If you have a friendly personality, you and your Dachshund will immediately have something in common. Having a lively mind will also be an advantage, for your Dachshund is an intelligent companion with a strong character. Your Dachshund is quite capable of running rings around you if you are not quick-witted enough to keep up with him!
You must make it clear to your dog that you are the boss, not him. You must never be unkind or harsh, but a commanding tone of voice will undoubtedly be an asset. You will need to train your dog to be obedient, and his training should start while he is still young. Additionally, hours of enjoyment will be spent watching your Dachshund clown around and, if you are willing to join in with his games, he will be that much happier.
The Dachshund is a small breed, and owners of all varieties find themselves fiercely devoted to the breed. It will be an advantage if you are fairly active, because as an adult your Dachshund will enjoy a good walk each day. Although small, he is energetic!
Note, however, that you will do your young puppy no favors if you exercise him for more than 20 minutes a day before he is about 6 months old. A Dachshund allowed to become bored can be destructive around the home, not to mention noisy. If you are a house-proud person, or if you want to keep on good terms with your neighbors, or both, you will make sure that your Dachshund gets his exercise!
The house-proud owner will be interested to know that wirehairs do not shed coat around the home, but they will need to be stripped (a method of coat care done with a stripping knife or a well-trained thumb). This is quite an art if you want your dog to look his best. You may prefer to have a professional groomer do this or at least show you the correct way.
Because yours is a small dog, you don't need a particularly large home. If you live in an apartment, you will be glad to know that you can still thoroughly enjoy your lives together, provided you don't neglect to go out for regular walks. No Dachshund will benefit from living on the 44th floor of a city walk-up, so think elevator when you go apartment shopping.
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