Dachshunds are well known for their elongated bodies and short legs, giving them the adorable proportions from which they can rightfully claim their deserved title as wiener dogs.
But their unique proportions also present a unique problem.
Dachshund’s spines are especially sensitive, so it’s incredibly easy to injure your doxie when picking them up, holding them, and setting them down.
So, if you have a dachshund at home, know a friend with a doxie, or dream of owning a wiener dog one way, you need to learn how to hold a dachshund correctly.
Written by Becca Choi, a passionate dog person and proud plant mom living in sunny Los Angeles.
Her first ever pet was a lovable Husky-Shepard mix named Marley, but her favorite breed will always be Dachshunds!
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So, how to hold a dachshund correctly?
Use both hands—one on their chest and one on their butt
When picking up a dachshund, the most important thing to know is that your doxie needs support along their entire body.
The best way to do this is by putting one hand under their chest and another hand under their butt—this hand can go in front of, behind, or under their rear legs.
If you can support your dachshund’s entire weight with your forearm, you may be able to hold them with just one hand.
However, while maneuvering, be sure your dachshund always has support along their entire body.
Spread your fingers
To maximize support and hold the dog correctly, spread your fingers as wide as you can.
The increased surface area will relieve pressure from your dog’s spine and make them feel more comfortable and secure in your arms.
Keep your doxie’s body horizontal as you lift them
As you lift your dachshund with both hands, do your best to keep their spine level with the floor. If you allow one end of the dachshund to sag, you put excess pressure on their spine—and you don’t want to do that.
So, always lift your dachshund as if your arms were a horizontal place for them to stand or lay down.
Don’t let your dachshund dangle
You should never, ever let your dachshund dangle.
For one thing, dangling means your dachshund’s spine is not horizontal to the floor.
If your dachshund is dangling, you’re probably trying to hold them with just one hand—and what did I say about that?
Dangling puts immense pressure on your poor doxie’s spine, and this simple act could cause a lifetime of damage and pain for your little dachshund.
You can cradle a dachshund like a baby—if you follow the rules above
Whether you hold your dachshund right side up or upside down doesn’t matter, as long as you follow the rules above.
Your dachshund can be happy and healthy belly up in your arms.
Just give them the support they need!
Put them down slowly and steadily
When you’re done transporting or cuddling with your dachshund, it’s important that you don’t drop them—even if it’s only a few inches.
No matter how eager your dachshund is to play, you must set them down slowly, only removing your hands after their feet are securely on the floor.
How to hold a dachshund with back problems: very carefully
By now, it should be obvious that your dachshund’s spine is fragile.
If your doxie already has back problems, be sure to always follow the advice above and never be careless when holding your dog.
If your dachshund has back problems, you should also:
- pay close attention to see if your dog is in any distress when being held
- move slowly and carefully whenever you pick up, hold, your put down your dachshund
- teach friends and family how to hold your dachshund
- tell visitors not to pick your dachshund up at all
- avoid any bending or twisting, no matter how small
Whether your dachshund already has back problems or you want to invest in preventative care, you should consider getting a dog ramp to ensure your dachshund is safe and comfortable at home.
Photo by Dominica.