Dachshund Puppy Care Tips: Essential Guide for New Owners

Bringing home a Dachshund puppy is an exciting adventure filled with joy, challenges, and countless adorable moments. This essential guide provides practical, actionable tips to help new owners navigate the first year with their Dachshund puppy successfully.

Setting Up for Success: Before Your Puppy Arrives

Preparation is key to a smooth transition for both you and your new puppy.

Essential Supplies Checklist

• **Feeding Supplies:**
• Stainless steel or ceramic food and water bowls
• High-quality puppy food (same brand breeder used initially)
• Treat pouch for training
• Food storage container

• **Sleeping and Crating:**
• Appropriately sized crate (just big enough to stand, turn, lie down)
• Comfortable crate pad or bed
• Crate cover for den-like feel
• Additional bed for supervised areas

• **Potty Training:**
• Puppy pads for initial training
• Enzymatic cleaner for accidents
• Outdoor leash for potty breaks
• Treats specifically for potty success

• **Safety and Containment:**
• Baby gates for room boundaries
• Exercise pen for safe play area
• Puppy-proofing supplies (cord covers, cabinet locks)

• **Toys and Enrichment:**
• Variety of chew toys (different textures)
• Puzzle toys for mental stimulation
• Soft toys for comfort
• Interactive toys for play

• **Grooming:**
• Brush appropriate for coat type
• Nail clippers or grinder
• Dog-safe toothbrush and toothpaste
• Shampoo formulated for puppies
• Towels designated for dog use

• **Walking Equipment:**
• Harness (never collar for walking)
• 4-6 foot leash
• ID tag with your contact information
• Poop bags and dispenser

• **Health and Safety:**
• First aid kit
• Emergency vet contact information
• Pet insurance information
• Vaccination records folder

Puppy-Proofing Your Home

Dachshund puppies are curious and can get into surprising places:

• **Remove or Secure:**
• Electrical cords (chewing hazard)
• Toxic plants (many common houseplants are dangerous)
• Small objects that could be swallowed
• Medications and chemicals
• Trash cans (use ones with lids)
• Anything valuable within reach

• **Block Access To:**
• Stairs (until puppy is older and trained)
• Rooms with hazards
• Under furniture where puppy could get stuck
• Balconies or high decks

• **Create Safe Spaces:**
• Designated puppy area with easy-to-clean flooring
• Crate in quiet but not isolated location
• Play area with appropriate toys
• Outdoor potty spot that's secure

The First 24 Hours

The first day sets the tone for your relationship and your puppy's adjustment.

• **Bringing Puppy Home:**
• Keep car ride calm and safe (crate or held by passenger)
• Bring towels in case of car sickness
• Take puppy to potty spot immediately upon arrival
• Keep initial introductions calm and brief

• **First Hours at Home:**
• Show puppy their potty spot first
• Introduce to crate and safe space
• Offer small amount of food and water
• Allow exploration of designated puppy area only
• Keep things calm and quiet

• **First Night:**
• Place crate near your bed
• Expect some crying (normal adjustment)
• Take out for potty break if crying persists
• Don't reward crying with attention
• Consider white noise or soft music

• **What to Expect:**
• Puppy may be overwhelmed or overly excited
• Accidents are normal
• Sleep will be disrupted
• Puppy may not eat much initially
• Crying at night is common

Establishing Routines

Puppies thrive on predictable routines. Consistency helps with training and reduces anxiety.

Daily Schedule Template

• **Morning (6:00-9:00 AM):**
• Immediate potty break upon waking
• Breakfast (measured portion)
• Potty break 15-20 minutes after eating
• Short play session
• Nap time in crate

• **Mid-Morning (9:00 AM-12:00 PM):**
• Potty break after waking
• Training session (5-10 minutes)
• Supervised play or exploration
• Potty break
• Nap time

• **Afternoon (12:00-3:00 PM):**
• Potty break
• Lunch (for puppies under 6 months)
• Potty break after eating
• Play and socialization time
• Potty break
• Nap time

