It's not uncommon for Dachshunds to get less exercise than they should. Common reasons I've seen that many owners aren't able to exercise their Dachshund enough are: cute dog portrait in a photography studio setting isolated on a colorful background They think their Dachshund doesn't need much exerciseThey under-estimate how much exercise their Dachshund is physically capable ofThey think … [Read more...]

Determining how long to walk your Dachshund can be a challenging dilemma. There are a variety of factors to take into consideration first, such as age, weight and overall lifestyle. In this article, we’ll help you decide how far and long your Dachshund can walk in a day. Keep in mind though that this advice is focused on healthy adult Dachshunds, but we do briefly discuss exercise for … [Read more...]

If you’ve found yourself reading this post, you’re probably wondering if you can take your Dachshund running with you.  Since Dachshunds are prone to back issues, it makes sense that you’d be looking for answers as to whether your dog can participate in your active hobby. In this article we will clarify whether or not running is bad for Dachshunds, and provide other helpful … [Read more...]

You may be wondering how much exercise your Dachshund needs. Specifically, how often you need to walk your dog per week and for how long. The short answer is that it varies by each particular Dachshund. Factors like age, health, mobility issues, and fitness level must be considered. Another thing to reflect on is their behavior. A Dachshund that is always chewing up things they … [Read more...]

The most essential accessory for your Dachshund is something to attach their leash to while you're out walking, whether it be a collar or harness. A standard collar is normally the “default” option for most pet parents. However, in my opinion, Dachshunds should only be walked using a harness. Harness vs Collar: Why a Harness is Safer Has your Dachshund ever started coughing or … [Read more...]

As you know if you're read my blog at all, I am very passionate about making sure a Dachshund gets enough exercise. There are two main reasons for this: It helps to keep them healthy and fit It helps keep their core and back muscles strong so they are less likely to suffer from a back injury (or, as in our case, it was more mild and can recover faster) Over the years, I've found that … [Read more...]

I've been asked these questions lot over the years: "What dog food do you recommend for Dachshunds?" "What should I feed my Dachshund to keep them healthy like yours?" "What do you think about food X or Y for Dachshunds?" For the most part, I've also creatively dodged those questions a lot over the years. You see, every dog is different. Every owner preference is different. Every budget is … [Read more...]

Besides bringing variety, and a “thrill” to your dog’s taste buds, there are many reasons why you may want to rotate your dog’s food. Why Should I Switch My Dog’s Food? Dog Food Advisor sums it up perfectly, “Since there’s no such thing as a perfect dog food, it’s reasonable to assume every product is deficient or excessive in some way. So, built-in flaws tend to be magnified when the same … [Read more...]

For the first time, I brought home a dog that wasn't spayed. I knew that getting her "fixed" was the right thing to do for us but, now that I was bestowed the responsibility myself, I wanted to do some research first. I started to hear mumbling that perhaps spaying a dog at a young age wasn't as beneficial as once thought. It seemed that waiting until a dog was older to spay, or opting … [Read more...]

Bringing home a new puppy is very exciting. You’ve likely chosen a puppy but have to wait weeks before he or she is old enough to come home to you. The bad news is that the wait can be difficult and feel like forever. The good news is waiting gives you a lot of time to think and prepare to bring your new furry family member home. When I was waiting for my new Dachshund puppy to … [Read more...]

It frustrates me that so many people treat their wiener dogs like lapdogs. I see so many Dachshunds that are overweight and I'm sure it's the belief that Dachshund are fragile and don't need much exercise that significantly contributes to that. Just because Dachshunds are nicknamed "sausage dogs", doesn't mean they should look like one (the nickname is actually because it's speculated that the … [Read more...]

You’ve just brought home a new Dachshund. Perhaps a puppy, a senior dog, or an adult. On your must-buy list is a crate. You've heard everyone talk about the importance of crate training, but where do you even start when it comes to choosing the right crate for your Dachshund? Ask yourself these questions, and follow these tips, to help ensure you pick the right crate for your … [Read more...]

I slowly meandered through the woods with Chester and sat on a log. I had things I needed to say to him. Things I wanted him to know. There was no better setting than in the woods a few miles from my house to tell him. We'd shared almost 16 years of adventure in places like that. As I held him tight and started to whisper to him, he looked away from me like he was searching for something. He … [Read more...]

Over the years, I've probably received 100 messages and emails from people whose Dachshunds are experiencing back problems, neck problems, and trouble walking. Although I've written several articles on the topic, I haven't yet written one that specifically addresses the urgent time right after you discover that your Dachshund's back legs are paralyzed, their front legs won't work, or they are … [Read more...]

I've received many emails from Dachshund owners who are frustrated that their dog barks all day, or pees in the house, when they're gone. Most ask me if I think their pup does it because they are mad - or out of spite - and how to stop it. Since this topic doesn't only apply to Dachshunds, Chester used to have this issue, and it can be a problem when a dog is left alone in a car while traveling … [Read more...]

The kitchen is probably the most dangerous room in your house. It’s full of sharp objects, things your dog shouldn’t eat, hot liquids, etc. Your dog just wants to be part of the action but that can be risky for both you and your dog. It’s safest to keep your pet out of the kitchen while you are working in there. Why You Should Keep Your Dog Out of the Kitchen 1. So you don’t drop things on them … [Read more...]

When Gretel injured her back, and was diagnosed with Intervertebral Disk Disease (IVDD), I wanted to get her on the road to healing as fast as I could. After the initial shock, I was like a steam train charging forward. During our first visit with the rehab vet, I explored absolutely every treatment I knew existed. I went armed with a list of about 10 things and made the vet explain every single … [Read more...]

I get a lot of questions about the Dachshund breed, and, because our blog is one centered around being active with your Dachshund, one of the common question I hear is “Do you think my Dachshund is fat?” I’m no veterinarian, but I’ve owned Dachshunds for 15 years, I've blogged about them for almost 8, I've organized the Dachshund club for over 6, and I was a Doxie walker and sitter (yes, I … [Read more...]

When Gretel injured her back, and was diagnosed with Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD), I was determined that this would just be a blip in our journey together. I see people every day that overcame physical limitations and continue to be active in the outdoors. Although mild by comparison to some issues, I've deal with chronic injuries myself so I know it's possible. My goal with Gretel was to … [Read more...]

I got a big wake-up call a few months ago when Gretel hurt her back and was diagnosed with Intervertebral Disk Disease (IVDD). The thought of never being able to hike with her again scared me so I resolved to do everything I could to help keep her active and reduce the chance of re-injury. This effort involves many components but supplements are a big part of it. Before Gretel's injury, I … [Read more...]