How to Pick Up a Dachshund

Everyone loves dachshunds. They’re cute, playful, and full of charm. But, did you know, there’s a right way and a wrong way to pick them up? Let’s find out the best way to lift our lovely little pals, ensuring we keep them happy and healthy.

Understanding the Dachshund

Dachshunds are such wonderful dogs. You can’t help but fall in love with their cute faces and wagging tails. But, do you know what makes them so special? Why does their shape matter so much? Let’s take a look.

What Makes a Dachshund Special

Dachshunds are unique in many ways. They are friendly, lively, and very playful. These dogs are famous for their bravery. Despite their small size, they were bred to hunt. This means they’re fearless and ready for any adventure.

But, that’s not all. Dachshunds also have a very distinct shape. They are often called “wiener dogs” or “sausage dogs”. Can you guess why? Yep, it’s because they have long bodies and short legs. It’s a look that sets them apart from all other dog breeds.

But, did you know? This special shape is not just about looks. It actually had a job. Back in the day, their long bodies helped them crawl into narrow spaces. They could chase after badgers, rabbits, and other small animals.

However, this special shape requires us to give them a bit of special care. Especially when lifting them up.

Why Their Shape Matters

While their unique shape is quite charming, it can also lead to some health issues. This is because dachshunds have a risk of developing back problems. Their long spines and short rib cages make them more likely to have these issues.

When we pick them up the wrong way, it can hurt their backs. Even a small jerk can lead to pain or injury. Imagine how you would feel if someone lifted you in a way that was uncomfortable? That’s why it’s so important to know the correct way to pick up your dachshund friend.

So, what can you do? Well, the first step is to understand the correct lifting method. By doing so, we can ensure our beloved pets are safe and happy. This means less risk of injury and a healthier life for our furry friends.

Why It’s Important to Lift a Dachshund Correctly

As we learned before, dachshunds are unique dogs with a special shape. This shape makes them so adorable. But it also means we need to be careful when picking them up. In this section, let’s find out why it’s so important to lift a dachshund the right way.

How Picking Them Up Wrong Can Hurt

Imagine if someone lifted you by your arms and legs. It wouldn’t feel good, right? Well, the same goes for dachshunds.

Picking them up incorrectly can be harmful. Their long body and short legs can be hurt if lifted the wrong way. For example, if you only support them from their middle part, their body will bend. This can hurt their back.

Also, picking them up suddenly or roughly can scare them. This might make them wriggle or jump. These movements can lead to injuries too. This is why it’s so important to handle them gently and with care.

Why Their Back Health is Important

Back health is key for dachshunds. Why? Because their long spines are more at risk for problems. One common issue is called “IVDD”. It stands for Intervertebral Disc Disease. This is when the cushions between the bones in their back get damaged. It can lead to pain and even loss of ability to walk.

That’s a scary thought, isn’t it? But don’t worry. There’s a lot we can do to keep our dachshund pals safe. One of the biggest things is learning how to lift them the right way.

Picking up a dachshund correctly helps protect their back. It can lower the risk of IVDD and other back problems. This is why it’s so crucial to lift your dachshund friend the right way. It’s not just about comfort, it’s also about their long-term health.

Preparing to Lift Your Dachshund

It’s time to learn how to lift our dachshund friends the right way. But first, we need to prepare. Preparation is key in keeping our pals safe and happy. In this section, we’ll learn when it’s okay to pick them up and how to get into the right position.

When It’s Okay to Pick Them Up

Dachshunds, like all dogs, love to run and play. But there are times when we need to pick them up. For example, we may need to lift them into the car, or onto a vet’s table. We might also need to pick them up to prevent them from getting into danger.

But remember, lifting them often is not good for their backs. It’s best to encourage them to use ramps or stairs when possible. This can help protect their backs from injury.

Also, always make sure your dachshund is calm before picking them up. If they’re too excited or scared, they might squirm or jump. This can lead to falls and injuries.

In short, only pick up your dachshund when needed. Make sure they’re calm and still before you lift them.

Getting into the Right Position

Once you know when to pick them up, the next step is to get into the right position. This is very important to ensure their safety and comfort.

Here’s how to do it:

Get Close: First, kneel or bend down close to your dachshund. This reduces the distance they have to be lifted.
Use Both Hands: Always use both hands when picking them up. This provides more support and balance.
Support Their Body: One hand should be under their chest, just behind their front legs. The other hand should be under their back end, supporting their back legs. This supports their entire body and keeps their back straight.
Lift Slowly: Once you have them supported, lift them slowly and gently. Quick movements can scare them or hurt their backs.

Remember, getting into the right position is very important. It helps prevent injuries and keeps your dachshund safe and comfortable.

Steps to Pick Up a Dachshund Safely

Now that we’re prepared, let’s get to the main task – lifting our dachshund friends. We’ll break it down into four easy steps: calming them, getting into position, the safe lift, and holding them right.

First Step: Calming Your Dachshund

We start with making sure our dachshund is calm. Why? Because a calm dog is easier to pick up and less likely to get hurt.

How do we do this? One way is by talking to them in a soft, soothing voice. You can also give them a gentle pet or a belly rub. Once they’re calm and relaxed, we can move on to the next step.

Second Step: Getting in Position

Remember how we talked about the right position before? Now it’s time to put that into action.

Get close to your dachshund and kneel or bend down. Make sure one hand is under their chest and the other is under their back end. This supports their whole body and keeps their back straight. Remember, we’re aiming for a smooth and safe lift.

Third Step: The Safe Lift

Now that we’re in position, it’s time for the lift. Remember, we want to be gentle and slow.

