Pepper loves to jump

[Kendora]

Pep is a mini, and he loves to jump. I bought the book Dachshunds for Dummies at Petsmart (we are new at this) and it says to never ever let them jump. I feel bad saying no to his jumping and try to lift him when I can, but he's just boinging all around-from the chair to the footstool to the couch...All these are about 21/2 feet or so off the ground. I just don't want him to hurt his back or develop problems later because we didn't try harder to prevent this. One thing we don't do is make him jump for treats or anything like that. His jumping is all on his own.:bounce:

[lotsadox]

Jumping is very bad for their backs, but very hard to stop. I have carpeted stairs by the couch and the bed for them to use. They use them most of the time, except for Miller. Miller uses them until he gets excited and then he launches himself off of the bed instead of going down the chairs. I just do my best to discourage him from this activity, but it's really hard.

[Tammara]

Kendora,
I was just wondering about that. We're new at this too, and read the same book. Trenyce jumps OVER things, and Ruben (who is bigger) pulls her back down (because we tell her no, and he can't get over things.) Now Ruben has learned to jump and last night jumped from the deck to the ground (2 steps). He bumped the bottom step, shook it off, and went along as if nothing had happened. They have both learned to climb the deck steps, and that is a real stretch considering neither of them are more than a couple of pounds. They won't be allowed on furniture, but barring me holding them everywhere, I've got to get more advice on this one.:bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

[Kim H.]

It's a definitely a well-recognized problem that these little guys shouldn't jump but LOVE to do it.

If you can keep them off the furniture (also difficult!), that would help. If you can't, you may be able to get them to use a ramp or jump onto floor pillows or something to get down (i.e., redecorating your house in "Early American Dachshund").

Keeping them at a healthy weight and regular exercise is important. I know some members have recommended dietary supplements that may keep bones healthy. Some sources caution against foods containing excess calcium - for dogs prone to back injuries as well as hip dysplasia... which seems to make the bones develop too rapidly and increase risk of damage.

I was lucky that my Tristan never had a problem with IDD, and he did his share of jumping. The girls love to climb on things already, so I can see this will be difficult.

Looking forward to suggestions from members with experience in this area!!:bounce: :bounce:

[Meemoo]

while we obviously dont' want our babies hurt, we also don't want to prevent them from doing everything...then they are not being dogs and having fun! We don't let Chief do stairs and we definintely don't allow him to jump off the bed. However, we do let him jump on and off the couch which is considerably lower than the bed. Honestly, if they are going to have an injury it might happen with NO jumping. The chances we take with a long dog. Keeping your dog lean, a good diet,supplements, exercise and getting your dog from a reputable breeder that knows his/her lineage is helpful. There are no guarantees however. Knowledge of disc disease, signs, symptoms etc so that if unfortunately something does happen you have the best chance for recovery.

[Tammara]

Greatly appreciated. I don't yet know how we're going to keep the pups off of the furniture, except for their size, and never allowing it in the first place. Just before we decided to get the puppies, we bought tall leather furniture, so I guess no puppy eyes will be allowed, no matter how sad. My husband picks them up to be in his fabric recliner. I hope that helps. The bed is also quite tall, yahoo!
I'm worried about the deck, but we've considered a ramp, however we see that they are not likely to use it. Maybe we'll just gate it. My dad says dogs don't usually do anything that will hurt them, but these pups are as mischevious as kittens! You should see what they've done to the flowers in the backyard, not to mention the garlic breath they have from munching my garlic chives! :nono:

[Kim H.]

We have leather furniture as well... we found it was surprisingly tough. Tristan's little toenails didn't scratch it. However, little puppy TEETH are a different story - we will be supervising couch time.

You may find yourselves all sitting on the floor WITH the puppies 90% of the time.:D :D

[Heide]

things is to not let our doxies jump. Its in them to do just that. I am always telling mine not to jump.
They have their own couch that is close to the ground. We dont put them on our bed because it is too high. IF one of them heard a noise outside they would be running and jumping right off before we know what hit.
And its true sometimes some of them can go and jump and never have a back issue. While others who do not jump have back issues.
Its scary though. I went through the back thing and never would want to do that again if I can help it. It liked to of tore me up. You are so helpless to help them.