The adorable little Dachshund is very active and will need a moderate amount of play and exercise time per day. They will do well in any environment, including small houses, as long as they get a sufficient amount of time to run and play. If they can’t be taken on a few short walks per day, a good game of fetch would probably be enough to tire them out. Because of their very long backs, they can easily get injured or develop illnesses from jumping up steps or onto high places, like a couch or bed. Getting a ramp would be wise in order to prevent the development of a serious illness. When you pick your dog up, you must support both their back and rear. These dogs respond best to positive motivation, like treats or toys when teaching them new tricks. Keep training sessions fairly short, fun, interesting and free of repetition, and your Dachshund will prove to be a quick learner. If you live somewhere cold, your pooch may need a sweater when going for walks in the winter. Dachshunds can sometimes have a hard time understanding house training, and may require patience and consistency. Using a crate for training them to do their business outside can help as well. These dogs can make great watchdogs, but can be very vocal, which may be a problem if you are planning to live in an apartment or condo. Your Dachshund will shed, like all dogs do, but not excessively. They will not require regular baths, unless they have found themselves a stinky spot to roll in. Wirehaired Dachshunds will need regular brushing and stripping will be required once or twice a year. The longhaired variety will need brushing more frequently to prevent the formation of knots and tangles. They will also need to be bathed more often than the other types, and blow dried afterwards. These dogs have droopy ears that will need to be inspected regularly, as they can be the perfect place for fungus, mites and bacteria to form. To clean your Dachshund's ears, which should be done every week, you can use an ear cleaner to dampen a cotton ball which can be used to wipe the ears. Only go knuckle deep and do not use a cotton swab. The nails will need trimming once or twice a month. If you can hear the nails clicking on the floor as your dog walks, they need to be trimmed. Teeth brushing is also a must. Although daily is best, two or three times a week will be sufficient.
