How to Take Care of Dachshund Dogs

The dachshund is a friendly, loving dog with a keen sense of smell, but he possesses a stubborn streak. Your doxie requires a slightly different approach to care than most dogs, mostly because of his elongated back. Grooming needs depend on his hair type. Caring for him requires the proper food and grooming, scheduled veterinary visits, moderate exercise, consistent training sessions and lots of hugs and kisses.

Keep a step stool or ramp by the couch or the bed, and carry him if you have stairs. Even though he is capable of climbing up and down stairs, he can aggravate any possible disk problems with his spine. Avoid opportunities for your doxie to jump on items.

Feed him a quality dog food to keep his weight under control. Quality foods have less, if no filler, and use specific meat as their first ingredient. The grains are easier to digest, as well. Limit the doggie treats and human food treats, as extra weight on his back can lead to herniated disks.

Brush your doxie regularly to distribute the oils in his skin and avoid dryness. Short-haired doxies can be brushed once or twice a week with a soft-bristled brush. Wire-haired and long-haired doxies need brushing every day or every other day. Use a hard-bristle brush if you have a wire-haired pup and a slicker brush for your long-haired doxie. Combs work well on long-haired doxies to loosen any mats or tangles.

Bathe your doxie only when needed, as too many baths can dry out his skin. Lather with a mild shampoo, rinse thoroughly and avoid drafts. Towel-dry short-haired doxies and blow dry long-haired and wire-haired doxies.

Brush your doxie's teeth with dog toothpaste, with either a finger brush or regular dog toothbrush. Brush either every day or as often as your vet advises. Begin slowly by brushing just a few teeth until he becomes used to the idea.

Walk your doxie every day to control his weight. Teach your pup to heel. If he understands that he is to walk beside you, not in front of you, he is less likely to take the position of the alpha dog. Teach your pup to sit. As you hold a treat over his head, guide him into a sitting position and say, "Sit." Praise him and give him the treat.