Amelia & Margot: An inside look into the life of a dachshund

The first few weeks after she came home I was up at 5am watching her pull every toy out of her toy box, completely recharged and full of energy

Are you a new pup-parent? Maybe you’re thinking about welcoming a cheeky little dachshund into your home? If you’re in search of tips or an inside-peep into the life of a sausage dog, read our chat with Instagram dog-fluencer Margot and her owner Amelia who featured in new doggie guidebook Dachshunds by Jane Eastoe.

How long have you had Margot?

Just over a year now, I brought her home at 9 weeks. I still can’t believe how small she was back then!

What would you say is the trickiest thing to learn about caring for a new puppy?

The amount of time they take up and require attention.

Some puppies may be more independent and happy to play by themselves but Margot loves to play with someone, if she was awake she needed me on the floor playing too.

Eventually she learnt when was play time and when was time to chill out but it was a long tiring few weeks!

Tell me about your life as a pup-fluencer?

We love it! We’ve learnt so much from others about training, health and nutrition. Getting to be realistic about life behind the photos is such a big part of it too, not every day is a perfect day but every day is a learning day!

It’s so amazing to be able to discover and support small businesses. Without even having to spend money you can still give support, just sharing a post or engaging with it means just as much.

Does Margot have any hidden puppish talents?

Margot loves learning new tricks, mainly because it means she’s centre of attention and getting treats. Her current favourite is a ‘weave’ in and out of my legs as I’m walking but she gets too excited and goes too fast for me to keep up!

Dachshunds mentions that Margot’s favourite toy is her Nemo clownfish – has this changed or is she still obsessed?

Absolutely obsessed still! She will dig through her toy box to find Nemo then drops it on the floor in front of you demanding you play! Anyone who walks through the door is greeted with Nemo in her mouth. Where Margot goes, Nemo goes!

What’s one thing you wish you knew about the dachshund breed before you got Margot?

I wish I knew how common separation anxiety was for the breed. I knew it was something to work on with any puppy but I also felt so guilty when she’d spent 9 weeks with a litter of companions, to then be somewhere new alone.

Luckily Jane Eastoe wrote about separation anxiety in the book Dachshunds to help other owners who weren’t aware just how needy they are!

How often does Margot need walking? Do you have a favourite walking route?

As long as it’s a dry day we are going for a walk, in true dachshund style Margot doesn’t like rain! Don’t be afraid to miss a days walk to rest, as long as they have enrichment and games at home to keep their nose and brain working they’re still happy!

I make sure to train on every walk, working on her loose lead and ignoring distractions around. We end each walk on a field for a good run around. We play recall games and emergency stops, Margot doesn’t even realise the fun at the end of the walk is still training!

What advice would you give to new pup owners (especially ones of dachshunds)?

They might be small but they are extremely stubborn! I would recommend being strict from day 1 with your rules and that everyone else in the house is aware of them too. Margot learned very quickly what was expected of her because I was always consistent. We never have any trouble from her at home, she’s always been able to roam freely without a worry of anything being stolen or chewed.

Amelia & Margot can be found on Instagram @margotdapple.

Illustrations by Meredith Jensen, Photography by Amelia Ings.

Dachshunds is available online via our website as well as all good bookshops.