We receive some questions over and over.
To make the answers easy to find, I compiled them onto this page for you.
Click the underlined text read the relevant “answer”.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hiking with Dachshunds and other Small Dogs
17 of Your Questions About Hiking with Small Dogs Answered
If you are only going to read one article here, make it this one.
If you want to know things like how to get started hiking with your Dachshund, how soon you can start hiking with your puppy, and how to get your dog to not stop to sniff every 5 feet, this one is for you.
How Far Can Miniature Dachshunds Hike?
Summit and Gretel have each completed several 11-mile days.
Although they could probably hike further – I know a Dachshund who has hiked 20 in a day and one that has ran a 50k – that is about my personal daily limit.
The most miles Summit has done is about 25 miles over a 3-day period. Gretel has done 30 in that same amount of time.
Do You Every Have to Carry Your Miniature Dachshund While Hiking?
No, hardly ever. They can easily climb over (or under in the case of trees on the trail) obstacle we run into.
There are a few exceptions.
I had to carry Chester out once when he got injured and I do help lift them up and down obstacles that are over about 18 inches high.
I also carried Chester on a few times when he became too old to hike on his own.
If I had to carry one of them regularly, I would go with one of these backpacks for Dachshunds.
Do your Small Dogs Ever Wear Boots?
The short answer is no. We’ve never needed them.
The most likely case when they would need them would be in the snow and ice but they haven’t needed them yet.
I’m still on the lookout though for boots that actually fit Dachshunds well just in case they do need them someday.
How Can I Start Hiking with My Dachshund?
Dachshunds were bred for hunting so I find most of them take to it naturally.
Still though, you have to work up to it slowly.
Check out the article above for our best tips.
I Understand Your Dachshund Had a Back Injury. Is It Still Safe for Her to Hike?
It’s important for all dogs, especially ones who have had spinal issues, to stay lean, fit and maintain strong core muscles (to support the spine).
There is a risk that any dog can hurt themselves while hiking.
Although it’s possible something on a hike could cause another back injury, the risk is not necessarily greater than with any other dog.
I’d rather her have a good quality of life doing what she loves than protect her like she could break any minute.
I’m Getting Ready to Take My Small Dog on an Airplane with Me. Do You Have Any Advice?
I’ve only flown a few times with Gretel.
I wrote this article based on my own experience PLUS I asked my friends who have done it too for advice (and it’s all in this article).
Frequently Asked Questions About Dachshunds and Miniature Dachshunds
I get a lot of questions from new Dachshund owners. They often ask me for general tips and advice about the breed.
The articles below contain almost everything I think it’s important for people to know.
21 Very Important Things Every Person That Owns a Dachshund Should Know
11 Common Personality Quirks of the Dachshund
How Much Exercise Does My Miniature Dachshund Need?
In my experience, many people choose to get small dogs because they think they don’t need much exercise.
The thing is that the size of the dog doesn’t equate to the mount of exercise they need.
Some small dog breeds like Dachshunds actually have significant exercise requirements.
What Should I Do if My Dachshund Suddenly Can’t Walk or is Wobbly?
I hear the same story over and over – which was also my experience with Gretel:
My Dachshund was fine one minute and the next he or she could not walk.
That condition is caused by a spinal disease called Intervertebral Disk Disease (IVDD).
Since 25% of Dachshunds will have some sort of back trouble in their lifetime, make sure to read this article so you know what to do.
What Advice Do You Have for a Dog with Intervertebral Disk Disease (IVDD)?
I’m not a veterinarian myself but, in the article above, I share my experience and what I learned from our vet and rehab specialist.
If you don’t see your question answered, feel free to send me a message through our Facebook page or contact me one of these ways.