Bringing home a Dachshund puppy is an exciting time filled with wagging tails, playful antics, and those adorable little paws scampering across your floor. But these first 30 days are also crucial for establishing good habits, proper care routines, and a strong bond with your new “wiener dog” companion. As a breed with specific needs and characteristics, Dachshunds require special attention during their early days in your home. Dachshund for sale
Preparing Before Arrival
Create a safe space: Before bringing your Dachshund puppy home, set up a comfortable, confined area with a soft bed, water bowl, and appropriate toys. Dachshunds appreciate having their own “den,” which helps them feel secure in their new environment.
Puppy-proof your home: With their curious nature and low stature, Dachshunds can find trouble in places you might not expect. Remove potentially dangerous items from floor level, secure loose wires, and block off any areas you don’t want your puppy exploring.
Gather essential supplies: Have these items ready:
- High-quality puppy food formulated for small breeds
- Shallow food and water dishes
- Appropriately sized collar and leash
- ID tag with your contact information
- Puppy pads for initial house training
- Soft bedding
- Safe, appropriately sized toys
- Grooming supplies
Week 1: Adjustment Period
Day 1-3: Keep it calm Your Dachshund puppy is leaving everything familiar behind, so expect some anxiety. Keep the environment quiet and interactions gentle. Introduce family members slowly and supervise any interactions with children or other pets.
Establish a routine immediately Dachshunds thrive on consistency. Set regular times for:
- Feeding (3-4 small meals daily for puppies under 12 weeks)
- Potty breaks (immediately after sleeping, eating, and playing)
- Short play sessions
- Quiet rest time
- Brief training moments
Begin basic house training Take your puppy outside frequently—every 1-2 hours, after meals, naps, and play sessions. Use consistent verbal cues and praise successful outdoor elimination. Remember that accidents will happen; never punish, simply clean thoroughly with an enzymatic cleaner. Dachshund for sale
Week 2: Building Trust and Healthy Habits
Veterinary care Schedule your puppy’s first veterinary visit if you haven’t already. Your vet will:
- Check overall health
- Begin or continue vaccinations
- Discuss parasite prevention
- Address breed-specific concerns
- Establish a deworming schedule
Careful socialization begins While protecting your puppy from exposure to illnesses before full vaccination, begin careful socialization:
- Invite healthy, vaccinated dogs to your home
- Carry your puppy in public places to observe new sights and sounds
- Introduce to different surfaces, sounds, and experiences at home
Prevent back problems early Dachshunds are prone to intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) due to their long spines. From the beginning:
- Never let your puppy jump off furniture
- Learn to properly pick up and hold your Dachshund (supporting both front and rear)
- Consider using pet stairs or ramps for beds or furniture
- Keep your puppy at a healthy weight
Week 3: Training Foundations
Begin basic commands Use positive reinforcement techniques to teach:
- Their name
- Sit (be patient, the Dachshund’s long back makes sitting differently than other breeds)
- Come
- Gentle leash walking
Address digging tendencies Dachshunds were bred to dig out badgers, so this instinct runs deep. Provide appropriate outlets:
- Designate a digging area in the yard if possible
- Offer puzzle toys that mimic the satisfaction of digging
- Redirect unwanted digging to appropriate activities
Continue socialization Expose your puppy to new experiences daily, keeping all interactions positive:
- Different floor surfaces
- Various household sounds
- Meeting new people (of different ages, appearances)
- Car rides (using a secure crate or harness)
Week 4: Building Independence
Prevent separation anxiety Dachshunds bond deeply with their people and can develop separation anxiety. Start preparing your puppy for normal absences:
- Practice brief separations throughout the day
- Create positive associations with alone time (special toys or treats)
- Don’t make departures or arrivals overly emotional
Focus on dental care Dachshunds can be prone to dental issues. Begin a dental care routine:
- Introduce tooth brushing with a dog-specific toothpaste
- Offer dental chews appropriate for puppies
- Let your vet check teeth during visits
Expand training
- Begin working on “leave it” and “stay” commands
- Practice handling exercises (touching paws, ears, mouth)
- Reward calm behavior
Special Considerations for Dachshunds
Watch their weight Extra pounds put dangerous pressure on a Dachshund’s spine. From the start:
- Feed appropriate portions
- Limit treats (use kibble from their daily allowance for training)
- Ensure exercise is appropriate but not excessive
Proper harness use When walking your Dachshund puppy:
- Use a harness rather than collar-only to prevent tracheal damage
- Choose a Y-shaped harness that doesn’t restrict shoulder movement
- Keep walks short (5-10 minutes) several times daily
Temperature sensitivity Dachshunds, especially smooth-coated varieties, can be sensitive to extreme temperatures:
- Provide extra warmth during cold weather
- Never leave your puppy outside unattended
- Watch for signs of overheating in warm weather
The Foundation for a Healthy Future
These first 30 days set the stage for your Dachshund’s physical health, behavior, and emotional well-being. With patience, consistency, and understanding of their unique breed characteristics, you’re building a foundation for many happy years together. Dachshund for sale
Remember that your Dachshund puppy is an individual with a personality that will continue to emerge. Observe their particular preferences, sensitivities, and strengths, then adjust your approach accordingly. The time invested now will reward you with a well-adjusted, healthy companion with that signature Dachshund charm—bold, clever, and utterly devoted. Dachshund for sale