The Dachshund: An Owner's Guide to a Happy Healthy Pet (Owner's Guides to a Happy, Healthy Pet)

The authoritative information and advice you need, illustrated throughout with full-color photographs—now revised and redesigned to be even more reader-friendly!

Originally bred as badger hunters, Dachshunds today are among the world's favorite family pets—clever, inquisitive, fun-loving dogs who are a joy to own. This updated guide gives you all the information you need to understand, select, train, and care for a Dachshund, including:

• An in-depth look at the Dachshund temperament
• The fascinating history of the breed
• Tips for selecting a Dachshund puppy or adult dog
• Pointers on feeding, grooming, and health
• Savvy advice on housebreaking and basic training
• Bonus chapter available on companion web site

At last, a book about your pet that emphasizes total care, training and companionship! You'll not only learn about the specie-specific traits of your special pet you'll also learn what the world's like from your pet's perspective; how to feed, groom and keep your pet healthy; and how to enjoy your pet through training and activities you can do together. The Dachshund is written by a breed expert and includes a special chapter on training by Dr. Ian Dunbar, internationally renowned animal behaviorist, and chapters on getting active with your dog by long-time Dog Fancy magazine columnist Bardi McLennan. Best of all, the book is filled with info-packed sidebars and fun facts to make caring for your pet easy and enjoyable.

Includes bibliographical references (p. 151-154).

Ann Carey came to love Dachshunds over 25 years ago. She has bred and shown her dogs, and has written about the breed for The Dachshund Review and the American Kennel GAZETTE.

'Part I:The World of the Dachshund.

Chapter 1:What Is a Dachshund?

Built for Hunting.

That Elegant Head.

Sizes.

Coat Types.

Colors and Patterns.

Chapter 2:The Dachshund’s History.

The Dachshund’s Roots.

Developing the Modern Dachshund.

History of the Smooth Variety.

Longhair Dachshund History.

Wirehair Dachshund History.

The Miniature Emerges.

Chapter 3:Why Choose a Dachshund?

A Hunting Hound.

Quick, Playful, Hungry!

Dachshunds and Families.

A Faithful Companion.

Chapter 4:Choosing Your Dachshund.

Deciding on the Basics.

Gathering Information.

Finding a Good Dachshund Breeder.

Meeting a Responsible Breeder.

Examining the Puppies.

What About an Adult Dachshund?

Rescue Dachshunds.

Your Life with Your Dachshund Begins.

Part II:Caring for Your Dachshund.

Chapter 5:Bringing Your Dachshund Home.

Where to Keep Your Puppy.

Puppy Essentials.

Using a Crate.

Puppy-Proofing Your Home.

Your Dachshund’s First Days.

Leaving Your Puppy Home Alone.

Chapter 6:Feeding Your Dachshund.

Finding the Right Food.

A Sensible Feeding Schedule.

Reading Dog Food Labels.

What About Treats?

Chapter 7:Grooming Your Dachshund.

Caring for the Smooth Coat.

Caring for the Longhair Coat.

Caring for the Wirehair Coat.

Bathing.

Ears, Eyes, and Teeth.

Nail Trimming.

Making Your Environment Flea Free.

Using a Professional Groomer.

Fleas and Ticks.

Chapter 8:Keeping Your Dachshund Healthy.

Choosing Your Dog’s Veterinarian.

Health Concerns for Dachshunds.

Health Concerns for All Dogs.

How to Make a Canine First-Aid Kit.

When to Call the Veterinarian.

Part III:Enjoying Your Dachshund.

Chapter 9:Training Your Dachshund.

Understanding Builds the Bond .

Practical Commands for Family Pets.

Training for Attention.

Teaching Cooperation.

Chapter 10:Housetraining Your Dachshund.

Your Housetraining Shopping List.

The First Day.

Confine Your Pup.

Watch Your Pup.

Accidents Happen.

Scheduling Basics.

Appendix:Learning More About Your Dachshund.

Some Good Books.

Periodicals.

Index.\n

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