Chapter 3 · The back
IVDD: quiet signs, loud signs
Intervertebral disc disease is the dachshund problem. The signs come in order, and the order tells you how fast to move.
| You see | What it means | What to do |
|---|
| Reluctant to jump, hunched, yelps when lifted, shivering | A sore disc | Strict rest and a vet today |
| Wobbly back legs, paws knuckling or crossing | The cord is being pressed | Emergency vet now |
| Can't stand, no tail wag, no reaction to the toes | Hours matter | Nearest emergency vet immediately |
Never "wait and see" with a dachshund back. The dogs that do best are the ones whose owners moved on the quiet signs.
Sample page · The Mini Dachshund Owner’s Handbook
Chapter 4 · Food and weight
The waist test
A dachshund should have a waist from above and a tuck from the side. Most don't, and most owners can't see it because they see their dog every day.
LeanWaist visible from above, belly tucks up behind the ribs, ribs easy to feel under a thin cover. Keep it here.
HeavyStraight sides, no tuck, ribs need pressure. Every extra pound loads the spine. Cut ten per cent and re-weigh in a month.
PortionsFeed the dog you want, not the dog you have. Treats come out of the daily amount, not on top of it.
The lookDachshunds beg professionally. The look is not hunger. It is a hound who has learned that the look works.
The handbook's slider gives you a rough daily amount from your dog's weight and body condition. Your vet's number beats ours.
Sample page · The Mini Dachshund Owner’s Handbook
Chapter 5 · Potty training
Why it takes longer, and the schedule that works
Small bladder, strong nose, low body, hates rain. A dachshund isn't hard to house-train; it's slow, and slow is fine if you know it's coming.
- 8–12 weeks: out every 45–60 minutes awake, plus after every sleep, meal and play
- 3–4 months: every 1–2 hours; overnight once
- 4–6 months: every 2–3 hours; accidents should be rare
- Rain: a covered spot, a towel at the door, and go out with them, every time
- Indoors after coming in: they weren't finished. Stay out for the second one
- Never punish an accident. It only teaches them to hide it
Reward outside, within two seconds, every single time, for months. Boring works.
Sample page · The Mini Dachshund Owner’s Handbook
Chapter 11 · The senior dachshund
What "slowing down" can hide
Dachshunds live long. The last five years are often the sweetest, if you notice what changes and what shouldn't.
Normal ageingShorter walks, longer naps, greying muzzle, a bit more stubborn, a bit more clingy.
Not just ageDrinking more, pacing at night, new stiffness after rest, lumps that change, bad breath, a dog who stops using the ramp.
ComfortOrthopaedic bed, rugs on hard floors, ramps everywhere, nails short, twice-yearly vet visits with bloods.
The mindConfusion, staring at walls, forgetting the potty routine. Talk to your vet; there are things that help.
The senior comfort checklist saves your ticks so you can see what you've already done.
Sample page · The Mini Dachshund Owner’s Handbook
Sample pages are shortened for the web. The handbook goes deeper on every one, and every chapter has a tool to tap, slide or tick.
