the vaccine and determine a specific schedule.That is being revised as research now shows that immunization lasts three years or more.See your veterinarian for specific guidelines, but also seek a second or even third opinion and decide accordingly.

Serious side effects from the shot are rare, but may include swelling, hives, fever, or lethargy, along with decreased appetite.

- Canine Distemper

Distemper shots used to be routine.  Today they are still common, but schedules have lengthened.Current research shows that puppies given a series of shots will develop antibodies that last several years.First shots should be given at approximately eight weeks.As with any vaccine, the schedule can deviate from one part of the country to another, since prevalence and the associated risks of the disease vary geographically.See your veterinarian.

- Parvo

A vaccine to protect against the parvovirus is often combined with that for distemper, though it can be given separately.Bear in mind that “combo” shots represent a slightly greater risk of allergic reaction.Combinations also make determining the foundation of any issue more difficult.

In some dogs, the immune system goes into “hyperdrive” and produces swelling of the face, redness of the gums and other manifestations.If a problem occurs, it ordinarily happens within an hour or less, so stay near your vet’s office after any vaccination.Observe your Doxie attentively.Keep Benadryl available and call your vet at the first sign of a reaction.

- Hepatitis

This shot helps protect against infectious canine hepatitis.  Here again, the disease is not common and the shot carries a small risk of allergic reaction.Moreover, the disease is serious enough that owners will want to discuss the subject carefully with their veterinarian and seek a second opinion before deciding.Since a modified live virus is used, kidney infections are possible following the vaccination.

- Lepto

Shots to immunized against the leptospira bacteria used to be routine, and in many areas still are.Keep in mind that this is another vaccine that may cause a reaction and offers only short-lived protection against the disease.Considering the disease itself is uncommon, this vaccine is considered “non-core” by many vets today.

- Bordatella

The Bordatella organism causes a fairly common condition popurlarly known as “kennel cough”.  The name comes from the fact that the organism can be airborne and can spread when dogs are housed close together.It is not a serious condition, but does call for treatment when it arises.

If your Doxie does not come into contact with strange dogs this vaccine is probably not necessary.Exceptions are in areas where the disease has gone unchecked, or when you intend to go on vacation and kennel your Dachshund.

Summary

Vaccines are a low-risk, outstanding way to protect your Dachshund against a wide array of diseases.But “low-risk” doesn’t mean “no risk” and what was once habitual has become a more thoughtful exercise, thanks to improved research.

Paranoia about vaccinations is unsupported.Nonetheless, the risk of disease is not zero, either.However, careful consideration of the benefits and risks will help accentuate your dog’s health.

Just for Dog Lover’s

Dachshunds are an independent breed. Doxies are loving. They like to play. Dachshunds are aggressive.

How can all this be true of one dog breed? Well, it is. They are among the most interesting and complex breeds precisely because they encompass all these attributes and many more besides.

Bred in Germany in the late 1600s to chase vermin, fearless and bold characteristics were selected first and foremost. At the same time, they had to be persisitent, strong-willed and resourceful. It does little good to have legs and feet that are excellent for digging if the dog doesn’t have the spirit of pursuit.

Those attributes have been handed down through the centuries. Most Dachshunds today are pets, not hunters, once attributes are bred in their nature does not change much. What can be considered aggression in one circumstance can be simple courage in another. What can be vaulable persistence in one situation can be considered willfulness in another.

Above all, they are an intelligent breed. Dachshunds individualist character makes them more difficult to take an interst in training. But handled correctly, their smarts allow them to excel in whatever they do.

Keep in mind, too, that independence does not necessarily mean they are uninterested in others. They want to take part in any adventure going on around them and are filled with curiosity. Some breeds are satisified to sit by observing quietly. A Dachshund wants to be participating along with everyone else and in the middle of things.

There are variations within these broad outlines noted.

The Smooth-Coat Dachshund exhibits all the classic behaviors – barking at the least invasion to its territory, leading the pack whenever possible and more. They will be reluctant more often to take a bath and struggle during nail clipping time.

The Wire-Hair type looks and acts like a combination of Doxie and terrier. Terriers, also, are high strung. They love to play and their behavior is not aggressive so much as just forthright.

The Long-Hair Doxie is more like a miniature Irish Setter, though not to that extreme. Even though they enjoy a good romp, they are a little more inclined to watch and wait their turn. Though they take a bit more grooming care, they are among the easier varieties to train.

All Doxie variations are natural diggers. Bred to chase small game, such as badgers, into a den, Doxies like getting into things. Doxies muschular chest and powerful front legs make it pretty easy for them to do just that. Thanks to the streamlined body and smooth, narrow head, getting out isn’t too much more difficult. If you want to keep the lawn or garden intact, don’t allow the dog to roam freely without supervision.

But Dachshunds do need at least moderate exercise in activities where they can work off some of their natural energy. Tunnels in an obstacle course is a good idea for these “gophers”.

They are also loyal and loving. The bond between a Dachshund and the person or family it adopts is unusually strong. They want to be near people and enjoy interaction. As any Doxie owner will be happy to tell you……..

