Doxies are a naturally feisty breed.Bred to hunt badgers, they had to be tough and clever.  But that assertive nature should not be allowed to turn against you.You must be the top dog.

Each dog will deviate in degree, of course.There are submissive ones though fewer than other breeds, on average.Some will try to demand on having their own way at all times, much like most terriers.But training can adjust their demeanor, especially if you begin when they are young and stay consistent.

Zero tolerance should be the rule for all aggressive behavior, whether toward a family member, you, or strange people and animals.Biting the leash during training is one mild demonstration.

Discourage it by stepping on the lead close to the dog’s head.Then with the other foot, slowly pull the lead down to the ground closer and closer to the collar.Take care not to stress their neck, as Doxies are inclined to back problems.When they have released the lead, praise them generously.

To discourage snapping or excess barking or biting a squirt bottle comes in handy.  When your dog shows this behavior, give him a little squirt against the muzzle.Stay away from the eyes.That surprises your dog and it is unpleasant besides.Repeat, when needed, but avoid making it a contest of wills.That only tends to make it seem to the dog that you are a competitor.Being consistently firm is favored to counter-aggression.

If your Doxie persists, seperate your dog and be prepared for some barking.Like spoiled young children, a dog will at times try to whine or shout its way out of punishment.Assign your dog rugged chew toys and allow him to work out the aggression on those while he’s in the “time out” box.

Make sure you follow the negative reinforcement with some positive reinforcement.Look for instances of good behavior and praise it profusely.Use a moderate amount of treats if needed.The point is to help the dog see for itself the different outcome of its own course of action in terms of your response.Dachshunds are intelligent.  With persistence, they will catch on.

For example, one may become assertive during fetch, refusing to give up the ball.Try to discern between authentic willfulness and a mere desire to play a different game, tug.  Make the difference clear by using a rope for tug, which they love.

It is key to tread a fine line, though, because tug can lead to encouraging aggression.Exercising them a little harder than you would a more placid or playful dog will help.  Aggression is partly caused by the frustration of pent-up energy with no positive outlet.

A helper can be a big help here.Fling the ball to a partner several feet away, along the ground.When the Dachshund gives chase, make sure the partner is the first to get the ball.Repeat the exercise a few times, then permit your Doxie to win.

With calmness and a little inventiveness, you can channel your Dachshund’s aggression into more positive directions.

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Like any breed, Doxies are at risk for an abundance of conditions and diseases.Being as they have short legs and long bodies they are most at risk for spinal problems.One of the most common forms is a condition called Intervertebral Disk Disease (IVDD), actually an umbrella term for an abundance of problems.

Vertebrae are the hard bones that make up the spinal column support.  They enclose the spinal cord and are separated by soft tissue called intervertebral discs, which provide a cushion between the bones.IVDD endangers a Dachshund’s health in many different ways.

Excessive leaping and other forms of back stress can cause a rupture of one or more discs, usually near the rear.  IVDD and other back problems occur most frequently by age four but can happen earlier, sometimes as young as two.Simple age can cause the disc to reduce its fluid level, making it less elastic.That also increases the probability of rupture or herniation.Frequently the spinal column becomes more fragile.

An abundance of serious possibilities exist if that occurs.

As a portion of the spine loses vital support, the spinal cord can be put in danger.In the event compression happens, paralysis is not far behind.Constriction of spinal fluid can have comparable effect.Loss of circulation leads to nerve death, since the nerves are cut off from necessary nutrition.

Look for any instance of incapability to raise the rear end off the ground or lowering near the tail.Other signs include weakness in the rear legs or loss of bladder control.

In these extreme incidents, medical care – usually surgery – within 24 hours is critical.The outcome is frequently permanent disability if left untreated.

Even in less critical cases back pain is evident.It can be difficult to ascertain when a dog is in pain but symptoms include lethargy, difficulty walking up stairs and similar signs in an otherwise active dog.

Therapy with corticosteroids (such as Prednisone) is occasionally recommended but entails risks.  Apart from the usual risks of long-term steriod use, it is possible to overdo care.  Lessening pain is desirable, but if it is eliminated the dog can become too active again, leading to more injury.Adequan injections can help promote disc healing.

Even if treated with steroids or just Rimadyl, it is advisable to cage your Dachshund or otherwise keep him calm, reducing physical activity.Given the Dachshund’s confident and energetic nature that is difficult, but it is essential.

Don’t let the dog to stand on its hind legs, which compresses the spine.Don’t let the dog to leap down stairs.Yard sports should be restricted until the dog has fully healed.Also, always support the entire length of the spine when picking up your Doxie.

With the right kind of care many Dachshunds recover completely to lead normal, healthy, active lives.But correct diagnosis as early as possible is essential to improve the odds.

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All dogs need regular grooming to keep their coats healthy and their nails in trim. Which technique you use for your Doxie depends on which of the three main types you have.

Smooth-Coat

A Smooth-Coat Dachshund is the classic, short-haired type you have seen in a hundred films and ads. Their coats are easy to care for, requiring little more than regular bathing and brushing. “Regular” varies with the dog’s environment and age.

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Younger dogs might need baths as often as once per week, though once a month is fine when they stay out of dirt and bushes.If they live in rougher circumstances, be sure to keep their coats brushed and clean regurlarly. “Regularly” means at least twice per week, and as necessary. Remove any plant material as soon as they are done playing.

A wire slicker is okay for grooming, but exercise care. Even though all dogs are durable, it is important not to scrape the skin. Which can lead to hot spots that the dog will make worse by licking and chewing. Since Doxies are an assertive, high-energy breed, extra caution is necessary.

Wire-Hair

The wirey hair on the muzzle, chest and legs of this variety gives them the name. It also gives them a need for extra grooming.In their case, more frequent baths along with more regular brushing will be called for.Brushing will take longer, also.

Like the terriers they look like, the stiff coat is actually in two layers.Get the undercoat with a slicker brush and use a regular brush for the topcoat. Be aware, too, that they will shed more.That may call for a shampoo that helps control shedding. Be prepared for seasonal changes as they naturally adjust to the change in weather by shedding more.

Shorten any excess hair off the muzzle to keep it from dragging on the ground. A trim behind the rear legs will be needed once it reaches a length that leads to mats.Otherwise, brushing of once or twice a week is good enough.

Long-Hair

As the name suggests, this type has long, wavy hair. Since Doxies are low to the ground, more regular trimming will be needed, along with more frequent bathing. Matting is especially common in this variety, but can be avoided with brushing every other day, especially behind the ears.When mats form, trim them gradually until you have removed enought to work out the mat with a brush and fingers.

A shampoo that contains conditioner works well with these Dachshunds.Over-bathing can lead to dried, scaly skin. Gentle, regular brushing will help, since it smooths natural oils under the coat and over the skin.

Nail Trimming

All types need to have their nails trimmed often, usually weekly. The normal technique is fine. Obtain a good pair of guillotine scissors and hold each foot firmly, searing for the quick. Cut well away from the quick to avoid accidents, which are more likely in the Dachshund’s case because they have a feisty nature.

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