Dachshund

Dogs come in every shape, size, color and character combination imaginable. Each of them is unique, and all of them are special and worthy of love. But there’s something about Dachshunds that makes them stand out from all other breeds. Their distinctively long, low shape, mischievous personalities and affectionate nature keep Dachshunds high on the list of America’s most beloved dog breeds year after year.

The adorably long, low-slung body of the “wiener dog” comes from generations of breeding them to hunt badgers and other ground-burrowing animals. Their long body, short legs and sleek snout facilitated wriggling into underground holes to catch their prey. Today, they’re more likely to be found burrowing under blankets, but Dachshunds are as intelligent, curious and endearing as ever.

Whether you are already a Dachshund parent or are thinking of adopting one, you may have questions about their distinguishing qualities or how best to care for your wiener dog. This guide to the characteristics, care and keeping of Dachshund dogs is designed to answer pet parents’ most pressing questions about their little companions. If you’re curious about Dachshund health & wellness, effective training methods or their ideal diet, read on for useful tips to help bring out the best in your sausage dog.

Brave and bold, Dachshunds don’t seem to know how small they are—except when nestling into their pet parent’s lap. They are deeply loyal and affectionate with members of their household and ready to defend their loved ones with a big-dog bark—even if they’re only protecting against a delivery service. Dachshunds’ propensity for stubbornness and sneakiness is just a natural projection of their high intelligence and curiosity. Most pet parents are happy to take a little cheekiness in stride for the chance to enjoy time with such loving and entertaining pets.

A Dachshund’s distinctive build is instantly recognizable—sleek and agile yet almost comical in length. It comes from generations of breeding to facilitate the hunt of ground-burrowing animals. Though Dachshunds are no longer widely bred as working dogs, their unique physicality and small size require a diet that is thoughtfully balanced with their nutritional needs in mind. Some of the best food for Dachshunds is formulated with high-quality, nutrient-dense ingredients, with special consideration for the wellness needs that come with the Dachshund’s unusual shape. At Petco, we are pleased to provide many top small breed dog food options to help keep your little dog in high health.

Whether you’re a first-time pet parent figuring out what your new puppy needs or a seasoned parent to a senior dog, Petco’s round-up of the top Dachshund supplies chosen by pet parents will help you give your long dog the care they deserve. Some of the first things you’ll need include:

• A dog bed
• Potty training aids
• Waste bags
• Weather protective clothing
• Pest control solutions
• Small breed dog food
• Vitamins and supplements
• Grooming supplies
• Dog toys
• Dental treats

There’s a common misconception that smaller dogs can be impossible to train. And while Dachshunds can be very set in their ways, their intelligence makes them perfect candidates for consistent positive reinforcement training

With consistent training, you and your pup can learn how to communicate and grow your bond. Training is also a great way to give your dog confidence and increase their happiness. 

Potty training tip: Smaller dogs have smaller bladders

• Begin house-training your Dachshund puppy immediately to help ensure your pup doesn’t pick up any bad habits.
• If your breeder already started the house-training process, inquire about their routine and try to mimic it precisely so it’ll be a smooth transition.
• Create a smaller area for your puppy to spend time in while they’re still training. Use a play pen, baby gates or doors to keep them to one room.
• When house-training a Dachshund puppy, it’s important to be consistent. Their little bodies can only hold so much until they have to go pee or poop, so it’s best to take them out for bathroom breaks as often as you can. You shouldn’t let more than an hour pass between bathroom breaks. Always take them outside after they eat or drink as well. A predictable routine and consistent practice are key for your clever pup.
• Taking them to the same area in your yard to go will help remind them exactly what a trip outside is for. They will be able to smell their previous leavings and remember it’s potty time.
• Dachshund potty training always needs to be positive—yelling or scolding your pup will cause them to relate shame and anxiety with going to the bathroom. If they have an accident, simply clean it up and resolve to take them out to their potty spot more often.
• When they go to the bathroom outside, praise them lavishly. Congratulate them in an excited voice and give them lots of pets. Dachshunds are also very food motivated, so rewards in treat form usually work like a charm.
• Eventually, house-training a Dachshund puppy gets easier. They will learn to ask to go outside and do their business without treats, though it’s always a good habit to praise correct behavior even when they are adults. Just remember to do your part and let them out frequently.
• Adult dogs of any breed shouldn’t be expected to hold it for more than six to eight hours. The younger and smaller they are, the more frequently they’ll have to go.

