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Buying a puppy is a big commitment, and doing your research first is essential. Not knowing what you’re signing up for can lead to regret and costly medical needs. Reputable breeders will be okay with you inspecting the puppies to ensure they are healthy and have all their inoculations. This includes looking for signs of disease and a clear coat color.
Characteristics
Choosing a puppy from a litter of miniature Dachshund puppies can be one of your life’s most exciting and joyous days. It is essential to choose a healthy, happy pup and to be prepared for the commitment involved with raising your new pet. A good breeder will provide you with a list of health tests and vaccinations that both the mother and father have passed before selling their puppies. They should also be able to tell you what kind of personalities both the mother and father have and any behavioral problems they may display. It is also a good idea to ask the breeder about what sort of training their dogs receive. Dachshunds are intelligent but independent and stubborn, so early and consistent training is essential. Positive reinforcement and reward-based training styles work best with this breed. In addition to regular training, a Dachshund requires plenty of exercise. They tend to become overweight, so keeping their weight in check is essential. They are prone to back disc problems due to their long bodies, so they should not be allowed to jump off furniture or climb too frequently. They are also prone to ear infections and should be regularly cleaned.
Health
A Dachshund’s long back, short little legs, and alert expression make them easy to recognize. It’s easy to fall in love with the first puppy you see, but it’s important not to let puppy fever cloud your judgment and cause you to overlook a few key things. Look for a healthy-looking puppy with bright, clean eyes and a complete set of teeth with no signs of decay. Their coat should also be shiny and free of bald patches. Ask the breeder for a copy of their vaccination history so you can make sure all of the puppies in the litter are current on their immunizations. Like all dogs, dachshunds are prone to specific health problems. They are especially susceptible to back and spinal issues and neurological disorders such as pes varus or pes valgus (a condition that can result in painful, disabling knee and hip deformities). Responsible breeders will screen for genetic markers that could lead to seizures in their puppies, eye problems such as cataracts and glaucoma, and the autoimmune disease, immune-mediated hemolytic uremic syndrome. While nothing can be done to prevent these diseases from developing, signing up for pet health insurance as soon as you bring your new pup home can help you cover medical bills should anything unexpected arise. It can also help you avoid expensive medical costs by allowing you to budget for them.
Temperament
Dachshunds are playful and affectionate dogs that thrive on positive reward-based training. However, they have a strong instinct to chase and bark at things that scare or surprise them. This can be incredibly challenging when they see other dogs or children running around the house. While this is a normal part of dog development, it can lead to behavioral problems if not addressed early. Having a plan for training and socialization can help to curb these tendencies. This is also an excellent time to choose a veterinarian for your puppy. Ask friends and family for recommendations, and check out online reviews. Once you’ve found a vet, schedule a wellness exam and get your puppy started on vaccinations. As with any new pet, having some basic grooming supplies on hand for your Dachshund is essential. This includes a brush, shampoo, and nail clippers. You’ll also consider getting your puppy some safe chew toys that are durable enough for the teething phase. If you want to add a dachshund to your household, it’s also a great time to consider a collar and leash. These should be sturdy, comfortable, and easy to clip on. Getting your puppy used to wearing a harness from a young age is a good idea so they don’t put too much strain on their backs when they’re out on walks.
Training
Dachshunds are intelligent dogs that respond well to positive reward-based training. They may need some help with the basics, such as sit and down commands, but they learn quickly and love to please their humans. This makes them ideal candidates for clicker training. It’s essential to choose a crate that is large enough for your new puppy and one that will be comfortable. It should also be easy to clean and collapsible for travel without using it as a crate. Once your new dachshund puppy has the hang of basic obedience, you can move on to tricks and more advanced exercises. Keeping your dog mentally engaged can help to relieve boredom and avoid unwanted behaviors. For example, playing a game of hide and seek with your dog is a great way to burn energy. When selecting a new dachshund puppy, visiting the breeder and meeting the mother and father dogs is a good idea. This can give you a sense of their temperament and disposition, which will help you determine whether or not a particular puppy is the right match for your family. It’s also a good idea to ask the breeder to provide you with medical and vaccination records. This will help verify that the puppy is healthy and properly cared for.
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