Dachshunds have made a name for themselves as clever, inquisitive pups. Their long bodies have captured the hearts of artists, including Picasso and Andy Warhol.
When choosing your new doxie, ask whether his parents are screened for Lafora disease and PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy). Ask when he was vaccinated and when he’ll need his next booster.
Exercise
Dapple dachshund puppies are intelligent and food-motivated, making them quick to learn. However, their stubbornness makes them prone to developing resistance when they don’t get their way. Therefore, it’s important to practice patience when training them. Using positive reinforcement and reward-based training methods with dachshunds is also beneficial.
Dachshunds are naturally curious dogs that thrive in multi-pet households and love socializing with people and other animals. They can have high prey drives that can lead to barking, so it’s best to teach them a solid recall as early as possible. They may also resort to destructive behaviors if bored, so keeping them mentally stimulated is essential.
Miniature dachshunds are prone to back problems like intervertebral disk disease, so monitoring their activity levels and encouraging them to exercise on a leash regularly is essential. They’re also prone to ear infections, which can be easily prevented by wiping their ears with a damp cloth once a week.
When choosing miniature dapple dachshund puppies for sale, purchase from a breeder who cares about their pups’ health and welfare. Purchasing a puppy from a responsible breeder will save you money in the long run and ensure your dog gets the proper care.
Health
As with any breed, raising a dapple dachshund has some health concerns. These dogs may have a higher risk of developing gastrointestinal issues like constipation, diarrhea, and heart disease. To lower the chance of these conditions, you should feed your puppy a diet low in fat and calories, especially if they are prone to obesity.
Dapple dachshund puppies are also more likely to develop joint problems, particularly in their backs and hips. To help prevent these problems, you must ensure your pup is getting enough exercise and isn’t over-exercising. You can also reduce the risk by having your dog professionally groomed at least twice weekly and giving them monthly flea and tick prevention treatments.
Dachshunds have a long history as hunting dogs, and this can sometimes make them overly territorial or aggressive, especially if they need to be correctly socialized and trained from an early age. Their long backs are easily injured, and they can be prone to biting or nipping when in fear or feeling pain. Because of this, dapple dachshunds typically don’t do well with small children and should be carefully supervised around them.
When purchasing a dapple dachshund, choosing an experienced breeder with a reputation for selling healthy puppies is essential.
Training
As with all dogs, training your dachshund puppy early is essential. They’re quick learners and take to commands quickly if short and straightforward. Using positive reinforcement helps them associate the word and the order. Also, using the same short, sharp command for each task makes it easier for them to remember.
A dachshund’s scent-hound instinct can lead to behaviors like digging and barking at strangers, so these behaviors should be addressed in their early days. These pups are also independent and have a strong sense of willfulness. That’s why training should be done with patience and firmness, not by yelling or scolding.
It’s also a good idea to expose your dachshund to various people and animals when they’re puppies to help them be more comfortable around other people and pets as adults. This will prevent them from developing severe fears that can be life-threatening in certain situations.
In addition to socialization, crate training is necessary for dachshunds, who must “self-soothe” while their owners are away. Some dachshund owners even hire pet care services to keep their furry friends safe while they’re at work or school. This allows them to give their doxies the attention they need without worrying about them being at home alone all day.
Socialization
Early socialization is vital to a dachshund’s development, as with all dogs. Exposure to new people, animals, and environments when they are puppies helps them learn to be confident around other dogs and non-dog humans, quell their strong prey drive, and avoid fear-based behaviors.
Dachshunds are intelligent, independent dogs that thrive on physical and mental stimulation. They enjoy training sessions, agility training, and other games with their owners. They can become bored or develop anxiety if they do not receive enough exercise and mental stimulation.
Like other breeds of dachshund, long-haired dapple dachshunds can suffer from specific orthopedic issues, including intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). This condition occurs when the spinal discs degenerate and cause pain and nerve damage or even paralysis. Maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding activities that strain the spine is essential for preventing IVDD and other health problems.
Because of their merle gene, dapple dachshunds are also prone to vision and hearing impairments and may have abnormally small eyes. They are also at risk of obesity, leading to joint and heart problems. Ensure your dachshund gets enough exercise and a balanced diet to prevent these conditions.