Congratulations on welcoming a dachshund puppy into your home! Those tiny legs, floppy ears, and endless curiosity will bring you years of joy – but first, you need to survive the initial month. As a new dachshund parent, you’re in for a wild ride of puppy antics, training challenges, and those irresistible “please don’t be mad at me” eyes. This guide will help you navigate the first 30 days with your wiener dog wonder. Buy sausage dogs
Before Bringing Your Dachshund Home
Puppy-Proof Everything
Dachshunds are notorious for their hunting instinct and curiosity. Before your puppy arrives:
- Secure electrical cords and small objects that could be chewed
- Remove toxic plants from reach
- Install baby gates to limit access to stairs (a dachshund’s back nemesis)
- Hide shoes, especially expensive ones – dachshunds have expensive taste when it comes to chewing
Gather Essential Supplies
- Crate sized appropriately for a dachshund (they love den-like spaces)
- Shallow food and water dishes (better for their short legs)
- Appropriately sized collar and harness (harnesses are preferable to protect their backs)
- Puppy food recommended by your breeder or vet
- Chew toys – lots of them!
- Enzymatic cleaner for inevitable accidents
Days 1-7: Welcome Home, Little Sausage
Day 1: Arrival Day
The first day home is overwhelming for your puppy. Keep things calm and quiet. Show them where to eat, sleep, and potty. Don’t be surprised if they seem nervous or don’t eat much – they’re adjusting to a whole new world without their littermates. Buy sausage dogs
Days 2-3: Establishing Routines
Dachshunds thrive on routine. Start as you mean to go on:
- Regular feeding times (3-4 times daily for puppies)
- Consistent potty breaks (after waking, eating, playing, and before bedtime)
- Short play sessions followed by nap times
- Brief, positive introduction to collar/harness
Days 4-7: Crate Training
Dachshunds can be stubborn about crate training, but it’s essential for their safety and your sanity:
- Make the crate comfortable with blankets and toys
- Feed meals near or in the crate to create positive associations
- Never use the crate as punishment
- Start with short periods and gradually increase crate time
- Be prepared for dramatic howling – dachshunds are vocal about their displeasure
Days 8-14: Training Foundations
Potty Training Reality Check
By week two, you might be wondering if your dachshund will ever be house-trained. Their stubborn streak is showing! Stay consistent:
- Take them out every 1-2 hours when awake
- Use a specific potty spot and command
- Praise enthusiastically for outdoor success
- Clean accidents thoroughly without punishment
- Remember: dachshunds often take longer to house-train than other breeds
Basic Commands
Start with simple commands using positive reinforcement:
- “Sit” (though dachshunds often prefer a “slouchy sit”)
- “Come” (preferably with treats as motivation)
- “Leave it” (crucial for a breed that puts everything in its mouth)
Socialization
Begin introducing your puppy to new experiences:
- Different surfaces (carpet, tile, grass)
- Various household sounds
- Gentle handling of paws, ears, and mouth
- Meeting vaccinated, friendly dogs in controlled environments
Days 15-21: Managing the Energy Roller Coaster
Exercise Needs
Despite their short legs, dachshund puppies need regular exercise to prevent boredom-related destruction:
- Several short play sessions daily
- Gentle walks (5 minutes per month of age)
- Interactive toys that stimulate their hunting instinct
- Avoid jumping and stairs to protect developing backs
Naptime Is Sacred
A tired dachshund puppy is a good dachshund puppy. Like toddlers, they get cranky without enough rest:
- Expect 18-20 hours of sleep daily
- Create a quiet resting place
- Learn to recognize signs of overtiredness (frantic zoomies, nipping, crankiness)
Days 22-30: Preventing Small Dog Syndrome
Consistent Boundaries
By now, your dachshund is testing limits. Their adorable appearance makes it tempting to let them get away with things you wouldn’t tolerate from a larger dog:
- Don’t allow jumping on furniture without invitation
- Discourage excessive barking
- Prevent resource guarding early
- Be firm but gentle with pushy behavior
Handling Their Independence
Dachshunds have independent streaks that can be challenging:
- Use high-value treats for training motivation
- Keep sessions short and fun
- Never force interactions – let them come to you
- Reward calm behavior around exciting stimuli
Health Considerations
Protecting Their Back
Dachshunds are prone to intervertebral disc disease. Start good habits early:
- Teach them to use ramps for furniture
- Carry them properly, supporting both ends
- Maintain healthy weight (obesity increases back problems)
- No jumping from heights
Vaccination Schedule
- Continue puppy vaccination series as recommended by your vet
- Limit exposure to unvaccinated dogs until fully protected
- Discuss parasite prevention appropriate for your area
The Emotional Journey
The first month with your dachshund puppy is an emotional roller coaster. One moment, you’re enchanted by their playful antics; the next, you’re exasperated by their stubborn refusal to potty outside in the rain. Remember:
- Patience is essential – dachshunds respond poorly to harsh corrections
- Celebrate small victories
- Take photos – they grow quickly!
- Seek support from other dachshund owners who understand
Beyond the First Month
As you complete your first 30 days together, you’ve laid the groundwork for a wonderful relationship with your dachshund. The training and bonds formed during this time will shape your next 12-15 years together. While the puppy phase has its challenges, the loyalty, character, and entertainment a dachshund brings to your life is unmatched. Buy sausage dogs
Remember that your dachshund’s intelligence, hunting heritage, and touch of stubbornness are what make the breed special. Embrace these traits while providing consistent, loving guidance, and you’ll have a devoted companion who brings endless joy to your home. Dogbizness