Diet, training, exercise, grooming

Caring for a Miniature Long-haired Dachshund

Everything we do to keep our own Dachshunds healthy, happy and beautifully coated – from the food in their bowl to the brush on their coat.

Diet

To keep that sturdy little body and alert spirit in good order, a Dachshund needs a high-quality diet, plenty of exercise, and an owner who will not let it overeat. The breed comes in two sizes and three coats – six types in all – and each has its own needs, so do not be surprised if you need to experiment a little to find exactly what suits your dog. Whatever you choose, the foundation is a good food with the right balance of protein, carbohydrate, fat, vitamins and minerals.

We have found that our own Dachshunds do particularly well on Montego for small breeds, with generous additions of fresh vegetables and fruit. Velcote, available from most horse-feed stores, is excellent for keeping a long-haired coat in condition – we add 2.5 ml to one meal a day.

When you bring your puppy home, keep to the food it is already used to for the first few days. If you do want to change brands, do so slowly, over a week or so. Dachshunds tend to have trouble with their teeth: a dry food's abrasive action helps minimise plaque, but regular dental care is still essential – encourage chewing on appropriate items, brush daily, and book veterinary cleanings as needed. Zymaflour tablets, available from pharmacies, can be given from 8 weeks old to about 36 weeks – one a day – to help prevent tooth decay later in life.

Training

Whether you have a new puppy or an older dog, every Dachshund benefits from training – and an old dog can absolutely learn new tricks, with a little patience. Dachshunds are very smart, willing and quick to learn, and at heart they want to please you. Training runs in layers, roughly in this order: house or crate training first, then obedience, then prevention, and then fun.

Obedience

The essentials are sit, stay, down and come. These keep your Dachshund safe and out of trouble, so start early. The breed is an independent thinker, so bring patience: use healthy treats and plenty of praise, keep sessions short and enjoyable, and stop before either of you tires of it.

Prevention

Break bad habits before they set in – jumping up, digging, excessive barking, or bolting through an open door. The last thing you want is a Dachshund digging its way out of the garden, or dashing into the street.

Fun

Once the basics are solid, teach tricks and games. Get the whole family involved – children often have wonderful patience for this – and enjoy showing off what your clever little dog can do. If you enjoy working with your dog, your dog will enjoy learning.

Exercise

Because Dachshunds are small, many owners assume they get enough exercise indoors, or carry them so their legs barely touch the ground. They love the attention – but they still need real exercise. A big garden and playtime help, yet walking matters for more than fitness alone.

Socialisation

Dachshunds are social little dogs and enjoy meeting people and other dogs, which teaches good behaviour and improves their overall wellbeing. A dog that is not properly socialised can become skittish or even snappy, and fearful at the vet. Start with short walks and gentle introductions; a dog park with a small-dog section, visited at a quiet time, is ideal – the Dachshund's natural curiosity soon takes over.

Weight

Dachshunds are prone to gaining weight, which causes serious back problems, since their long spines are not built to carry extra. Regular exercise and a healthy diet protect the back and keep the internal organs and muscles in good condition.

Boredom

These are intelligent working dogs, bred to think for themselves, and they need mental stimulation. New smells, places, people and dogs keep a Dachshund happy and help prevent boredom, and the low mood that can come with it.

Fearfulness

Small dogs can be fearful of loud noises and large objects. Regular walks teach them there is nothing to fear; introduce a nervous dog slowly and patiently. Always use a good, strong lead – Dachshunds are stronger than they look, and a frightened dog that breaks loose can run straight into danger.

Training on walks

Do not let your Dachshund walk you, or you will reinforce the wrong idea about who is in charge. A well-trained Dachshund on a lead is a genuine joy; an untrained one will happily make up its own rules.

If you cannot walk your dog

Perhaps you live in a flat, or are not able to walk far. Consider a trusted dog walker who is used to small breeds, and challenge your Dachshund at home too: a game of hide-and-seek with a toy, or a toy wrapped in an old T-shirt, exercises the whole body and satisfies that old hunting instinct.

Grooming

Grooming a Dachshund is simple if it is done regularly – this is genuinely one of the easier breeds to keep on top of. Regular attention to teeth, ears, anal hygiene, brushing, bathing and nails means fewer medical problems down the line, and an earlier warning of any that do arise.

Teeth

Chew toys and rawhide help keep tartar down, but the rest is up to you. Use a dog toothbrush and dog toothpaste – never human toothpaste – brushing once a week in an up-and-down motion and gently massaging the gums, then reward your dog well. Build-up causes bad breath, infection and gum disease, and the younger you start, the easier it becomes.

Ears

The inside of the ear should be pink, never red. Wipe only what you can see, using a damp cloth or cotton ball, and never poke anything into the ear canal or use alcohol. If you suspect an infection or mites, book a vet visit.

Anal hygiene

Not the most glamorous part of ownership, but it prevents blocked anal sacs and infection. Signs that a gland needs emptying include excessive licking or scooting. If you are not comfortable doing this yourself, a groomer or vet will happily help – and if the fluid is pasty rather than watery, see your vet.

Brushing

Long-haired Dachshunds need frequent brushing with a stiff-bristled brush and a comb. Work out any knots by hand first, then brush through properly, paying particular attention to the belly, behind the legs and behind the ears. Now and then the "shawl" of hair around the neck needs thinning by a groomer, or your Dachshund will end up looking rather like a little lion.

Bathing

Dachshunds only need bathing every few months, or whenever they get into something they should not have. Use a dog shampoo only – human products dry out the coat – with warm, not hot, water and a non-slip surface. Wet the dog thoroughly, lather well while avoiding the eyes and ears, rinse until the water runs clear, and dry thoroughly with towels or a dryer. Lift your dog in and out of the bath rather than letting it jump, and keep it warm until it is fully dry.

Nails

Trim nails after a bath, when they are softer. On a white nail, avoid the pink quick; on black nails, take off a little at a time. Use guillotine-style dog clippers, keep styptic powder on hand just in case, and ask for a helper if you need one. If you are ever unsure, a groomer or vet can do this for you.

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