• **Late Afternoon (3:00-6:00 PM):**
• Potty break
• Training session
• Play time
• Potty break
• Supervised family time

• **Evening (6:00-9:00 PM):**
• Dinner
• Potty break after eating
• Calm family time
• Short walk (age-appropriate)
• Potty break
• Quiet time before bed

• **Bedtime (9:00 PM-6:00 AM):**
• Final potty break
• Into crate for night
• Possible middle-of-night potty break (young puppies)

• **Adjust Based On:**
• Your work schedule
• Puppy's age and needs
• Individual puppy's patterns
• Family activities

Feeding Your Dachshund Puppy

Proper nutrition is crucial for healthy growth and development.

Choosing Food

• **What to Look For:**
• AAFCO approved for puppies
• Formulated for small breeds
• High-quality protein as first ingredient
• Appropriate fat content (14-18%)
• DHA for brain development
• No artificial colors or flavors

• **Types of Food:**
• Dry kibble (most common, good for teeth)
• Wet food (can be mixed with kibble)
• Fresh/refrigerated (more expensive)
• Raw (controversial, consult vet)

• **Transitioning Food:** If changing from breeder's food:
• Day 1-2: 75% old food, 25% new food
• Day 3-4: 50% old food, 50% new food
• Day 5-6: 25% old food, 75% new food
• Day 7+: 100% new food

Feeding Schedule and Portions

• **Age-Based Feeding:**
• 8-12 weeks: 4 meals daily
• 3-6 months: 3 meals daily
• 6-12 months: 2 meals daily
• 12+ months: 2 meals daily (continue for life)

• **Portion Control:**
• Follow food package guidelines
• Adjust based on body condition
• Measure portions carefully
• Account for training treats (reduce meal size accordingly)

• **Weight Monitoring:**
• Weigh weekly
• Should be able to feel ribs easily but not see them
• Visible waist when viewed from above
• Tummy tuck when viewed from side

• **Foods to Avoid:**
• Chocolate
• Grapes and raisins
• Onions and garlic
• Xylitol (artificial sweetener)
• Macadamia nuts
• Avocado
• Alcohol
• Caffeine
• Cooked bones
• Fatty foods

Health Care Essentials

Veterinary Care

• **First Vet Visit (Within 48-72 Hours):**
• Complete physical examination
• Review vaccination schedule
• Discuss parasite prevention
• Address any concerns
• Establish relationship with vet

• **Vaccination Schedule:**
• DHPP: 6, 9, 12, and 16 weeks
• Rabies: 12-16 weeks
• Bordetella: If exposed to other dogs
• Leptospirosis: Based on risk factors
• Lyme: Based on geographic location

• **Parasite Prevention:**
• Heartworm prevention (monthly)
• Flea and tick prevention (monthly)
• Deworming as recommended
• Fecal tests at vet visits

• **Spaying/Neutering:**
• Typically done at 6-12 months
• Discuss timing with your vet
• Some recommend waiting until growth plates close
• Consider health and behavioral factors

Common Puppy Health Issues

• **Diarrhea:**
• Common with diet changes or stress
• Ensure hydration
• Bland diet (boiled chicken and rice)
• See vet if persists more than 24 hours or if severe

• **Vomiting:**
• Occasional vomiting may be normal
• Withhold food for 12 hours
• Offer small amounts of water
• See vet if frequent or contains blood

• **Parasites:**
• Worms are common in puppies
• Follow deworming schedule
• Watch for signs (pot belly, diarrhea, visible worms)
• Fecal tests at vet visits

• **Ear Infections:**
• Check ears weekly
• Clean as needed
• Watch for odor, redness, discharge
• See vet if suspected

Recognizing Emergencies

• **Seek Immediate Veterinary Care For:**
• Difficulty breathing
• Seizures
• Inability to urinate or defecate
• Bloated, hard abdomen
• Suspected poisoning
• Severe vomiting or diarrhea
• Collapse or extreme lethargy
• Bleeding that won't stop
• Eye injuries
• Signs of pain (crying, hunched posture, reluctance to move)