Crate training tip: Crates should never be used as a punishment 

• Crate training is a great way to keep your Dachshund secure when you need to leave your home or at night when you go to sleep. Many pet parents feel guilty about crating their puppy at first, but if used properly, crates can benefit both you and your pup.
• Don’t think of a crate as a cage—the smaller space helps them feel secure and may even help prevent separation anxiety down the road. It’s good for your dog to have an area that is just for them.
• Just like house-training, it’s good to implement crate training as soon as possible.
• The best way to train a Dachshund puppy to enjoy their crate time is to start off small. Leave their crate open and uncovered during the day. Lure them in with treats, and when they go in, don’t close the door—instead, allow them to get comfortable. Canines love to run and be outside, but when it’s time to wind down, some pups prefer close quarters.
• After a long play session, when your pup starts to get tired, lure them in with a treat or their favorite stuffed toy. Getting them to take their naps in the crate is a great way for them to associate crate time with relaxation time.
• Allow them to climb in and out of their crate freely. Then, try shutting the door and leaving the room.
• Before securing your Dachshund in their crate, remove their collar—it’s possible for it to catch on something inside the crate and become a choking hazard—and make sure the toys you leave for them can’t be torn up and swallowed.
• Eventually, they’ll become more and more comfortable being left alone. This will be a big help at bedtime.
• When crate training your Dachshund puppy, remember to give them bathroom breaks in the middle of the night as well.

Training tip: Positive reinforcement training helps lead to a lifelong bond between you and your pup

• Making sure your Dachshund is respondent to your cues is more than just a convenience—it’s a necessity. Dogs are social creatures. They love to be with you and other humans. In order to do so, they need to learn how to be polite and well-behaved.
• Learning to communicate with your dog will help boost their confidence and make you feel more secure when taking them on outings and in everyday life. When you can’t communicate with your dog, it can put both them and others in jeopardy. It can also cause them needless anxiety and upset.
• Smaller dogs are more prone to territorial behavior or endless barking, but it doesn’t have to be that way. With the right Dachshund training tips, you can help them unlearn those habits—or better yet, make sure they never form in the first place.
• When it comes to training miniature Dachshunds, medium Dachshunds or any dog, remember to start them out early, be consistent and use positive reinforcement.
• Dachshunds can be strong-willed, but as the pet parent, you’re in control. Stick with the same cues so they don’t get confused. Keep training sessions short—these dogs are highly intelligent, but their attention span is small, especially as a puppy. And always make reinforcement positive—if you find yourself getting frustrated, it’s best to stop the training session because they may notice your energy and get confused.

Suggested Dachshund training services

Following a Dachshund training guide can be beneficial, but sometimes you just need to call in a professional. Petco offers classes led by AKC Canine Good Citizen® evaluators, who use the power of positive reinforcement to help your puppy excel.

We understand professional classes may be hard to fit into your busy schedule. That’s why we offer a variety of options—you can do group classes at your neighborhood Petco Pet Care Center or opt for one-on-one training. Don’t have a Petco near you? Our online group or private lessons may be a better fit.

We have training classes for all ages. We also offer specialty training sessions for issues like separation anxiety with our online program. Our classes can give you and your pup the tools needed to communicate efficiently, which means less stress for you both.

There’s no dog silhouette more recognizable than that of the Dachshund. Long, low and lovable, these hounds have become one of America’s most popular dog breeds—not just for their remarkable looks, but also for their loyal and lively personalities. Dachshunds are also adaptable in many ways, finding themselves at home in both city-center apartments and suburban homes with lots of yard space. These dogs have plenty of fans, but they are also prone to some diseases and disorders, many arising from or exacerbated by their unique shape. The more you learn about possible Dachshund health issues, the better equipped you’ll be to identify potential problems and get your dog the help they need. That way, if you notice your Dachshund acting strange, you’ll be more able to assess whether they need help—or whether they’re just exhibiting classic Dachshund behavior.

Dachshunds are small, and Miniature Dachshunds are even smaller. That’s not just good news for pet parents who want to snuggle with a perfectly sized cuddle buddy—it’s also good news for pet parents who don’t want to see a big-dog-sized tumbleweed of fur rolling across the floor. Of course, grooming is about more than just keeping fur under control. Grooming is an essential part of caring for your Dachshund’s overall wellbeing and gives you a chance to check their skin, eyes, ears and mouth. All that intimacy is also good for bonding with your pup and reinforcing trust.

After their distinctly unusual yet elegant silhouette, the most attractive feature of the Dachshund to many pet parents is this dog’s personality. Their temperament is one of alertness balanced by a seemingly insatiable craving for their pet parents’ love and attention. Though Dachshunds seem constantly vigilant and frequently signal any disturbance with a bossy bark, they’re also content to spend long periods of time snuggled up with their family members. Not every Dachshund dog is alike, but many members of this breed tend to be mistrustful or territorial around strangers. With proper training and socialization, Dachshunds can learn to be more relaxed and accepting of outsiders. Despite their sometimes-protective nature, Dachshunds usually learn to get along very well with other pets and children who share their household.

Dachshunds are a good fit for homes of just about any size, as their smallness and love of burrowing into cozy corners mean that apartments suit them just fine. In fact, if you have a large home, you may have to keep an eye on your Dachshund to make sure they don’t try to go up and down stairs that are too tall for them. As long as you have enough room to let your Dachshund play fetch in the living room or a schedule that allows for a few walks a day, you can feel good about adopting a Dachshund dog into your home—no matter what size they may be.