Fitness
Your puppy needs exercise to keep his system in balance. One common misconception is that leaving a dachshund outside all day is good for him. "He needs fresh air" is a statement that couldn't be farther from the truth. If you leave your puppy out all day, you end up with a neurotic craeture who digs in the yard and barks until the neighbors complain. Proper exercise outside does lead to a calmer dachshund inside, but "proper exercise" is the key phrase. Proper exercise involves planning age- and size appropriate activities and setting aside time to join in the fun.
A puppy's tissues are soft and her bones are growing. She's as awkward as an infant trying to take her first step. Not to mention that the stairs frighten her. Even though taking your brand new companion with you on your 5 mile jog would be nice, it wouldn't be safe. Too much exercise stresses your puppy's growing body. Your puppy would get distracted and quit or she might demand to be carried. Sure, you want to keep your puppy in shape - an obese puppy is an unhealthy puppy - but puppies aren't born ready to run endless miles. You have to let her develop first.
Until a puppy is 4 months old, you should play with her (preferrably on a long line) instead of walking her. Walking directly awayfrom her home confuses her perception of your territory, and extended walks can stress her growing muscles. Short walk in town or at a park in order to socialize her are encouraged!
Play on grass or dirt surfaces. Keep pups off the pavement, except for when they are going out to potty. Hard pavement is too stressful on thier bones and tissues.
Avoid games like tug-of-war, wrestling, chasing or teasing. These games frustrate pups, communicate confrontation, encourage nipping (especially on clothing), and make you look more like a playmate than a leader.
Size and energy levels determines how much and what kind of exercise your puppy needs. A large puppy bred to run around in fields looking for birds needs more exercise than a Toy Poodle. Yes, common sense would tell most people that, but alot of people buy a breed for its looks without realizing the amount of exercise thier new puppy actually needs.
Dachshunds were bred to follow and trail game, hunt barn pests, and to flush out badgers and small burrowing animals, which makes thier energy levels from Medium to High. Of course, puppies have a slightly higher energy level than thier adult counterparts. As they age thier high energy level slowly decreases to medium. Some say thier energy levels also depend on whether they are smooth-, wire-, or longhair; We have found this not to be true. A smooth hair is equally as energetic as a longhair.
A puppy with a high energy level requires 15 to 20 minutes of interaction 2-3 times daily. An adult with a medium energy level requires 10 - 15 minutes interaction 2 times daily. An old dachshund requires 5 minutes of interaction 1 - 2 times daily.
If your puppy doesn't work off her energy outside, she'll work it off inside. Along the same lines, if you don't run her, she may demolish your belongings. No, it's not spite. It's just energy coupled with boredom.
Is your dachshund only interested in high speed fun? The following sports are open to dogs of every persuasion. The only requirement: energy - and tons of it.