Training Fundamentals

Potty Training

• **The Key to Success:**
• Frequent trips outside (every 2-3 hours)
• Consistent potty spot
• Immediate rewards for success
• Patience and consistency
• No punishment for accidents

• **Timing:** Take puppy out:
• First thing in morning
• After every meal
• After naps
• After play sessions
• Before bedtime
• Any time they circle or sniff

**The Process:** 1. Take to designated spot on leash 2. Use consistent command ("go potty") 3. Wait patiently (up to 10 minutes) 4. Reward immediately when they go 5. Brief play or exploration as bonus reward

• **Handling Accidents:**
• Interrupt calmly if caught in act
• Take immediately outside
• Clean thoroughly with enzymatic cleaner
• Don't punish
• Increase supervision and frequency of breaks

• **Timeline:**
• Some puppies train in weeks
• Others take 6-12 months
• Dachshunds can be challenging
• Consistency is crucial
• Patience pays off

Basic Commands

• **Name Recognition:**
• Say name and reward when they look at you
• Practice throughout the day
• Use happy, upbeat tone
• Foundation for all other training

• **Come:**
• Start in low-distraction environment
• Say "come" enthusiastically
• Reward generously when they come
• Never call for something negative
• Practice daily

• **Sit:**
• Hold treat above nose
• Move treat back over head
• Bottom naturally goes down
• Say "sit" as it happens
• Reward immediately

• **Stay:**
• Start with very short duration (1-2 seconds)
• Gradually increase time
• Release with "okay" or "free"
• Practice in different locations
• Build up slowly

• **Leave It:**
• Show treat in closed hand
• Say "leave it"
• Wait for them to stop trying to get it
• Reward with different treat
• Essential for safety

Crate Training

• **Making Crate Positive:**
• Feed meals in crate
• Toss treats in randomly
• Never use as punishment
• Make comfortable and inviting
• Keep near family activity initially

**Training Process:** 1. Let puppy explore crate with door open 2. Feed meals in crate 3. Close door briefly while eating 4. Gradually increase duration 5. Practice departures and arrivals calmly

• **Crate Schedule:**
• Puppies can hold bladder approximately 1 hour per month of age
• 8-week-old puppy: 2-3 hours maximum
• Always potty before crating
• Don't crate for excessive periods
• Crate should be positive, not punishment

Socialization

Proper socialization between 3-14 weeks is crucial for a well-adjusted adult dog.

• **People:**
• Various ages (children, adults, seniors)
• Different appearances (hats, beards, uniforms)
• Different ethnicities
• People with mobility aids
• Loud and quiet people

• **Animals:**
• Friendly, vaccinated dogs
• Cats (if applicable)
• Other pets
• Livestock (if relevant)

• **Environments:**
• Different surfaces
• Various locations
• Indoor and outdoor settings
• Busy and quiet places
• Car rides

• **Sounds:**
• Household appliances
• Traffic
• Thunderstorms (recordings)
• Fireworks (recordings)
• Children playing
• Other dogs barking

• **Experiences:**
• Grooming procedures
• Vet visits (for treats, not just appointments)
• Car rides
• Meeting delivery people
• Visitors to home

• **How to Socialize:**
• Keep experiences positive
• Don't force interactions
• Watch for stress signals
• Use treats and praise
• Keep sessions short
• End on positive note

Exercise and Play

• **Age-Appropriate Exercise:**
• 5-minute rule: 5 minutes per month of age, twice daily
• 3-month-old: 15 minutes, twice daily
• 6-month-old: 30 minutes, twice daily
• Avoid over-exercising

• **Safe Activities:**
• Short walks on flat surfaces
• Gentle play in yard
• Puppy play dates with size-appropriate dogs
• Indoor games
• Mental stimulation activities

• **Activities to Avoid:**
• Jumping on/off furniture
• Running up/down stairs repeatedly
• Rough play with large dogs
• Excessive ball chasing
• Any activity that strains back

