Caring for a terrier and a dachshund
Here are some typical examples of dog breeds in this group:
West Highland White Terrier popularly known as "westik "
Parson Russell Terrier
Jack Russell Terrier
Bullterrier
Border Terrier
Yorkshire Terrier
Shorthair dachshund
Wirehaired dachshund
Your dog is a terrier or dachshund, which means it
loves to explore, kick and chase, as well as pounce on squeaking toys. He also has a natural urge to bark in moments of excitement, enjoys tearing paper and playing tug of war with you or other dogs. Terriers are often known for their stubbornness, persistence, courage and innate willingness to explore tunnels and dark holes. Many terrier dogs are small and maneuverable, which makes them ideal explorers.
Movement and fun
Terriers and dachshunds love open spaces and have a lot of energy for their small size. They are usually fast and agile, in the garden and on a walk they will hunt all pests and even other dogs, will enthusiastically chase them through dense undergrowth, above or under fences in any terrain.
Independent fun
Terriers are independent but become attached to their handlers. They can keep themselves entertained, but also require attention. Usually dogs are happy to play on their own if they have appropriate and safe toys. To avoid frustration and behavioral disturbances, make time for them to be active together every day.
Like terriers, dachshunds are also playful. A good form of fun for them will be hunting for a toy, preferably filled with treats, which they can dig out somewhere in the garden, in the sandbox or in the dog's ball pool. By designating a part of the area only for a dog, away from the playground for children, we will give the dog the opportunity to meet the need for digging - only away from flower beds!
Terriers and dachshunds like to destroy squeaking and soft toys, so before giving them to them, check for dangerous detachable parts - or other parts that can be swallowed or choked. Regularly check the condition of squeaking toys to make sure that the squeaker does not fall out and be mistakenly treated as a tasty reward. When giving terriers and dachshunds a play ball, always make sure it is big enough to prevent it from being swallowed.
It is worth giving part of the daily portion of dry food in interactive toys - with drawers, levers and sliding blocks that will force your dog to be mentally active in order to get inside. The olfactory mat, which you can make yourself from a rubber doormat and a fringed fleece blanket, will also be perfect. Combine his meal plan with a little interactive fun.
Playing with a terrier or dachshund dog
Walk your little dog on a leash to safely explore the city surroundings. Your dachshund or terrier will also like to run freely around a safe area - it can be running after the ball or retrieving in the park in the designated space.
Remember to have a long rope leash when you go with your hunting dog to the forest - as required by Polish law, to give him a bit of fun in the bushes, but not to scare the wild animals living there.
A walk with a terrier or a dachshund can turn into an unexpected adventure - so keep him safe by training the recall command, but do not be surprised if he does not always listen during his chase, but try to keep him on a leash in places where he can easily run after smells. Therefore, it is worth controlling these aspirations and participating in organized walks using elements of olfactory work, such as mantrailing or nosework.
Make walks varied - these bright dogs like new surroundings and smells where they can penetrate the undergrowth, kick and discharge energy. The more they can do while they are active, the happier they will be later and the less they will mess around at home.
These dogs are usually very fond of tug of war; their strong jaws and determination make them very difficult opponents, despite their small size. Be careful and play lightly as dachshunds have fragile, long backbones. Only adults can play this type of game, thanks to which we will avoid accidents - even a small, friendly terrier can pull a child or accidentally grab a hand when he wants to pick up the toy excitedly.
Many terrier and dachshund breeds are very lively - they love to chase and jump after moving objects. Try blowing bubbles for them - great fun for everyone, especially for children who will combine playing with the dog with blowing bubbles. However, never leave your dog with a child under the age of 12 and ensure such play. Also, make sure that your pet does not get too much suds, as he may develop severe indigestion.
Emotional bond
When caring for a dachshund or terrier, we should bear in mind their innate needs. These dogs are often confident, energetic, and outgoing. This is due to the fact that they were bred for hard hunting work - they had to go underground and hunt rats and badgers - and these are not easy opponents! Even terriers that have never seen a rodent can mess with other animals, so early and thorough socialization and training are especially important with dogs of these breeds. If you are considering taking a second dog for the first to have company, take a dog of the opposite sex as the chances of friendship between them will increase enormously. Usually, dogs of different sexes get along well and compete less frequently. Speak to your vet right away about sterilizing both dogs of the appropriate age.
If you have a terrier, taking a different breed of dog is also a good option. Other hunting and hound dogs have slightly different needs than terriers, so they will get along well in play and there is less chance of competing. Dachshunds tend to get along with other dachshunds, so you'll enjoy caring for a fun park or pack.
