Small teacup varieties are very popular today with celebrities and are seen as a trendy designer dog. You have seen Paris Hilton parading around Hollywood with her Chihuahuas. Some where along the way, somebody decided to create the label “Teacup Dachshund” to market smaller than normal miniature Dachshunds. Breeders have taken this one step further by intentionally breeding the runts and creating a teacup variety. This is irresponsible breeding – to breed for the sake of one characteristic – being undersized and underweight. Breeding toy and teacup dogs is very hard on the female dog – her body simply doesn’t have the frame or size to handle many pregnancies.

According to the members of the forum, Dachshund chewing problems are a sign of boredom or too much stored energy. The solution is more walks, more playtime, or even another Dachshund playmate. You can also try simmering Nylabones in low-sodium chicken or beef stock to add flavor and extend chewy time. We are not talking about puppies who are teething, we are talking about adult dogs who get into mischief and chew up things for lack of something better to do.

The first thing that happens with Bailey is that she loses control of her bladder and bowels. She usually has a loose bowel movement very suddenly. Then she starts to foam at the mouth and drool and sometimes vomit. After a few minutes, she falls over onto her side and begins to tremble. The seizure usually lasts less than five minutes.

According to the veterinarian (who routinely deals with dogs and seizures) treating small dogs for this condition can be tricky. The medications can often cause more side effects that are worse than seizures. Since Bailey is a Miniature Dachshund weighing 10 pounds, I opted not to give her medication for this problem.

So, what do you do if your dog has a seizure? First, don’t restrain the dog – give her room and let the episode take its course. Make sure your dog is in a safe place (not on the stairs or the edge of the bed). Do not put anything in the dog’s mouth. Dogs won’t swallow their tongues. Gently talk to your pet and sit nearby so she won’t be frightened by what is happening.

Watch your dog and be aware of the symptoms of Dachshund back problems. The symptoms include hunching over when walking, crying out when being picked up (as if in pain), uncoordinated walking, not wanting to get up from a lying down position, and not wanting to climb stairs. If you notice any of these symptoms, take your Doxie to the vet for a check up.

The vet will take x-rays and do some motor skill tests. She may give your dog pain relievers, muscle relaxers, and anti-inflammatory medicine. You will probably have to keep your dog in a small crate or carrier so that he will rest and his back can heal. When my Miniature Dachshund, Skippy, had his back problem, we gave him these medicines for about 2 weeks and kept him on cage rest. That was 3 years ago and he has not had another episode and is doing just fine.

First, be prepared. Take your dogs outside every 2-3 hours on a schedule. Mini Doxies are small and their bladders are small, too! Take them outside for a short walk and reward them with praise or a small treat when they potty outside the correct way. If it is cold, rainy, or otherwise bad weather, keep some puppy pads inside for your dogs to use. Reward them with praise or a small treat when they use the pads correctly.

Avoid getting the Dachshund breed over-excited when they haven’t gone potty for a while. In other words, take the dog outside, let him run and play and do his business, then bring him back inside for more playtime. Don’t expect the Doxie to “hold it” when you are getting him excited and playing with toys.

Dog experts and veterinarians agree that the Dachshund breed is the hardest to housebreak. The breed is strong willed and independent, and likes those soft white carpets. You might want to try the Complete Guide to Potty Training Your Dog. This guide explains how to house train any dog in 7 days. (Your carpets will thank you!)

An essential product to keep on hand as a Mini Dachshund owner is a good, high quality stain and odor remover to clean up any accidents. Veterinarians recommend this Kids and Pets brand.