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Posts Tagged ‘Dachshunds’

As predicted, the title of this article hints of the large amount of effort and time about to be spent on dachshund training and the dog. Indeed, dachshunds were born to dig and to bark at quarry. So the problem is how to persuade the dog that its time is better spent elsewhere.

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.

The dachshund’s infamous recipe of stubbornness is rooted in its excellent memory and hunting history-inspired tenacity. Putative punishment thus don’t get anywhere, as the dog breed is under the impression that no brute-force training can win it over. This leaves you a Dachshund training that is based on rewards, which is anyway the most effective and also the most efficient.

The solution to start dachshund training is to give them convincing motives to do things your way. Meanwhile it needs to be clear on you that this albeit doe-eyed and sweet dog has its own food-related interests in mind and in first place always. Indeed, if this was not the case, there would be lesser obese dachshunds the world over. So this is just one of the many facts you can use to your advantage 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.

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 foremost step in Dachshund training for a dachshund puppy is to give it plenty of socializing opportunities as much as possible. This is as simple as taking the dog around the neighborhood. You also need to keep the dog protected from being dominated on, but not necessarily coddling. A physical attack on a twice-small dachshund puppy could leave much more scars than what is seen.

Obviously, there are differences in dogs that come from even the same breed. Some dachshund puppies are expectedly timid and shy, but sooner or later comes the event that solidifies the fear into the dog. Breeders can make a difference by keeping the puppies as a group (and keeping an eye on them) for their first few weeks, and not separating them.

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 are to be found most of the time in animal shelters and can be shown to have suffered abuse before. In case that there is indeed a genetic element to this, most professionals recommend getting the dog altered, as breeding them ought to be rejected. These dogs have the least bit of chance of appearing in the show ring.

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.

Owners need to actively seek the triggering cause which initiates the fear biting in the dog. Since animals are sight-oriented, its possible that the first thing to trigger the reaction is something they would see. As we have clarified, there is no reason why a dog’s misbehavior ought to lead you to vent your ire on the dog. There are more subtle yet sensible ways for you to communicate to the dog your unhappiness.

When your puppy arrives for the first time at home, it will be your job to teach it how to relieve itself without having resort to the rugs. But a lot of effort will go into this, since the dachshund can will itself to just clam up and face the other way. Interestingly, one way to pull off housebreaking the dog (and to give dachshund training) is to teach it that it is the owner of this breakthrough win-win.

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.

To continue with the idea of housebreaking, the first thing that needs to be kept in mind is that the dog must never develop the habit of peeing in the house. Every single spot a puppy is sniffing and circling is a potential place to 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.

Another Dachshund training method that has its share of supporters is the paper training. In this method, an entire floor in a room is covered with newspapers and the puppy is free to pee or poo in any paper-covered area. Each day, the papers are removed bit by bit, until such time that the dog can only relieve itself in a section of the papers that is distinctly in the middle of the room. Then, this last remaining section is moved outside, with the assumption that the dog will look for it outside when it wants to relieve itself.

The challenge of paper training is that you will have to prepare a room in your house that you hav no qualms getting doused in dog urine from ten up to three weeks. This plan also assumes that the dog is aware of the link between the urge and the act (read: it will ultimately learn to pee and poo wherever the final section of papers are placed.)

Crate training needs the dog to adjust its lifestyle as the crate requires it to do, holding its pee or poo, controlling its time for sleep, etc. The hunt for the correct crate size for a dachshund can be quite a challenge, so stay sharp!

By keeping the crate door open while the puppy is out, dogs are given the chance to appreciate sleeping or hiding in the crate, even if they would aim for the plush and soft sofa if made to choose. Crating a dachshund pup while you are out will also keep the dog away from committing any mischief.

In any case, you need a plan of attack that calls for plenty of praise plus plenty of looking out for the dog not to make mistakes.

vaccines

Vaccines are an important 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.  While the disease is much less common today, the consequences of getting it are still so drastic – often fatal – that most vets 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 reveals that immunization lasts three years or more.  See your vet 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, although schedules have lengthened.Contemporary research shows that puppies given a sequence of shots will develop antibodies that last several years.First shots should be given at approximately eight weeks.As with any vaccination, 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 vet.

- Parvo

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

In some dogs, the immune system becomes hyperactive and produces swelling of the face, redness of the gums and other manifestations.If a problem occurs, it commonly happens within an hour or less, so stay near your vet’s facility after any vaccination.Observe your dog attentively.Keep Benadryl nearby and call your vet at the first sign of a reaction.

- Hepatitis

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

- Lepto

Shots to immunized against the leptospira bacteria used to be routine, and in many areas still are.This is another vaccine that may cause a reaction and offers only short-lived protection against the disease.Because the disease itself is rare, this vaccination is condsidered “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 has the ability to be airborne and can spread when dogs are confined close together.It is not a serious condition, but does call for treatment when it arises.

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

Summary

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

Apprehension about vaccines is unsupported.Nevertheless, the risk of disease is not zero, either.However, careful consideration of the benefits and risks will help maximize your dog’s health.

Just for Dog Lover’s

All 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. Their coats are easy to care for, requiring little more than regular brushing and bathing. “Regular” can vary with the dog’s age and environment.

Grooming Supplies for dogs can be found at LuvUrDog.com

Younger dogs may 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 clean and brushed regurlarly. “Regularly” means a minimum of twice per week, and as necessary.When they are done playing, remove plant material.

A wire slicker is fine for grooming, but be careful. Even though all dogs are durable, it’s important not to scrape the skin. That can lead to hot spots that the dog will make worse by chewing and licking. Since they are a high-energy, assertive breed, extra caution is needed.

