Dachshunds are courageous little dogs with a big personality. These dogs are usually good with kids and love to play. However, teaching young children how to pick up their dog properly is essential so they don’t injure its long back.
Check the Reputation of the Breeder
Choosing a reputable breeder for the mini Dachshund puppies for sale is the first step in ensuring your new puppy is healthy, happy, and safe. You can check a breeder’s reputation by asking for references, visiting their facilities in person, and checking online reviews. However, it is essential to remember that unscrupulous breeders can fake and use social media reviews. Therefore, they should not be the only factor when making your decision.
Reputable breeders should be willing to share their breeding history and answer any questions you may have. They should also be able to tell you about the parents of each puppy, including their health clearances and breed standards. This may be a red flag if a breeder refuses to provide this information or needs clarification about genetic health issues.
You should also ask the breeder how many puppies they produce per year. Reputable breeders typically only produce one or two litters per year. If a breeder is producing a lot of puppies, this could be a sign that they are breeding for profit rather than for the health and welfare of the puppies.
A reputable breeder can match you with the perfect Dachshund for your family. They will take the time to understand your lifestyle and personality and steer you toward the Dachshund best suited for your home. They will also explain the pros and cons of this breed to help you make an informed decision.
Check the Reputation of the Puppies
Dachshunds are very intelligent dogs, which means they learn quickly and tend to be somewhat stubborn. However, consistent training using positive reinforcement allows them to be well-behaved and obedient companions. Exposing them to various people, animals, sounds, and experiences early on is vital to help prevent behavioral problems.
As you evaluate breeders, look for certifications from recognized kennel clubs or organizations and customer testimonials. You can even ask to visit the breeder’s facility in person, which can give you an idea of their dog’s and puppies’ cleanliness and health conditions. It’s also a good idea to meet the puppies’ parents to see their personalities and temperaments.
A quality breeder will happily let you interact with the puppies and ask questions about your lifestyle and preferences. If a breeder seems suspicious or uneasy about you, that’s a red flag. Moving on to another more reputable, trustworthy breeder is best.
Check the Health of the Puppies
When you have narrowed down your selection of Dachshund puppies, carefully examine each. Look for a healthy coat, clear eyes without discharge or odor, and ears that are clean and free of debris. Check to see that each puppy is eating and drinking, lying down comfortably, and not exhibiting any signs of illness. Reputable breeders will have no problem with you examining the pups in this way and will understand that it is an important part of choosing your new family dog.
While accurate temperament testing is impossible at such a young age, you can get a good idea of how each pup will fit into your home and family by playing with them, checking their reactivity, and watching how they respond to you poking and prodding them. A pup that reacts excessively vocalizes, and struggles might be prone to anxiety issues later in life. Look for a pup that settles easily in your arms and welcomes being touched. You can also test the pups’ hearing by clicking and clapping them and their vision by putting a toy or treat near them and seeing how they respond.
Check the Environment of the Puppies
Owning a Dachshund is a long-term commitment, and these pups tend to bond deeply with their owners. They can protect family members and may show excessive suspicion of people and dogs they don’t know. They also tend to develop back problems if they are overworked or overfed. This makes it essential to consider their needs carefully before choosing this breed.
Look for a reputable breeder that follows responsible breeding practices. This includes limiting the number of litters they produce, providing health guarantees, and ensuring their puppies are well-socialized and cared for. When you visit the breeding facility, note how clean it is and how the mother and puppies are being treated. Look for signs of good nutrition, including fresh food and water available at all times.
Conclusion
If the puppy you are interested in is eager to please, this is a positive sign. However, these pups can be stubborn and need a firm owner willing to provide consistent training. Regularly check the puppy’s paws, mouth, and ears for infections and abnormalities. Puppies with floppy ears that flop down can restrict airflow and create a warm, moist environment for yeast and bacterial infections to thrive.
