The wiener dogs are known for their long body, short legs, and floppy ears.These adorable dogs make great household companions, but their unusual proportions can make them delicate.Extra care must be taken to support the dog's back as you pick it up, hold it, and set it down.
Step 1: Place one hand on the chest.
It's not hard to pick up a dachshund if you know the right way to do it.Place a hand under the dog's upper body to support his chest and ribcage.Don't get up yet.To support the dog's upper body, spread your fingers out.The weight will be on his spine if you spread it over a wider area.
Step 2: Under the dog's rump, place your other hand.
Place your hand under the dog's rump, either directly behind it or in front of its rear legs.Prepare to lift up.Spread your hand to give the widest base of support possible.
Step 3: Lift the dachshund slowly.
Lift the dog up.Try to keep the dog's lower body from hanging or drooping as you go.The dog's back needs to be as flat as possible to not put stress on it.
Step 4: Support the dog's back as you hold it.
Make sure your dachshund's lower back is supported as you move around and play with him.The lower bodies of dachshunds are uncomfortable to them and can contribute to back problems over time.This should become second nature after a while with a little practice.It will feel wrong to pick the dachshund up.
Step 5: If you want, you can transition to a "cradle" hold.
If the dachshund's back is well-supported and his body is straight, it doesn't matter how you hold him.If you want the convenience of being able to hold your dachshund with one arm, try shifting to this alternate hold once you've picked him up correctly by following the steps above.To support his weight, use your full forearm.It's a good idea to keep the dog against your body.This should feel similar to how you would cradle a baby.When necessary, use your free arm to help the dog balance.
Step 6: Slowly lower the dachshund to the floor.
If you've had experience with other dog breeds, you may be used to dropping them or gently heaving them back to the ground.Lower the dog all the way to the ground before you let go.As always, support his back as you lower him.You want his feet to touch the ground before you let go.The stress on the dachshund's back and joints can be caused by a drop of a few inches.
Step 7: Don't pick up a dog by his body.
Many are used to picking up dogs by putting one hand under each of the dog's "armpits."This is not safe for dachshunds.The dog's spine isn't built to support his long body without any other support.A hold that only supports half of the dog's body length is a bad idea.This is true even if the dog is already standing on one set of legs, like, for instance, if he is propped up on his hind legs while looking over the top of a sofa.If you lean down, you can support his rump before you pick him up.
Step 8: The dog should never be dropped onto the ground.
Dogs should be set down gently.A dachshund's legs are shorter than other dog breeds.Most of the impact stress on the leg joints and back is caused by the fact that they can't bend very far.The danger is eliminated by getting rid of the dog's fall.Don't rely on your dog's body language.It's possible that dachshunds are willing to jump out of your hands because their skeleton can't support falls.If this continues in the long-term, it can lead to painful problems.
Step 9: Don't make a dachshund bend or twist when you pick him up.
It's important to keep the Dachshunds' bodies straight when you pick them up because they are vulnerable to injury.You will want to avoid activities that put a twist or bend in the dog's back, as this increases the stress on it and can contribute to conditions like slipped discs.One way to do this is to scoop the dachshund up suddenly when he doesn't expect it.If you startle your dog, he may wriggle or twist out of one of your hands, putting an unnatural bend in his spine as he hangs.Before you attempt to pick him up, make sure your dog is calm and aware of you.
Step 10: There are signs of distress from the dog.
All dogs are smart about letting you know when they are in pain.If your dog looks uncomfortable when you pick him up, it's a good idea to change the way you hold him.Some signs of pain in dogs are obvious.Some are a little more subtle.There are a number of signs that a dog may be uncomfortable.
Step 11: Show family and friends how to properly hold dachshunds.
When you take the time to learn how to hold your dachshund properly, only for your relatives to treat him like an ordinary dog, it's frustrating.Visitors should be educated about the proper ways to hold your dog before they play with him.Children can sometimes be too rough with their dogs.It's a good idea to make sure your children know how to play safely when they first interact with your dog.