How to Carry a Dachshund?

How to Properly Carry a Dachshund?

In general, the dachshund is a dog breed that does not suffer from health problems if it gets enough exercise and consumes the right portions of food.

The average life expectancy of this splendid dog breed is between 10 and 16 years. However, due to its physiology, the dachshund is prone to back disc problems.

If you are vigilant with your doggy from a very early age, your dachshund can live a long, happy, and healthy life 😊!

In this article, we give you 5 tips to take care of the back of your sausage dog, and you also have a video below from our YouTube channel that shows you how to properly carry a dachshund.

On the same subject, check out our complete guide: how to transport a dachshund.

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1. Lift Your Dachshund Correctly

As in the video above, it is extremely important to know how to carry a dachshund the right way (the same applies to puppies).

Knowing how to lift them can make a huge difference for their back health.

- Place your hand under your dachshund's chest (thorax).

- Place your other hand under the dachshund's rear (rump).

Gently lift your dog and hold it close to your chest.

When you put it down, make sure to do so gently and avoid dropping it on the ground or letting it jump from your arms.

Tip: In order not to damage your own back and to take care of yourself, use your legs to lift you from the ground, rather than letting your back sway (like a squat exercise in weight training).

2. Do Not Let Your Dachshund Strain Its Back on Stairs

Make sure your dachshund does not have access to stairs... whether in the garden, in front of the house, or even inside the house.

Climbing stairs exerts excessive pressure on this breed's intervertebral discs and can put a severe strain on its spine.

Do not hesitate to carry it to relieve its back.

Tip: It is recommended to build or purchase a ramp, block the stairs with a special dog gate, or simply supervise your dachshund so it does not climb stairs often.

3. Monitor Your Dog's Weight

If you cannot feel your dog's ribs, it is overweight.

The dachshund's spine will be put under severe strain if it is overweight, which can lead to intervertebral disc disease (IVDD).

Check your dog's food: The kibble packaging usually indicates the amount of food a dog of a certain weight should eat daily, but you can also ask your canine specialist (veterinarian) directly.

An ideal combination of exercise and reducing food portions should help your dachshund reach its ideal weight.

Tip: To start, daily portions and treats should be reduced, and your dog should also get regular exercise (walks 2 to 3 times a day).

4. Do Not Let Your Dachshund Jump on Furniture

Whether puppies or adults, dachshunds are lively burrowing dogs that love to jump on furniture, but this should be avoided as much as possible.

They are affectionate dogs that love cuddles, but they should avoid climbing onto the armchair on their own.

It may take some time to train them not to do so, but with a little patience and a few treats (kept to a minimum to keep their weight under control), it can be achieved.

Tip: If your pet dog is used to sleeping on the bed or sofa, lift it up and down (as shown in the video) instead of letting it jump by itself... or set up its ramp.

5. Monitor Your Dachshund's Mobility

It is essential to monitor your dachshund's mobility and the way it moves.

If it shows unusual inactivity, discomfort, or a reluctance to walk or run, take it to the vet immediately (carrying it in your arms, of course).

This can be decisive, because the longer you wait with this small dog, the more likely the back problem will worsen.

Final Paw

We advise you to follow this article and bookmark it if you plan to expand your family with a Kaninchen, miniature, or standard dachshund, or if you already have one!

Giving your dachshund freedom is one thing, but preventing back problems in your small dog and carrying it properly is another.

Both must be combined so that your pet is happy AND healthy 🥰 and do not hesitate to consult our collection of carrying bags to make your travels with your Kaninchen or miniature dachshund easier!

The Teckelshop Team - 💚 Last modified on 05/22/26

Read: How to Measure My Dachshund

Read: Which Harness for a Dachshund

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