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Like any breed, Doxies are at risk for a number of conditions and diseases.Due to their long bodies and short legs they are most at risk for spinal problems.One of the most common forms is a condition called IVDD (Intervertebral Disk Disease), which is an umbrella term for an abundance of problems.

Vertebrae are the hard bones that make up the spinal column support.  They enclose the spinal cord and are separated by soft tissue called intervertebral discs, which provide a cushion between the bones.IVDD threatens a Dachshund’s health in many different ways.

Excess jumping and other forms of back stress can cause a rupture of one or more discs, usually toward the rear.  IVDD and other back problems occur most frequently by age four but can happen earlier, sometimes as young as two.Simple age can cause the disc to reduce its fluid level, making it less extendible.  That also increases the odds of herniation or rupture.Often the vertebrae become more fragile.

A number of serious possibilities exist if that occurs.

As a portion of the spine loses vital support, the spinal cord can be put in jeopardy.In the event compression happens, paralysis is not far behind.Constriction of spinal fluid can have comparable effect.  Loss of circulation leads to nerve death, since the nerves are cut off from needed nutrition.

Look for any instance of inability to lift the rear end off the ground or lowering near the tail.  Some other signs include weakness in the rear legs or loss of bladder control.

In these extreme incidents, medical care – usually surgery – within 24 hours is critical.  If left untreated, the result is frequently permanent disability.

Even in less severe cases back pain is evident.It can be hard to detect when a dog is in pain but signs include lethargy, difficulty walking up stairs and similar signs in an otherwise active dog.

Treatment with Prednisone (or corticosteroids) is occasionally recommended but entails risks.  Apart from the usual risks of long-term steriod use, it is possible to overdo care.  Lessening pain is desirable, but if it is eliminated the dog can become too active again, leading to more injury.Injections of Adequan can aid in promoting disc healing.

Whether treated with steroids or just Rimadyl, it is advisable to cage your Dachshund or otherwise keep him calm, reducing physical activity.Given the Dachshund’s confident and energetic nature that is difficult, but it is essential.

Do not permit the dog to stand on its hind legs, which compresses the spine.  Don’t allow the dog to jump down stairs.Yard games should be restricted until the dog has completely healed.Always support the complete length of the spine when picking up your Dachshund.

With the right kind of care many Doxies recover completely to lead active, normal, healthy lives.But precise diagnosis as early as possible is essential to improve the odds.

More tips, information and dog supplies can be found at LuvUrDog.com, just for Dog Lover’s

Dachshunds are a naturally feisty breed.Bred to hunt badgers, they had to be resourceful and tough.That assertive nature should not be allowed to turn against you.You must be the alpha dog.

Individual dogs will deviate in degree, of course.There are submissive ones though fewer than other breeds, on average.Some will try to insist on having their own way at all times, much like nearly all terriers.But training can adjust their behavior, especially if you commence when they are young and stay consistent.

Zero tolerance should be the rule for all aggressive conduct, whether toward you, a family member, or strange people and animals.Chewing the lead during training is one mild manifestation.

Discourage it by stepping on the lead close to their head.Then with the other foot, slowly pull the lead down to the ground closer and closer to the collar.Take care not to stress their neck, as they are inclined to spinal problems.When they have released the lead, praise them generously.

To discourage biting or excess barking or snapping a squirt bottle comes in handy.  When your dog shows this behavior, give him a little squirt against the muzzle.Stay away from the eyes.That surprises your dog and it is unpleasant besides.Repeat, when needed, but avoid making it a contest of wills.That only tends to make it seem to the dog that you are a enemy.Being consistently firm is favored to counter-aggression.

If your Dachshund continues, isolate your dog and be ready for some barking.Like spoiled young children, a dog will from time to time try to whine or shout its way out of punishment.Present your dog with rugged chew toys and allow him to work out the aggression on those while he’s in the “time out” box.

Make sure you follow the negative reinforcement with some positive reinforcement.Look for illustrations of good behavior and praise it abundantly.Use a modest number of treats if needed.  The point is to help the dog see for itself the different consequences of its own behavior in terms of your response.Doxies are resourceful.With persistence, they will learn.

For instance, one may become moderately aggressive during fetch, refusing to give up the ball.Try to discern between authentic willfulness and a mere desire to play a different game, tug.  Make the difference clear by using a rope for tug, which they love.

It’s necessary to tread a fine line, though, since tug can lead to encouraging aggression.  Exercising them a little harder than you would a more playful or placid dog will help.Aggression is partially caused by the frustration of repressed energy with no positive outlet.

An assistant can be a big help here.Heave the ball to a partner several feet away, along the ground.Make sure the partner is the first to get the ball when the Doxie gives chase.Repeat the exercise a few times, then allow your Doxie to win.

With patience and a little creativity, you can channel your Doxie’s aggression into more positive directions.

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Dogs are loved by their owners.With Doxies that devotion reaches new heights.  The reasons aren’t hard to understand.  Dachshunds are special in many ways.

