Want to own a dachshund? Considering buying a dachshund puppy? Here are eight steps to make sure you’re ready to own a dachshund.
If you are ready to have a wiener in your life, what do you need to know to help you find your perfect canine mate. Here’s what we have learned from having dachshunds in our lives.
Guide To Owning A Dachshund (8 Steps)
The follow eight points should help you understand if you want to own a Dachshund:
1. Generally can live between 12 and 17 years. So if you plan on ever moving during their lifetime, make sure you have a place that will accept dogs. Their small size makes them suitable for houses with small yards or even apartments.
However, dachshunds are barkers and their constant barking may irritate neighbors. So if you live in an apartment you want to make sure you have trained dachshund that won’t bark excessively.
2. If everyone in the family wants a dog make sure your dachshund is what all your family members want. Dachshunds like a lot of attention, and everyone in the family should want to spend a lot of time with them.
Don’t get a dachshund if your family leaves most of the day and you simply put them in their cage or leave them alone all day.
3. It’s recommended to wait until your kids are at least six years old before bringing in a dachshund puppy. Dachshunds can get nervous around little ones and is best if your child is of age where they are not hyper as this will make your doxie nervous as well.
It is also important to have your dachshund socialize with others when they are a puppy. If they learn proper socialization they can be well-behaved with all family members.
You don’t want a dachshund that gets nippy with kids.
Dachshunds are people-oriented dogs and they love to be around family. However, dachshunds tend to like to single out one person to bond closer with.
4. Dachshunds barking can drive you crazy when you try to train them to bark less. Barking is part of the dachshunds’ nature. You have to be very patient and consistent with training.
Dachshunds are good watchdogs as they have a deep big bark that can alert you if anyone comes to the door.
5. If you have a fenced yard and let the dachshunds roam, you need to keep an eye on them as they love to dig holes. Dachshunds were initially bred to hunt badgers so they have an instinct to go after chipmunks, moles, and squirrels.
6. Dachshunds are good lap dogs and want a lot of attention, so you cannot just leave them in the backyard or in the house all day by themselves. If you want a dog that cuddles, the dachshund is a good choice as they love to snuggle under a blanket next to you.
If you don’t pay attention to them or leave them alone a lot they can get anxious and chew things up.
7. Dachshunds are very stubborn to train and with puppies potty training can be difficult. You better have a lot of patience as dachshunds are a challenge when trying to potty train a puppy. You might consider getting dog diapers if you have trouble potty training them.
8. Dachshunds are very guarded and anytime someone knocks on the door or the doorbell rings, the dachshunds will let you know. What you want to do is train them that they need to stay back as you go to the door first. This way you tell them that you are the leader of the pack.
Otherwise, if they rush to the door first, it will be difficult to get them to stop barking as they believe they are the leader of the pack.
Buying A Dachshund Puppy
When you’re looking to get a Dachshund puppy, make sure you get them from a reputable breeder. This is very important as there are many unscrupulous dachshund breeders. Only buy from a registered breeder or a reputable animal shelter.
You should also look into all the details such as their health records, temperament, and genetic history are important things you should look at.
If buying from a breeder, ask if you can see the puppy’s mother and father. You want to see how mama interacts with her puppy. Get the registration numbers of both parents. That way you can check with the official kennel club.
Buying from a reputable dachshund adoption shelter is a great idea, as they will have all their shots and records, and be more affordable. Plus, you are saving another lonesome dachshund by providing a good home.
RELATED: Pros & Cons Of Getting A Dachshund
Do Dachshunds Make Good Pets?
Dachshunds are great pets, but they do have some unique caring requirements before you choose to own a dachshund.
First, dachshunds don’t need a lot of exercise like some dogs, but they are energetic and playful and do require a few daily walks and playtime in the house or out in your yard. If not, they will get bored easily.
You might want to purchase a dachshund winter jacket as dachshunds tend to get cold easily in the winter months.
Dachshunds are a handful when trying to train. They are known for being stubborn and headstrong. So it may take a while to train your dachshund. They do well with treats as they love to eat and can have a tendency to be gluttons.
Dachshunds tend to be a bit guarded with strangers and other pets. So you might want to teach them how to socialize when they are puppies.
Otherwise, they get a bit nervous and might try and nip other people or pets.
If you want to a dog to cuddle with them you will love to own a dachshund.
Dachshunds love to cuddle and want to get under your covers to lay beside you. They are are very loyal and will follow you around as they love being with you at all times.
The short haired dachshunds are the easiest to maintain while the long-haired dachshunds and wire-haired dachshunds require some brushing preferably on a daily basis.
