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 overweight?” 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, … [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 … [Read more...]

I'm really bad and following a routine. Over the years, I've started and stopped taking supplements many, many times. I hold onto the theory that "some is better than none" and congratulate myself for the times I can actually stick with it. This lack of consistency with supplements extends to my dogs, Chester and Gretel. I got a big wake-up call a few months ago when Gretel hurt her back and … [Read more...]

I've been dealing with a back problem for over 10 years. Since the injury, my life has been a series of active periods and recovery periods. That's the way it is with most active people. Some people are young and lucky (I was that person once too) and they can go full-out, all of the time, with no pain or in spite of the pain. Most are not so lucky though. Being active is a mindset - a … [Read more...]

I'm really trying to be nice and patient about this. I keep telling myself that people "educating" and "warning" me about Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) are doing so because they care about Gretel. They care about us. I should appreciate that. Honestly though, my blood is starting to boil. I don't expect everyone to know this but I am highly educated about IVDD. I've had over 5 years … [Read more...]

Gretel was diagnosed with Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) 7 weeks ago. Except for the controlled activities prescribed by the rehab vet, she's been confined to the crate for all of those days. Going into this, I knew a lot about treatment for IVDD because of the stories and experiences of people in the 500+ member Dachshund club I organize. I knew that one of the biggest mistakes people make … [Read more...]

So you found out your dog has Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD). At a minimum, you and your dog endured 6 weeks of crate rest. There were sad eyes, guilt, whining, patience, and frustration involved. Some of your dogs needed surgery too. Your dog may or may not have recovered to normal, or almost, normal again. You don't think your emotions, and your pocketbook, can go through IVDD … [Read more...]

Gretel has led a very active life hiking, paddleboarding, and traveling. Last Tuesday she experienced pain after jumping off of the couch. I could tell because she was trembling, was walking hunched over, and had zero interest in the squeakier toy she is obsessed with. She was showing classic signs of Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) - a genetic disease that Dachshunds, and some other breeds, … [Read more...]

The most common cause of back problems in Dachshunds is a condition called Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD). I previously wrote an article explaining what IVDD is, how to recognize symptoms of back problems, and what you can do to help prevent them. However, IVDD is a genetic disease and it's unlikely you can totally prevent your dog from having any back issues if they have the disease. If … [Read more...]

I didn't always know a lot about Dachshunds. I was still pretty clueless even after owning Chester for 8 years. It wasn't until I adopted Gretel, and started this blog, that I started researching and learning as much as I could about the breed. Dachshunds are notorious for having back problems. Many Dachshunds end up fully or partially paralyzed, or with mobility limitations and pain related … [Read more...]

I was recently contacted by one of our readers, Cassandra, asking if I would share about Dachshund seizures since they are so common. In the 12 years I have owned Dachshunds, and walked and house-sat Dachshunds, I have never encountered a seizure. I have heard of Dachshunds having them before but didn't realize how common they were. Here is Cassandra's story: "I was fostering a sweet … [Read more...]

Dachshunds are notorious barkers. I knew this so when Chester was young I worked to teach him that constantly barking at everything was not necessary. That all fell apart about the time Gretel came to live with us. I am not sure if he just discovered that barking was a cool thing once he was around another dog on a daily basis or he felt the need to be "tough" and protect her. Nonetheless, … [Read more...]

The other day I came across a video about a woman named Linda in Tennessee who owns 5 disabled Dachshunds. One of her dogs, Jessie, developed a herniated disk and became paralyzed. Linda took him to the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine for surgery but he still couldn't walk. After rehabilitation, he now runs and plays with the other dogs again. Whether you are a Doxie … [Read more...]