Your Dachshund's first year — protect that back
Dachshunds are the comedians of the canine world — brave, stubborn, and endlessly affectionate. Their long backs are also their Achilles heel. Up to 1 in 4 Dachshunds develop IVDD (intervertebral disc disease). The habits you build in year one decide whether your Dachshund faces it.
Patient owners who want a small, confident dog and will manage spine risks carefully
Homes with stairs and no willingness to use ramps, or small-dog owners expecting a lap dog
Month-by-month timeline
Before they come home: buy a car ramp, sofa ramp, and baby gates for stairs. The habit of jumping is established in month 1 — prevent it from day one.
First jabs at 8 weeks. Crate training is especially helpful for Dachshunds (rest + toilet control). Teach "up" only for controlled, ramp-assisted movement.
Second jabs at 10–12 weeks. Expose to other dogs, children, bikes, and traffic sounds. Handle paws, mouth, ears, tail daily.
Dachshunds are notoriously slow to house train (some take 6–8 months). Consistency, patience, and zero punishment. Track the weather — they hate rain.
Dachshunds pull like small tractors. A Y-shape harness (never a neck collar) prevents strain. Teach loose-leash walking now; it's harder at 2.
Bred to chase small animals underground. Solid recall is non-negotiable if they'll ever be off-leash. Long line + very high-value treats.
Even a small amount of extra weight dramatically increases IVDD risk. Body condition score 4 is the target — you should feel ribs through a thin fat layer.
They'll ignore everything they've learned for a week. Don't escalate — go back to basics. Positive reinforcement always.
Dachshunds don't know when to stop. Enforce rest periods — a tired Dachshund is an injured one waiting to happen.
Usually at 10–12 months for minis, 12–14 for standards.
Delayed neutering (15–18+ months) is often recommended to allow full skeletal maturity and lower some cancer risks. Discuss with your vet.
Booster, full check including spine palpation. Book an IVDD screen if any stiffness noticed. Insurance review — expect higher premiums.
Feeding
Every extra gram puts pressure on a long back. Weight management starts day one.
- Weigh food every single day. Don't eyeball Dachshund portions.
- Small frequent meals (3/day as a puppy, 2/day as an adult).
- No scraps, no table feeding — they're masters at begging.
- Dental-aware kibble or raw meaty bones (vet-approved) can help; they're prone to dental issues.
- Count training treats in daily calories — break kibble into quarters for low-cal training.
Training priorities
- Handling desensitisation (nails, ears, teeth)
- Ramp/stair etiquette — ALWAYS carry or ramp, never allow jumping
- Recall — their prey drive makes this essential
- Quiet on command — they're naturally vocal
- Leave it + drop it — they'll take anything (bold scavengers)
- Settle on mat — Dachshunds need rest commands
Health watch-outs
Up to 25% affected. Prevention: keep lean, ramps for all furniture, no stairs as puppies, Y-harness not collar. First sign: reluctance to move, yelping, wobbling hind legs = vet emergency.
Crowded small mouths. Daily brushing from puppyhood; dental checks annually.
Direct link to IVDD. A 1kg overweight Dachshund is comparable to a human being 70 pounds overweight.
Reputable breeders test.
Small breed issue — vet checks each visit.
Genetic screening available. Causes progressive myoclonic epilepsy.
Exercise
Puppy (under 12 months): 5-minute rule until 12 months. Low-impact — flat ground, no jumping, no stairs. Swimming is fantastic for them.
Adult: 45–60 minutes a day at their pace. Mental games tire them as much as physical walks.
Grooming
Common first-year mistakes
- Letting them jump off sofas. Every jump increases disc-wear. Use ramps from week one.
- Using a neck collar instead of a Y-harness. Neck pressure on a long dog is awful for the spine.
- Overfeeding. The #1 predictor of future back problems.
- Assuming they'll grow out of stubbornness — they don't. They learn better with patience.
- Not insuring from day one. IVDD surgery averages $5,000–$9,000. Many insurers exclude back issues without early cover.
Frequently asked
Should I get a standard or miniature Dachshund?
Miniatures are more popular for US apartments (4–5 kg vs 9–12 kg). Both have the same back-care requirements. Mini wire-haireds are typically more confident; mini long-haireds more laid-back. Standards have slightly more energy.
How serious is IVDD?
Very — affects up to 25% of the breed. Early-stage cases may resolve with crate rest and anti-inflammatories; severe cases need surgery ($5,000–$9,000) or may cause permanent paralysis. Prevention beats treatment every time.
Can Dachshunds use stairs?
Not as puppies — full stop. As adults, occasional supervised stair use is usually fine, but avoid daily stair exercise. Baby gates for puppyhood are essential.
How much does a Dachshund cost in year one?
$1,800–$3,500 (puppy $1,200–$2,500, food $200–$350, insurance $300–$500, kit $200–$400, vet $200–$400). Factor in ramps, stair gates, and Y-harness.
Are Dachshunds good with children?
Generally yes with respectful older children. Not ideal with toddlers — being grabbed or dropped can injure their back. Always supervise and teach safe handling.
Other breed guides
CRO gives personalised advice for your specific pup — feeding, training, or health worries.
This guide reflects US veterinary and AKC guidance as of 2025. Every dog is an individual — speak to your vet about specific health screens, neutering timing, and feeding for your pup.