Whether you have one or more terriers or dachshunds, you can strengthen the bond between you and your dogs through regular play, training and exercise. This is essential to your dog's mental and physical health, but don't forget that just spending time with your dog is also very important and valuable.
After an exhausting workout in the evening, they will gladly take a nap at your feet or on your lap while you read or watch TV.
Terriers and dachshunds are breeds that generally prefer shed (carrier or fabric) shelters and like to have peace in their own lair. If your dog uses a cage - spread a blanket over the top and three sides to make the dog who likes underground tunnels even more fun. Inside, put a comfortable bedding and safe teethers that you cannot choke on.
Such a kennel at home is a great place where the dog can remain alone, unattended, so he and your belongings will remain safe. It is important to accustom these small dogs to short periods of solitude from an early age, when they will nap for several hours in their safe canine room, or even their room.
Before you leave the house, make sure that the dog runs out and takes care of its needs, hide a toy with flavors somewhere so that it can find it when you are away. This will help prevent barking or disruptive play. However, remember that each dog is different and may require a different solution.
Training a terrier or dachshund
Even though your terrier or dachshund is a well-socialized, trained and obedient dog, if another dog accosts him, he may not want to withdraw. With this in mind, regularly exercise with him to make sure you always get his attention, and when walking, be alert in case of a difficult situation with a strange dog.
It is a good idea to train a terrier or dachshund to respond to the hush. Terriers react quickly to guests or unusual noises with warning barking. Some dogs tend to be more persistent than others, so teaching them to respond to the commands "give a voice " and "silence " will be useful to have a calmer life. If you teach a terrier to bark on command, not only will it bark when it is convenient for both of you, such as on a walk, but it will also be easier for you to silence your dog when it is barking at home.
Many terriers and dachshunds like to sit on window sills or other furniture and just look out the window. However, if your dog is willing to bark, limit his access to peeking at the outside world so as not to over stimulate him and teach the command "silence " - this will make the house a quieter place for both of you.
If you are unable to get your terrier or dachshund to move properly outdoors, use exercise and games at home, such as searching for food in the olfactory mat or in an interactive toy, it will help to avoid boredom and be a lot of fun.
Feeding a terrier or dachshund
Nutrition is a critical part of caring for a terrier and dachshund. Since eating a dog is one of the things that makes him happy, there are many more ways to feed your pet than simply giving him a bowl of food twice a day. Instead, you can extend the time of your meals and make them more attractive by inventing various forms of providing your pet with a daily ration.
Feeding a terrier or dachshund can be fun, but also practical. They are breeds with an innate urge to hunt and dig, and can be stimulated by putting 30% of their daily food in a dog's ball pool, or scattering and hiding them in the olfactory mat for the dog to track them down.
Place 10% of the daily ration in various toys for flavors (e.g. Kula kulka, or rubber toys with a tongue to chew on) and give the dog to play, and give another 5% as a reward for obedience and hand-made tricks. Give the rest of the food to your dog at two or three meals a day (morning, afternoon and evening) using a bowl with a maze or insets.
If you give your dog wet food - give him more handy snacks as rewards during training, but remember to include their amount in his daily food requirements. Feed your dog at least twice a day, or you can split the feeding into 1 main meal and place 4-5 smaller portions of the second meal in different places so your dog has to be careful about tracking them down.
As long as you follow the feeding recommendations on your dog's food package, monitor his weight, get the right level of activity and keep him in perfect condition, you don't need to worry if the amount of food in the bowl looks small.
The daily portion of dry food is 2-3 times smaller than that of wet food or cooked food (which you should consult with a specialist and enrich with appropriate supplements). On average, a 5 kg dog should receive about 100 g of dry food per day, and a 12 kg dog should receive approx. 200g per day (remember to check the dosage on the package of the given food, as they differ from each other).
On the other hand, wet food in cans - on average, a 5 kg dog eats a whole can of approx.400 g, and a dog of 12 kg eats 2 such cans, i.e. it needs approx. 800g. Before you say that your dog eats too much, not enough - see how much he actually has in the bowl and how much he barked from all family members and got in between meals. If the dog gets its daily ration of food and is on complete food - it gets all the nutrients and calories it needs to function properly.
Among the foods recommended for dogs from the group of terriers and dachshunds, Purina® Pro Plan® with the OPTIDIGEST® formula stands out and has a special formula that supports the functioning of the sensitive digestive tract. These dogs may have a tendency to indigestion, and their nervous intake of food may predispose them to it. That is why the food is enriched with easily digestible ingredients, supporting the balance of the intestinal microflora and a special clay that acts as a bandage in the intestines and helps remove toxins from them - it will support the nosy terrier or dachshund. The food is available for growing and adult dogs, small, medium and large, as well as for "grain free ".