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How to Crate Train a Dachshund Puppy Without Making It Scary
Quick answer: To crate train a dachshund puppy, make the crate feel safe, cosy and positive from the start. Let them explore it, reward them for going in, avoid using it as punishment, keep early sessions short, and build up slowly. For dachshunds, it also helps to think about their tiny bladder, little legs, long…
Heel Walking vs Sniff Walks: Why We Let Winston Use His Nose
Quick answer: Heel walking and sniff walks both have their place. Heel walking can be useful for training, safety, and focus, but sniff walks are not “bad walking.” Letting a dog sniff gives them mental stimulation, allows them to explore their environment, and can be especially useful for dachshunds because it tires their brain without…
Should You Neuter a Dachshund? Pros, Cons and Why Timing Matters
Quick answer: Neutering can have genuine benefits, including preventing unwanted litters and reducing certain reproductive health risks. But for dachshunds, the decision deserves more thought than a simple “do it as soon as possible.” Some research has found an association between early neutering and a higher risk of intervertebral disc herniation in dachshunds, while other…
How to Toilet Train a Dachshund Puppy: What Worked for Winston
Quick answer: To toilet train a dachshund puppy, take them outside regularly, especially after sleeping, eating, drinking and playing. Watch for little signs like sniffing, pacing, circling or heading towards the same spot, reward them straight away when they go outside, and clean any accidents properly with an enzyme cleaner. It takes time, consistency and…
Dachshund Puppy Essentials Checklist: What We Actually Used With Winston
Quick answer: The main essentials for a dachshund puppy are a safe sleeping area, crate or puppy pen, food and water bowls, puppy food, toilet training supplies, safe toys, a collar or harness, lead, ID tag, grooming basics, cleaning products, vet registration, insurance, and a few dachshund-friendly extras like non-slip mats, ramps, stair gates and…
Mental Stimulation Games for Dachshunds: Easy Brain Games We Use with Winston
Quick answer: Some of the best mental stimulation games for dachshunds include snuffle mats, snuffle balls, puzzle feeders, scatter feeding, scent games, lick mats and short training sessions. These activities help keep their brains busy, encourage natural sniffing and problem-solving, and can tire them out in a really healthy way. This post may contain affiliate…
How to Keep a Dachshund Cool in Hot Weather: UK Summer Tips We Use with Winston
Quick answer: To keep a dachshund cool in hot weather, avoid walking during the hottest parts of the day, keep them indoors in the coolest part of the house, offer plenty of fresh water, use cooling mats or cooling clothing where helpful, and swap long walks for gentle mental stimulation. If you think your dog…
How to Protect Your Dachshund’s Back: Simple Everyday Tips We Use with Winston
If you own a dachshund, you’ve probably heard the same advice over and over again: “Don’t let them jump.” And honestly, once you have a dachshund in your life, you quickly realise why people say it so much. Their long little bodies, short legs and huge personalities are exactly what make them so special, but…
Best Ramps for Dachshunds
Looking After Those Little Legs (and That Long Back!) Before Winston came into our lives, we’d heard people mention IVDD a few times, but we never really appreciated just how important it was to think about protecting a dachshund’s back. From day one, we made a promise to ourselves that we’d do everything we reasonably…