Okay, so I’ve got a dachshund, a real long boy, and let me tell you, finding the right stuff for him has been a journey! It’s not like getting stuff for a regular-shaped dog, you know?
The Harness Hustle
First off, harnesses. Forget those generic ones. I tried a few, and they just didn’t fit right. Either they were too tight around his chest or they’d slide all over the place because of his, uh, unique physique.
I finally figured out that I needed one specifically designed for dachshunds. It’s got a longer back piece and adjustable straps that actually stay put. It was like a lightbulb moment! No more chafing, no more escape artist acts during walks.
Bedtime Battles
Then there’s the bed situation. My little guy loves to burrow, so I initially got him one of those fluffy donut beds. He liked it, but he’d always end up half hanging out of it. Again, the long body problem!
I switched to a rectangular bed with raised sides. It’s long enough for him to stretch out completely, and the sides give him that cozy, secure feeling he craves. He actually sleeps through the night now, instead of constantly readjusting.
The Food Bowl Fiasco
- Regular bowls: Too deep, he’d practically have to stand on his head to reach the bottom.
- Shallow bowls: Better, but he’d still end up pushing food all over the floor.
- Ramped bowls: Game changer! They’re tilted, so he can reach every last kibble without straining his neck or making a mess.
I learned that elevated bowls are also supposed to be better for their digestion, especially with their long backs. Less strain, less chance of bloat, apparently.
Toy Troubles
Toys were another learning curve. He’s a chewer, so anything flimsy was destroyed in minutes. I quickly realized that “tough” toys for regular dogs weren’t necessarily tough enough for my determined dachshund.
I had to find extra-durable, almost indestructible toys. Think thick rubber, heavy-duty ropes. Anything with stuffing was a guaranteed mess. I swear, he could find the weak spot in a toy faster than I could find my keys.
The Coat Conundrum
And lastly, it is about coat.
My dachshund has short hair.
At first, I thought I don’t have to buy a coat for him.
But winter is really cold, and I found he was always shivering when outside.
So I bought a simple coat, but, yeah, you know it, too short for him.
I finally got a customized coat, and it perfectly fit his body, keeping him warm.
So yeah, getting supplies for a dachshund is a bit of a trial-and-error process. You gotta think about their unique shape and needs. It’s not just about finding cute stuff, it’s about finding stuff that actually works for them.
I spent time, energy and money on all those things, from the very beginning, from bowls to coat.
But believe me, finally all got done perfectly.