• **Mental Stimulation:**
• Puzzle toys
• Hide and seek
• Treasure hunts
• Training sessions
• New experiences
• Sniffing activities

Grooming Routine

• **Weekly Tasks:**
• Brush coat (frequency depends on coat type)
• Check and clean ears
• Check eyes for discharge
• Inspect paws and between toes
• Check for lumps, bumps, or skin issues

• **Every 2-3 Weeks:**
• Trim nails
• Check and clean teeth

• **Monthly:**
• Bath (or as needed)
• Thorough grooming session

• **Daily:**
• Quick brush for long-haired
• Wipe paws after walks
• Check for ticks if in tick area

• **Starting Early:**
• Handle paws, ears, mouth daily
• Make grooming positive with treats
• Keep sessions short initially
• Build tolerance gradually
• Consider professional grooming for difficult tasks

Common Challenges and Solutions

• **Nipping and Biting:**
• Normal puppy behavior
• Redirect to appropriate toys
• Yelp and withdraw attention if bitten
• Never use hands as toys
• Provide adequate chew toys

• **Crying in Crate:**
• Ensure potty needs met
• Make crate comfortable
• Cover crate for den-like feel
• White noise may help
• Don't reward crying with attention
• Gradually build crate tolerance

• **Jumping on People:**
• Ignore until four paws on floor
• Reward calm greetings
• Teach "sit" for greetings
• Ask visitors to follow same rules
• Be consistent

• **Barking:**
• Dachshunds are vocal
• Allow alert barking, then "quiet" command
• Don't yell (they think you're barking too)
• Reward quiet behavior
• Provide adequate exercise and stimulation

• **Separation Anxiety:**
• Practice short separations from day one
• Make departures and arrivals low-key
• Leave puzzle toys or treat-dispensing toys
• Consider crate training
• Build independence gradually

Month-by-Month Guide

• **Months 1-2 (8-12 weeks):**
• Focus on adjustment and bonding
• Begin potty training
• Start basic commands
• Begin socialization
• Establish routines

• **Months 3-4 (12-16 weeks):**
• Continue socialization intensively
• Advance basic training
• Increase exercise gradually
• Complete puppy vaccinations
• May begin teething

• **Months 5-6 (20-24 weeks):**
• Refine training
• Increase exercise duration
• Continue socialization
• May become more independent
• Possible adolescent behaviors

• **Months 7-12:**
• Maintain training consistency
• Full exercise by 12 months
• Consider spay/neuter
• Transition to adult food around 12 months
• Continue socialization and training

Building a Strong Bond

Quality Time

• **Bonding Activities:**
• Daily training sessions
• Regular play time
• Grooming sessions
• Quiet cuddle time
• Adventures and outings

Communication

• **Learn your puppy's body language:**
• Be consistent with commands
• Use positive reinforcement
• Be patient and understanding
• Celebrate successes

Trust Building

• - Be reliable and consistent
• Meet their needs promptly
• Protect them from negative experiences
• Provide security and comfort
• Respect their personality

Resources for Success

• **Professional Help:**
• Puppy kindergarten classes
• Private training if needed
• Veterinary care
• Professional grooming
• Behaviorist if serious issues arise

• **Continuing Education:**
• Books on Dachshund care
• Online resources and forums
• Breed-specific groups
• Training videos
• Veterinary advice

• **Support System:**
• Breeder support
• Dachshund owner groups
• Local dog community
• Online forums
• Veterinary team

Final Thoughts

Raising a Dachshund puppy is a journey filled with challenges and rewards. The first year requires significant time, patience, and commitment, but the result is a well-adjusted, healthy, and happy companion who will bring joy to your life for years to come.

• **Remember:**
• Every puppy is an individual
• Progress isn't always linear
• Patience and consistency are key
• Celebrate small victories
• Don't hesitate to ask for help
• Enjoy the puppy stage—it goes quickly!

With proper care, training, and lots of love, your Dachshund puppy will grow into a wonderful adult dog. The time and effort you invest now will pay dividends throughout your dog's life. Welcome to the wonderful world of Dachshund ownership!