Dachshund Haven USA - Premium AKC Dachshund Puppies

Bringing home a new Dachshund puppy is an exciting adventure, but the first 30 days are crucial for setting up a lifetime of good habits and health. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to give your new furry family member the best possible start.

Week 1: Settling In

The first week is all about helping your puppy adjust to their new environment. Your Dachshund puppy will be experiencing separation from their mother and littermates for the first time, which can be stressful.

Creating a Safe Space

Set up a designated area for your puppy with:
A comfortable bed or crate
Food and water bowls
Safe toys appropriate for puppies
Puppy pads for potty training

Keep the environment calm and quiet. Limit visitors during this first week to prevent overwhelming your puppy. Dachshunds are sensitive dogs, and too much stimulation can lead to anxiety.

Establishing a Routine

Puppies thrive on routine. Establish consistent times for:
Feeding (3-4 times daily for puppies under 12 weeks)
Potty breaks (every 2-3 hours)
Play sessions
Nap times (puppies need 18-20 hours of sleep!)

First Vet Visit

Schedule a veterinary checkup within the first 48-72 hours. Your vet will:
Perform a complete physical examination
Review vaccination schedule
Discuss parasite prevention
Answer any health questions you may have

Week 2: Building Trust and Bonding

By the second week, your puppy should be settling in. Now is the time to focus on building a strong bond and beginning basic training.

Socialization Begins

While your puppy shouldn't go to public places until fully vaccinated, you can start socialization at home:
Introduce them to different household sounds (vacuum, doorbell, TV)
Let them meet fully vaccinated, friendly dogs in controlled settings
Handle their paws, ears, and mouth gently to prepare for grooming and vet visits
Expose them to different surfaces (carpet, tile, grass)

Basic Training Foundations

Start with simple commands:
Name recognition: Say their name and reward when they look at you
"Come": Use treats to encourage them to come to you
Crate training: Make the crate a positive space with treats and toys

Remember, Dachshunds can be stubborn, so patience and positive reinforcement are key. Never use punishment-based training methods.

Week 3: Expanding Horizons

Your puppy is now more comfortable and confident. It's time to gradually expand their world.

Potty Training Progress

By week three, you should see progress in potty training:
Take your puppy out immediately after waking, eating, and playing
Use a consistent command like "go potty"
Reward immediately when they eliminate outside
Clean accidents with enzymatic cleaner to remove odors

Dachshunds can be challenging to potty train due to their stubborn nature, but consistency is crucial. Some puppies may take several months to be fully house-trained.

Nutrition and Feeding

Ensure your puppy is eating a high-quality puppy food formulated for small breeds. Dachshunds are prone to obesity, which can lead to back problems, so:
Measure food portions carefully
Avoid table scraps
Use small, healthy treats for training
Monitor body condition weekly

Play and Exercise

While Dachshunds are energetic, puppies shouldn't be over-exercised. Follow the "5-minute rule": 5 minutes of exercise per month of age, twice daily. For a 3-month-old puppy, that's 15 minutes, twice a day.

Avoid activities that strain their long backs:
No jumping from furniture
No running up and down stairs repeatedly
Supervise play with larger dogs

Week 4: Establishing Long-term Habits

The final week of the first month is about solidifying the routines and behaviors you've been working on.

Continued Socialization

Continue exposing your puppy to new experiences:
Car rides (even if just sitting in the parked car)
Different people (children, men with beards, people in hats)
Various sounds and environments
Gentle handling and grooming sessions

Training Progression

Build on basic commands:
"Sit": Hold a treat above their nose and move it back
"Stay": Start with very short durations
"Leave it": Teach impulse control with treats
Leash walking: Introduce a harness and practice indoors first

Health and Grooming

Establish grooming routines:
Brush your Dachshund's coat 2-3 times weekly (daily for longhaired varieties)
Check and clean ears weekly
Trim nails every 2-3 weeks
Brush teeth daily with dog-safe toothpaste

Vaccination Schedule

Your puppy will need several rounds of vaccinations:
DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza) at 6, 9, 12, and 16 weeks
Rabies at 12-16 weeks
Bordetella if your puppy will be around other dogs

Common First Month Challenges

Crying at Night

It's normal for puppies to cry the first few nights. To help:
Place the crate near your bed
Use a warm water bottle wrapped in a towel
Play soft music or white noise
Avoid reinforcing crying by taking them out unless they need to potty

Nipping and Biting

Puppy biting is normal but needs to be redirected:
Yelp loudly when bitten to signal it hurts
Immediately redirect to a toy
End play sessions if biting continues
Never use your hands as toys

Separation Anxiety

Dachshunds are velcro dogs and can develop separation anxiety:
Practice short separations from day one
Make departures and arrivals low-key
Leave puzzle toys or treat-dispensing toys
Consider crate training for security

Setting Up for Success

The first 30 days lay the foundation for your Dachshund's entire life. Key takeaways:

- Consistency is crucial in all aspects of care and training
Patience pays off, especially with stubborn Dachshund personalities
Positive reinforcement creates confident, well-adjusted dogs
Early socialization prevents behavioral problems later
Regular vet care ensures your puppy stays healthy

Remember, every puppy is an individual. Some may progress faster than others, and that's perfectly normal. If you're struggling with any aspect of puppy care, don't hesitate to consult with your veterinarian or a professional dog trainer who uses positive reinforcement methods.

Your Dachshund's First Month Checklist:

- ✓ Vet checkup completed
✓ Vaccination schedule established
✓ Feeding routine consistent
✓ Potty training in progress
✓ Basic commands introduced
✓ Socialization begun
✓ Grooming routine started
✓ Safe environment created
✓ Bond with family members developing

The first month is just the beginning of a wonderful journey with your Dachshund. With proper care, training, and lots of love, you're setting the stage for a happy, healthy, and well-behaved companion for years to come.