Wire-Hair

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

Like the terriers they resemble, the stiff coat is actually in two layers.Get the undercoat with a slicker and use a regular brush for the top layer. Be aware, too, that they will shed more.That may call for a shed control shampoo. In most cases, be ready for seasonal changes as they naturally adjust to the change in weather by shedding more.

Cut any excess hair off the muzzle to keep it from dragging on the ground. A trim behind the rear legs will be needed once it reaches a length that leads to matting.Otherwise, brushing of once or twice a week is good enough.

Long-Hair

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

A combination shampoo and conditioner works well with this type.Take care not to over-bathe them, though, since that leads to scaly, dried skin. Regular brushing will help, since it smooths natural oils over the skin and under the coat.

Nail Trimming

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

Only-Dachshunds has gifts and more for the Doxie Lover

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

Vertebrae are the hard bones that make up the spinal column support.They encircle the spinal cord and are separated by soft tissue called intervertebral discs, which provide a pillow between the bones.IVDD endangers their health in several different ways.

Excessive leaping and other forms of back stress can cause a rupture of one or more discs, usually close to 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 decrease its fluid level, making it less flexible.That also increases the chances of rupture or herniation.Frequently the vertebrae become more fragile.

If that happens, a number of serious possibilities exist.

The spinal cord can be put at risk as a segment of the spine loses vital support.In the event compression happens, paralysis is not far behind.  Constriction of spinal fluid can have similar effect.Loss of circulation leads to nerve death, since the nerves are cut off from necessary nutrition.

Look for any instance of incapability 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.The consequence is frequently permanent disability if left untreated.

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

Therapy with corticosteroids (such as Prednisone) 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 help assist in disc healing.

Whether treated with steroids or just Rimadyl, it is advantageous to cage your Doxie or otherwise keep him calm, reducing physical activity.Given their assertive and active nature that is difficult, but it is essential.

Do not permit the dog to stand on its hind legs, which constricts the spine.Don’t let the dog to leap down stairs.Yard recreation should be restricted until the dog has completely healed.Also, always support the complete length of the spine when picking up your Dachshund.

With the right kind of care many Dachshunds recover completely to lead active, healthy, normal lives.But accurate 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

They are a naturally feisty breed.Bred to hunt badgers, they had to be clever and tough.However that assertive nature should not be allowed to turn against you.You must be the top dog.

Individual dogs will vary in degree, of course.  There are submissive Doxies though fewer than other breeds, on average.Some will try to persist on having their own way at all times, much like most terriers.But training can modify their demeanor, especially if you start when they are young and stay consistent.

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

Discourage it by stepping on the leash 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 Dachshunds are prone to back problems.When they have released the lead, praise them lavishly.

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

If your Doxie persists, seperate your dog and be prepared for some barking.Like coddled young children, a dog will occasionally try to whine or shout its way out of punishment.Offer your dog rugged chew toys and allow him to work out the aggression on those while he’s in the “time out” box.

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 necessary.The point is to help the dog see for itself the different outcome of its own conduct in terms of your response.  Doxies are smart.With persistence, they will learn.

For instance, one may become assertive during fetch, refusing to give up the ball.Try to discern between genuine willfulness and a simple desire to play a different game, tug.Make the difference clear by playing tug with a rope, which they love.

It is 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 serene dog will help.Aggression is partially caused by the frustration of repressed energy with no positive outlet.

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

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

LuvUrDog.com

Owners love their dogs.With Dachshunds that devotion reaches new heights.  The reasons aren’t hard to understand.They are special in many ways.

The German translation “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 assertive and fearless attitude remains today.

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

Dogs that are independent can make great companions, since that also makes them playful and exploratory.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.Dachshunds 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 mental and physical attributes.

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

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

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

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

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

Smooth-haired Dachshunds more often attach themselves to a single family member.While they will tolerate other humans, they tend to be wary and stand-offish of other animals.  The Wire-haired is usually more playful and outgoing.Long-haired Dachshunds tend to be a little more placid.Though, like any Doxie, they are up for a game of fetch whenever the opportunity presents itself.

Apart from spinal problems, Doxies less often suffer from diseases that are more prevalent in other breeds.  Diabetes, abdominal cancers and other diseases are possible but much less common in Doxies.  Urinary tract problems (such as stones) can occur, but they are more likely in special varieties such as Double Dapples and those with blue eyes.These types tend to have more hearing and eye problems, too.

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

Dachshund supplies and gifts can be found at Ony-Dachshunds.com

Pet food

Despite the sometimes zealous comments of advocates of “natural” dog food, commercial dog foods are fine and recommended 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 fresh meat isn’t required.  Anything that provides enough protein is fine, since what is really needed are the amino acids that go to make them up.Any protein consumed is broken down to those basic products and then “re-constructed” again by the dog.

Besides amino acids, there are a number of essential vitamins and minerals required for good functioning.

Foods rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are good not only for humans but are good for Dachshunds, too.  In both 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 reducing the “free radicals” that can build up in the body.  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 take part in forming 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.  Smaller amounts, fed more often, are preferable to large helpings at one time, even though that is a little more inconvenient for the owner.The routine is best for puppies 8-12 weeks old.

When your puppy reaches 3-6 months, you can reduce the feeding frequency to 3 or even two meals a day.Even puppies can get fat, so keep a watchful 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.  Get familiar with their shape and it will be easier to judge 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 with dry is fine.

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

Just for Dachshund Lovers has gifts and supplies for the pampered Dachshund