Dachshunds can be stubborn and difficult to housebreak.  Crate training is recommended.  They are intelligent dogs with an independent nature and playful spirit.

However because of this, they can be mischievous.  You need to be patient, firm, and consistent when training them.

Because they were bred for hunting, they can exhibit some behaviours that are related to that.  They were designed to dig into badger burrows, and that instinct may lead them to dig up your plants!!

They were bred to be tenacious in the hunt and this instinct may lead them to be relentless in pestering you for a treat.  They were bred to not only hunt but kill their prey; in your household, the “prey” most likely will be your Dachshund’s toys and he will effectively “kill” them one after the other.

Dachshunds have loud, deep barks for a dog their size – and they do like to bark!

Health

Dachshunds are prone to having slipped disks in their backs, which can lead to partial or full paralysis.Don’t let them jump from high places, and when you hold them, support their backs.

If you don’t watch out, your Dachshund can become fat and lazy, which will put more strain on his fragile back. Be sure to monitor your Dachshund’s food intake and keep him at a healthy weight.

This is know as Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD).  This may be due to genetics, moving the wrong way, or falling or jumping on or off furniture.

Symptoms of a problem include an inability to raise up on the rear legs, paralysis, and sometimes loss of bowel and bladder control. It’s important to always support your Dachshund’s back and rear when holding him. 

Treatment may consist of anything from crate confinement with anti-inflammatory medications to surgery to remove the discs that are causing the problem or even confining the dog to a doggie wheelchair.

Some owners have found that they can help ward off problems by taking their Dachshunds to chiropractors, acupuncturists, or rehabilitation therapists who have experience working with dogs.

Ways to help

• Keep your dachshund at a healthy weight
• Always support his back when you pick him up
• Discourage him from running upstairs or jumping onto things
• Give him the right amount of exercise every day
• Learn how to spot signs of back pain
• Know what to do in an emergency
• Have pet insurance to cover you for expensive back surgery

Other potential health problems

Epilepsy: Dachshunds are prone to having epileptic seizes; can be either genetic or brought about as the result of a fall or a hard blow to the head.  If your Dachshund has seizures, take him to your vet to determine what treatment is appropriate. 

Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA): This is a degenerative eye disorder that eventually causes blindness from the loss of photoreceptors at the back of the eye.  PRA is detectable years before the dog shows any signs of blindness.  Don’t make it a habit to move the furniture around. 

Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) Also called Bloat or Torsion: This is a life-threatening condition that most often affects large dogs, but because of their deep chests, it also can affect Dachshunds. GDV occurs when the stomach is distended with gas or air and then twists (torsion). 

Cushings Disease (Hyperadrenocorticism): This condition occurs when the body produces too much of a hormone called cortisol.  It can be due to an imbalance in the pituitary gland or in the adrenal gland, or it can occur when a dog has too much cortisol from other conditions.  The most common signs are excess urination and excess drinking.