Lift with your knees, not your back. This gives you more power and is safer for you too. As you lift, make sure to keep their body level. This means their front end shouldn’t be much higher or lower than their back end.

Keep your movements smooth and steady. And remember, never lift them by their front or back legs or by the scruff of their neck. Always support their whole body.

Fourth Step: Holding Them Right

Great! We’ve lifted our dachshund safely. But how do we hold them right?

The key is to keep supporting their body. Keep one hand under their chest and the other under their back end. This helps keep their back straight and prevents injury.

Hold them close to your body for extra support and comfort. But remember, don’t squeeze them too tight. You want to hold them securely, but gently.

Training Your Dachshund to Be Comfortable Being Lifted

Just like we learn new things, our dachshund pals can too. Training them to be comfortable when being lifted is very important. It can make the process easier and safer. In this section, we’ll learn how to make lifting a fun time and the role of treats and praises.

How to Make Lifting a Fun Time

Training should always be fun, right? This helps our dachshund pals look forward to it. When lifting becomes a fun time, they’ll be less likely to squirm or be scared. Here are some tips:

Start Young: It’s easier to train a puppy than an adult dog. If you can, start training your dachshund when they’re young.
Go Slow: Don’t rush the training. Start by simply getting them used to your hands being under them. Then gradually lift them a little off the ground. Over time, you can lift them higher.
Keep It Positive: Always keep the mood light and positive. Smile, laugh, and make the training a happy time.
Short Sessions: Keep training sessions short. This prevents them from getting bored or tired.
Practice Often: The more you practice, the more comfortable they’ll get. Practice lifting them a few times a day.

Remember, the goal is to make lifting a fun and happy time. This can help make training easier and more successful.

The Role of Treats and Praises

Treats and praises are magic words in dog training. They help motivate our pals and show them they’re doing a good job.

After each successful lift, give your dachshund a treat. This can be a small dog biscuit or a piece of their favorite food. Remember, treats should be small. We don’t want to overfeed them.

Praises are just as important as treats. Tell your dachshund they’re a good boy or girl. Pet them and give them lots of love. This helps boost their confidence and makes them feel good.

Treats and praises can work wonders in training. They can help make lifting a fun and rewarding time for our dachshund friends.

What Not to Do When Lifting a Dachshund

Knowing what not to do is just as important as knowing what to do, right? This is true when lifting a dachshund too. In this section, we’ll talk about the mistakes to avoid and signs your dachshund doesn’t like being lifted.

Mistakes to Avoid

Even with the best intentions, we can make mistakes. Here are some common ones to avoid when lifting a dachshund:

Lifting by the Legs or Neck: Never lift a dachshund by their legs or the scruff of their neck. This can hurt them badly. Always lift them by supporting their entire body.
Lifting Too Quickly: Don’t lift them too fast. This can scare them or hurt their back. Always lift them slowly and gently.
Lifting When They’re Excited or Scared: Avoid lifting them when they’re too excited or scared. They might squirm or jump, which can lead to falls and injuries. Wait until they’re calm before lifting them.
Lifting Too Often: Try not to lift your dachshund too often. This can strain their back. Instead, encourage them to use ramps or stairs when possible.

Remember, avoiding these mistakes can keep our dachshund pals safe and comfortable.

Signs Your Dachshund Doesn’t Like Being Lifted

Sometimes, our dachshund friends might not like being lifted. Here are some signs to look out for:

Squirming: If they squirm or wriggle when you lift them, it’s a sign they’re not comfortable.
Yelping or Whining: If they yelp or whine when you lift them, it could mean they’re scared or in pain.
Avoiding You: If they avoid you when you try to lift them, it’s a sign they don’t like being lifted.
Showing Teeth or Growling: These are signs of fear or anger. If they show these signs, stop trying to lift them.

If your dachshund shows any of these signs, it’s best to stop and try again later. If they still don’t like being lifted, it might be a good idea to talk to a vet or a dog trainer.

Tips for Older or Injured Dachshunds

Our dachshund pals may need a little extra care as they get older or if they’re injured. They might need help moving around or getting up to their favorite spots. In this section, we’ll learn about taking extra care of older pals and how to help an injured dachshund.

Extra Care for Older Pals

Older dachshunds are like grandmas and grandpas. They may be a little slower, and their backs may be a bit weaker. Here are some ways to give them the extra care they need:

Use Ramps or Stairs: Older dachshunds might find it hard to jump or climb. Using ramps or pet-friendly stairs can help them move around easier.
Comfortable Bed: A comfy, supportive bed can help ease aching joints. Orthopedic dog beds can be a great choice for older pals.
Gentle Lifts: When lifting an older dachshund, be extra gentle. Their bodies are more fragile and can be easily hurt.
Regular Vet Visits: Regular check-ups with the vet can help keep an eye on their health. The vet can give you tips on how to care for your older dachshund.

Remember, with a bit of extra care and love, our older dachshund pals can continue to lead happy, comfortable lives.

How to Help an Injured Dachshund

Sometimes, our dachshund pals might get hurt. If they’re injured, they’ll need our help more than ever. Here are some tips on how to help them:

Vet Care: If your dachshund is hurt, take them to the vet as soon as possible. The vet can provide the right treatment and care.
Follow Vet’s Advice: Always follow your vet’s advice on how to care for your injured dachshund. This might include how to lift them, what activities to avoid, and what medicines to give.
Provide Comfort: An injured dachshund might be scared or in pain. Provide them with a comfy spot to rest and lots of love and comfort.
Be Patient: Healing takes time. Be patient with your injured dachshund. They might need more time to move around or do their favorite activities.

Conclusion

Lifting a dachshund may seem simple, but it requires careful attention to ensure their safety and comfort.