Exercising your dog

Regular (that’s daily) exercise helps them stay fit, maintain a healthy weight and build strong muscles to support and protect their back.

Aim for 2 walks every day, up to a total of around 30 minutes. Keep the pace gentle and easy-going - these aren’t sprinting dogs! Add in some play time and training and that should be enough.

As social dogs, Dachshunds don’t respond well to being left alone, especially outside. If you leave them alone in your garden, you can expect plenty of barking, chasing and digging. Lots of daily mental and physical stimulation gives them a healthy outlet for these instincts.

Training your Dachshund

Dachshunds are smart pups. But they’re also independent and somewhat stubborn so training can be a challenge. However, these loving, affectionate dogs respond well to positive reinforcement and patient, consistent training. Keep training sessions short.

Use their favourite treats and toys, plus praise, to keep them engaged. Games like hide-and-seek with treats will give them a good outlet for their energy and smarts.

Dachshunds need proper socialisation from when they’re a puppy. Early socialisation helps them gain confidence around new people and pups and in new situations. Dachshunds should always be supervised around young children. Dachshunds can get along ok with other dogs in their home but they prefer to be the only one. 

Your dog's health

Dachshunds have a long and healthy life expectancy of up to 16 years but there are some breed-specific issues it’s worth keeping an eye on.

Brush their teeth everyday to keep dental disease at bay and stop the buildup of plaque and tartar.

Intense exercise, like jumping or rough play, can damage a Dachshund, especially their back. Ensure your Dachshund doesn't run up and down stairs or jump on or off furniture.

Health Issues to watch out for:

Back Problems

Epilepsy

Bloat

Eye Issues

Grooming your dog

A Dachshund’s grooming needs depend on their coat type. Short, smooth coats don’t need more than a quick wipe or a weekly brush to loosen any dirt and dead hair. Short, wiry coats will need to be plucked or hand-stripped (where you pull away the dead hair) a few times a year. In between this, they’ll need a brush or comb once or twice a week, plus their beard and eyebrows trimmed as needed. Longer, wavy coats will need more regular brushing - aim for a few times every week.

Because Dachshunds are so low to the ground, their tummies can pick up dirt and debris. You may need to brush this area every few days.

Baths can be kept to a minimum - just a few times a year.

Check your Dachshund’s ears, gently clean them, and watch for signs of infection. Trim their nails monthly