Dachshund puppies are curious and will get into everything – including cleaning products, which can be deadly! Be sure to puppy-proof your home and keep all chemicals high and out of reach. Puppies are naturally anxious when they first come home and need plenty of quiet naps. This will help them adjust to their new surroundings and cope with missing their mother and littermates.
Training
Dachshund puppies are very intelligent, so they need to be taught what you want them to do. Start with basic obedience commands like sit, down, and stay. Once they get those down, teach them to come when you call and to drop it (drop it means to drop whatever is in their mouth and not just lick it). It’s a good idea to keep a clicker handy for training, as dogs understand what the sound of a clicker means. You can also use a verbal cue to let the dog know when they have done what you want.
Plan to have a routine when you bring your Dachshund home, as dogs do well on a schedule, and it will help everyone to adjust to having a new puppy around. Set up a schedule for feedings, bathroom breaks, and walks before the puppy arrives. If you have multiple people in your household, assign duties – who will make vet appointments, take the puppy out for potty breaks, and play with them?
Socialization
Dachshunds are social creatures and must be regularly exposed to people and other dogs. This will help them feel comfortable around strangers as they age and prevent future fear-based behavior. Introducing pups in small groups is best to avoid overwhelm and encourage a friendly introduction. Puppy play dates in neutral outdoor spaces are ideal at first, and even puppy classes can be good for pups who need a structured environment to become comfortable around other puppies and people.
Take your Dachshund on short leash walks on different surfaces like grass, concrete, carpet, or a metal baking sheet to give them a chance to experience different environments and sounds. This will build their confidence and show them that new environments are okay to explore with you present. It is also a great way to reinforce the “stay” command.
Dachshunds can be sensitive to sound, so getting them used to loud noises at a young age is important. This will prevent them from becoming frightened of the noises as they grow into adults. Playing firework sounds in another room at a low volume is an easy way to do this. Ensure your Dachshund has a safe place to stay when you aren’t around, such as their crate or puppy-proofed area. This will prevent them from chewing and destroying items and help you with house training, as they can learn to go in their crate or puppy-proofed spot without your presence. It will also help with problem behaviors like barking or digging at their crate door.
Health
Dachshunds have fragile spines and are prone to back issues, such as IVDD. It is important to limit their jumping and activities that cause excessive strain on the spine and avoid table scraps as they can lead to weight gain and put extra pressure on their backs. Puppies need lots of exercise, both mental and physical. Moderate-length morning and evening walks, playtime with you or other dogs, and dog sports like tracking will help burn off their energy. It’s also a good idea to introduce them to the leash early so they are used to it when fully grown.
They are curious and will get into everything, so puppy-proof your home as much as possible to prevent injuries or house-training issues. One of the biggest reasons doxies end up in shelters is because their owners weren’t puppy-proof, and they got into something dangerous like electrical cords or even climbed onto a window shade that could have caused a fatal injury.
Exercise
You’ll be busy bringing your Dachshund home, getting organized, caring for their needs, and working out training routines. This is a hugely rewarding time, and ensuring you’re prepared is essential. You should also take your puppy for a vet check-up. Ask them about diet, flea/worming treatments, and vaccinations. If they’ve been on a certain food from the breeder or rescue, keep that up until you get a clear signal to change.
Dachshunds can be prone to back problems, so you want to ensure your new puppy is up-to-date on their health and vaccinations. It’s a good idea to buy pet insurance so you can claim for any veterinary treatment that may be needed.
If you have young children, teach them how to handle your Dachshund so they can safely play with them and not over-handle them. They’re quite sensitive little pups, particularly the miniature dachshunds, so they don’t always like being carried.
If your dog barks excessively in the evening, try to reduce it by giving them less attention when they’re barking. This is a good way to prevent them from barking for attention, which can become a habit that is difficult to break. You could also increase their daily exercise to tire them out and help encourage a better night’s sleep.