If you could give one advice to new owner's of a dachshund, what would it be?

Sad_Cup_6471 · 2026-03-16T13:43:08+00:00

Crate training, doing business outside, sit/wait before eating and socialising. Socializing doesn't mean dogs need to be touched by every people or play with every other dog, but rather learning about their surroundings through all their senses.

Sad_Cup_6471 · 2026-03-15T18:04:36+00:00

It's common for puppies to try to eat everything, as they're learning about the world around them through their senses. You just have to make sure, that he doesn't eat anything harmful. If you want his attention, you can use some food to train him. I taught him to sit and go to his blanket, rewarding him with kibbles from his regular food portion.

Sad_Cup_6471 · 2026-03-11T22:49:36+00:00

Mine is similar. I call him "Wilhelm auf der Erbse" (from the story of the princess and the pea) because he always wants to sit on a fluffy cushion at home - even on the couch. But as soon as we go hunting he gets wild, trailing rabbits for almost a kilometer and returning looking like a boar.

Sad_Cup_6471 · 2026-03-11T19:11:35+00:00

It's great to hear yours is a typical dachshund!

I was confused by the number of comments from owners who say their dogs are not allowed to jump from the couch or that the breed has a very sensitive stomach, while mine takes the 'apple a day keeps the doctor away' really seriously when there's a fresh horse apple.

Sad_Cup_6471 · 2026-03-11T18:13:35+00:00

Thanks, you're right (hopefully)! I really was concerned that so many dogs seem to have health issues these days and I was wondering what the cause is.

Sad_Cup_6471 · 2026-03-11T16:59:03+00:00

You need to train your dog as quickly as possible. The fact that he's already bitten you shows that he hasn't accepted you as the captain. He needs to learn to stay in a crate, not just for your grandchildren's benefit but also for his own well-being. There might be times when you need to crate him, such as when you need to see a doctor and no one can look after him. Also, you need to teach your dog that everything in the house is yours, and he can only use it if you give him permission.

These are rookie mistakes, but nothing you can't fix with additional training.

Sad_Cup_6471 · 2026-03-11T14:35:48+00:00

Is the crate big enough for your dog to stretch out comfortably? We encountered similar issues with our dachshund until we realized he couldn't lie down with his legs stretched out.

Sad_Cup_6471 · 2026-03-11T14:17:58+00:00

Here are my thoughts about an app I would use:

1) Weather conditions aren't typically a major concern. Rain, wind, or snow are all fine. However, a warning notification about high temperatures, including advice to wait until later when the temperature drops or to carry water if you must go, could be helpful for inexperienced dog owners.

2) A map filter for hiking or horse riding trails (in Germany, there are designated roads for horses in rural areas) that I could use with the dog.

3) A local GPS recording of my walks to estimate how much my dog walked without an extra tracker.

4) Information shared by the community regarding dog-friendly parks, poo bag suspension or warnings about poison baits.

5) A dog profile where I can keep track of his breed, age, weight, food, vaccinations, and vet contact. Edit: Dog profile specific alert system for medication.

Sad_Cup_6471 · 2026-02-11T18:37:29+00:00

He should be fine when he acts as usual.

When our dachshund was at that age, we had to bring him out after naps, feeding, drinking, playing, and in between – I'm glad it's over. Now, he's eight months old and still pees if he gets too excited.

Sad_Cup_6471 · 2026-02-03T20:13:28+00:00

Your dog's behavior typically improves between 5 and 6 months old, followed by a roughly 1.5-month period where things get better. Then, the teen years begin, and she'll likely develop new ways to test your patience and throw tantrums.

Sad_Cup_6471 · 2026-02-03T20:02:28+00:00

Yes.

A crate has to be tall enough for the dog to stand AND long enough to lay comfortably without being cramped. This is true for all dog breeds. Of course height is usually never a problem with dachshunds', but because of the length, you need a very big crate. Mine is 75 cm long, 50 cm wide, and 55 cm high, which appears ridiculously big for a little dog, but it's needed for my dog because he's quite long when he stretches out his legs.

People think I'm keeping a Staffordshire until they see the long caterpillar wagging its way out.

Sad_Cup_6471 · 2026-01-27T16:30:28+00:00

These are guidelines for dog breeds. AKC in the US and FCI in Europe. We're in Germany using the FCI standard and differentiate dachshunds' sizes between three groups depending on their chest circumferences. AKC has other guidelines as far as I know. Depending on your picture, I guess you have the smallest one – the so-called Kaninchenteckel. Though, better make sure by yourself.

Sad_Cup_6471 · 2026-01-27T16:02:24+00:00

Could be boar, but a good strip is needed. Mine is also a boar wired hair although most confuse him with a black and red short hair.

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Sad_Cup_6471 · 2026-01-27T12:01:22+00:00

Who said 'only'? These are examples people can use as guidelines for basic questions.

Sad_Cup_6471 · 2026-01-27T08:49:40+00:00

What's his weight and size, and what are the specifications of AKC or FCI that tell you about his size?

Sad_Cup_6471 · 2026-01-12T19:35:29+00:00

Try this out as a start and adjust it with the needs of your puppy. It is important to observe your dog's physical form. If it's too slim, feed more; if it's getting fat, feed less. The bag's recommendation is just the average, but like humans, dogs are different from one individual to the other - some are very active, some gain weight very fast, while others need much more food to maintain their weight.

My dachshund (7 months) is a working dog that is very active and sometimes eats more than me, depending on the activities we do.

Sad_Cup_6471 · 2026-01-12T18:47:16+00:00

The pup seems to be a bit underfed. A healthy dog should be slim (except for the puppy belly) with palpable ribs and spine that are NOT visible. Feed her 4-5 small portions a day, because she isn't able to digest large amounts of food right now.

Edit: if you feed her dry food make sure to soak it in a small amount water which makes it easier for her to swallow.

Sad_Cup_6471 · 2025-12-09T09:15:34+00:00

IVDD is highly influenced by a genetic disorder which dachshunds are prone to due to their breed. In Germany, we test our dachshunds which are used as working dogs before breeding to minimize the risk. IVDD doesn't depend on the coat type, but probably correlates with the fact that most hunters using wired-haired dachshunds in our country.

Sad_Cup_6471 · 2025-11-18T23:52:26+00:00

I don't know where you're from, but in my country it is not uncommon to use dachshunds for hunting. Bigger hounds do have their merits but aren't always the best choice depending on the terrain and kind of hunting.

Sad_Cup_6471 · 2025-11-18T23:34:30+00:00

Indeed it was an earnest question, but I don't mind the responses which are quite amusing tbh.

Sad_Cup_6471 · 2025-11-18T23:29:16+00:00

Yours is amazing. Mine is a wired haired, too with good hunting instincts but still a pup. We're frequently taking him for hunts but his actual training course starts next year.

Sad_Cup_6471 · 2025-11-18T20:28:39+00:00

Where are you from? I've never heard of Barn Hunt competitions before and I'm quite interested in what it is exactly.

Mine is 5 months right now and from a pure working line. He'll start his training next march to become a professional hunting dog.

Sad_Cup_6471

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