Bringing home a dachshund puppy marks the beginning of an exciting journey filled with remarkable growth and development. These spirited little dogs, affectionately known as “doxies,” progress through distinct stages during their first year. Understanding these milestones helps you provide appropriate care, training, and socialization at each phase. This guide walks you through what to expect as your dachshund puppy transforms from a tiny, dependent bundle into a confident adult dog with that characteristic dachshund personality. Dapple dachshund puppies
8-10 Weeks: Homecoming and Adjustment
Physical Development
- Weight: Typically 2-5 pounds, depending on variety (miniature vs. standard)
- Puppy teeth fully emerged
- Short attention span and frequent naps (18-20 hours of sleep daily)
- Limited bladder control (expect accidents every 1-2 hours when awake). Dapple dachshund puppies
Behavioral Milestones
- Separation from mother and littermates
- Exploring new environment cautiously
- Beginning to recognize their name
- May experience “puppy blues” with crying at night
Care Priorities
- Establish consistent feeding schedule (3-4 meals daily)
- Begin house training with frequent outdoor trips
- Create safe, confined spaces with appropriate chew toys
- Schedule first veterinary visit for wellness check and vaccination continuation
- Begin socialization with gentle handling and positive introductions
Training Focus
- Crate training introduction
- Basic name recognition
- Gentle handling exercises for paws, ears, and mouth
- Positive reinforcement for desired behaviors
10-12 Weeks: The Confidence Stage
Physical Development
- Improved coordination and motor skills
- Increased energy levels with playful bursts
- Better bladder control (gradually extending to 2-3 hours)
- Growth spurts beginning
Behavioral Milestones
- Growing confidence in exploring environment
- Development of play behaviors like chasing and wrestling
- Testing boundaries with mild stubbornness
- Formation of stronger bonds with family members
Care Priorities
- Continue vaccination series
- Introduce grooming routines appropriate for coat type
- Puppy-proof expanded areas of your home
- Maintain consistent feeding schedule
- Begin dental care routines
Training Focus
- Basic commands: sit, gentle leash introduction
- Continued socialization with new people, environments, and sounds
- Introduction to car rides
- Reinforcement of appropriate chewing behaviors
3-4 Months: The Learning Sponge
Physical Development
- Weight: 4-8 pounds (miniature) or 8-12 pounds (standard)
- Beginning of teething phase as puppy teeth loosen
- Improved bladder control (3-4 hours between potty breaks)
- More sustained energy periods
Behavioral Milestones
- Increased curiosity and bravery
- Beginning of characteristic dachshund independence
- Growing interest in scents and tracking
- Signs of burrowing instincts emerging
Care Priorities
- Complete puppy vaccination series
- Begin regular parasite prevention
- Provide appropriate teething toys
- Consider puppy socialization classes
- Monitor weight to prevent obesity (crucial for back health)
Training Focus
- Expanded commands: stay, come, leave it
- Leash manners (especially important given dachshund stubbornness)
- Introduction to short training sessions for mental stimulation
- Begin addressing early signs of resource guarding if present
4-6 Months: The Testing Phase
Physical Development
- Adult teeth beginning to emerge
- Growth rate continues steadily
- Sexual maturity beginning (consider spay/neuter discussions with vet)
- Can typically hold bladder 4-6 hours
Behavioral Milestones
- Testing boundaries and exhibiting independence
- May experience a “fear period” with increased caution
- Beginning of adolescent behaviors
- Stronger prey drive becoming evident
Care Priorities
- Transition to 2-3 meals per day
- Schedule spay/neuter procedure (typically 5-6 months)
- Begin more extensive dental care as adult teeth emerge
- Protect developing joints and back with appropriate exercise
Training Focus
- Reinforcement of basic commands with increased distractions
- Introduction to impulse control exercises
- Address digging behaviors with appropriate outlets
- Begin recall training in secure areas
6-9 Months: The Teenage Phase
Physical Development
- Weight: Approaching 8-11 pounds (miniature) or 16-22 pounds (standard)
- Adult coat developing fully
- Sexual maturity progressing
- Near-adult height but still filling out
Behavioral Milestones
- Testing established rules and boundaries
- Increased territorial behaviors
- May exhibit “selective hearing” during commands
- Strengthening of natural dachshund traits (stubbornness, prey drive)
Care Priorities
- Monitor for appropriate weight and body condition
- Begin adult vaccination schedule
- Establish regular exercise routines that protect back health
- Verify that puppy is spayed/neutered if planned
Training Focus
- Consistency with established rules despite testing
- Continued socialization with unfamiliar people and dogs
- Introduction to more complex commands and tricks
- Reinforcement of recall and leash manners
9-12 Months: Early Adulthood
Physical Development
- Reaching adult weight (typically 11 pounds for miniatures, 16-32 pounds for standards)
- Adult coat fully established
- Near-complete physical maturity
- Adult teeth completely in place
Behavioral Milestones
- Established personality traits becoming consistent
- Territory and home protection instincts strengthening
- Settling into predictable behavior patterns
- Development of strong preferences and habits
Care Priorities
- Transition to adult food (gradually over 1-2 weeks)
- Establish maintenance grooming schedule
- Regular dental care routine firmly established
- Preventative health measures for breed-specific concerns
- Implement back protection measures (ramps, limited jumping)
Training Focus
- Refinement of existing commands
- Advanced training if desired
- Maintenance of socialization experiences
- Focus on mental stimulation activities
Special Considerations for Dachshunds
Back Health Vigilance
Throughout the first year, protecting your dachshund’s back is paramount:
- Discourage jumping on/off furniture
- Teach use of ramps or stairs for elevated surfaces
- Carry properly, supporting both chest and hindquarters
- Monitor weight closely to prevent extra strain
- Recognize early warning signs of IVDD (Intervertebral Disc Disease)
Appropriate Exercise Development
Balance activity needs without risking injury:
- Limited stair use during growth phases
- Short walks increasing gradually in duration
- Avoid high-impact activities like jumping
- Focus on mental stimulation alongside physical exercise
Temperament Development
Address breed-specific tendencies early:
- Channel hunting instincts into appropriate games
- Provide outlets for digging behaviors
- Address barking tendencies with consistent training
- Socialize extensively to prevent small-dog syndrome
Celebrating Your First Year Together
As you approach the one-year mark with your dachshund, take time to:
- Review training progress and set new goals
- Compile photos documenting physical development
- Schedule annual veterinary checkup
- Establish adult routines for your now-mature dachshund
The first year with your dachshund puppy builds the foundation for your lifelong relationship. By understanding and appropriately responding to each developmental stage, you’ll raise a well-adjusted adult dachshund who embodies the best qualities of this beloved breed—loyalty, courage, playfulness, and that unmistakable dachshund determination. Dapple dachshund puppies. Bechewy