Translation from the German “badger dog” shows just one of those ways.Bred in the early 1600s to hunt those ferocious little animals, the Doxie became ferocious himself.That fearless and assertive attitude remains today.

That feisty nature can be a bad thing or a good one.

Dogs that are independent can make great companions, since that also makes them exploratory and playful.It provides the dog with a willingness to try new things and lots of energy.It also means that extra patience and skill are required to train them.Doxies are more inclined than many other breeds to strive for alpha status in the household.Reminding them that the human is superior may require a long struggle.

That training has to be appropriate to the breed’s physical and mental attributes.

Doxies are 9 inches high at the shoulder and weigh between 10-30 lbs.  Toy varieties are quite a bit smaller, often under 8 lbs and only 5 inches high.An average lifespan is between 14-17 years.

With their short legs and long bodies, Dachshunds are much more prone to spinal problems than other breeds.  Rough handling can cause serious problems.

At the same time, because they are assertive, simply screaming won’t work.  At best that produces a fearful dog, at worst, they can become hostile and aggressive in response.Dachshunds may look at their trainer as an enemy badger.Owners should be prepared due to barking being more common in Doxies, too.

They make for excellent companions and pets with the right approach.

There are three basic varieties – Smooth-Coats, Wire-Coats, and Long-Hairs.The difference goes beyond the type of fur they have.  The personalities of the three types tend to follow a pattern, as well.

Smooth-haired Doxies more often attach themselves to one person in the family.They tend to be stand-offish and wary of other animals but will tolerate other humans.The Wire-haired is usually more outgoing and playful.Long-haired Dachshunds tend to be a little more placid.Like any Dachshund, they are up for a game of fetch whenever the opportunity exists.

Apart from spinal problems, Dachshunds less often suffer from diseases that are more prevalent in other breeds.Abdominal cancers, diabetes and other diseases are possible but much less common in Doxies.Stones or urinary tract problems can occur, but they are more likely in special varieties such as Double Dapples and those with blue eyes.This variety tends to have more eye and hearing problems, too.

Raising any dog can be a challenge, if they are to be healthy and happy.  But Dachshund owners commonly report that the rewards in their case are especially large.Doxies are highly affectionate and very loyal.The people they live with tend to return the favor.

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Pet food

Despite the comments of advocates of “natural” dog food, commercial dog foods are just fine for your Dachshund.  Some of those concerns are well placed, though.A diet that is not too rich and not too lean, full of healthy ingredients (balanced) is best.But that advise is fairly vague.  What does it really mean?

- Ingredients

Any commercial kibble food will have a list of ingredients on the package, starting with the one present at the highest percentage listed first.  Ensure that the ingredient listed first is some kind of animal protein.Beef, chicken and lamb are the most common.The proteins in vegetables are harder to break down into useful components and contain smaller amounts of the needed amino acids.

Like other dogs, Dachshunds are by nature, meat eaters.But raw meat is not required.  Anything that provides enough protein is fine, since what is really needed are the amino acids that go to make them up.Proteins consumed are broken down to those constituents then “re-constructed” again by the dog.

Apart from amino acids, there are a number of essential vitamins and minerals necessary for good functioning.

Foods rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are good not only for humans but Doxies, too.In most cases, those compounds help improve joint and skin health.

Antioxidants perform a role similar in a Doxie’s life that they do in their owners.Vitamin E, beta-carotene and others help protect the immune system by clearing something called “free radicals”.  These are elements or molecules with an extra electron that can harm cells when they exist in too-high concentrations.

Fat, far from being the villain it is sometiems (incorrectly) painted in discussions of human diet, is a necessary ingredient.  Fats provide compounds vital for good nerve function.They are broken down to form the hormones and enzymes.  They also provide a source of calories that Dachshunds need to pwer all those activities, just as people do.

- Amounts

Puppies that have been weaned should eat 3-4 meals per day.Even though it may be inconvenient for the owner,smaller amounts, fed more often, are preferable to large helpings at one time,.This routine is best for Dachsunds about 8-12 weeks old.

Between the ages of 3-6 months the frequency should be reduced to no more than three and possibly only two meals per day.  Even puppies can get fat, so keep an eye on the waistline behind the rib cage.  It should have a slight curve.If your Doxie is perfectly straight (no waist line) you may be feeding too much.

That advice is a little more difficult to follow in the case of Dachshunds than some other breeds, since they are a bit more tubular by nature.  Even so, the curve can be seen if you observe closely.  Aid your eye by feeling the puppy in front of the rear legs.Become familiar with your dogs shape and it will be easier to see small changes.

By the time they’ve reached a year old, one meal per day is fine.  If they seem eager to eat more often two meals is fine, but divide the portions in half.

Feed your Dachshund a premium brand food.  Those contain a more appropriate quantity of calories and less “junk food” than cheaper brands.For fussy dogs, or just for extra flavor, mixing a spoonful or two of wet food, or adding some chicken broth to dry is fine.

Never give your puppy chocolate, raisins, grapes, onions, macadamian nuts or xylitol which are toxic to dogs.

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