Everything You Need for a Great Start
Bringing home a Dachshund puppy is exciting. This simple guide will help you prepare your home, understand those first few days, and give your new companion a comfortable beginning.
Start With the Essentials
Having the basics ready before your puppy arrives will make the transition easier for both of you.
Keep Things Calm and Simple
Your puppy is entering a completely new environment. A calm routine and plenty of rest can help them feel safe and begin adjusting to their new family.
Let Them Explore
Give your puppy time to explore their new surroundings at their own pace. Start with a small, safe area rather than giving them access to the entire house immediately.
Allow Plenty of Rest
Puppies sleep a lot. Don't worry if your new Dachshund spends much of the first day resting. Quiet time is an important part of settling into a new environment.
Keep Visitors Limited
It's tempting for everyone to meet the new puppy immediately, but too much attention can be overwhelming. Introduce new people gradually.
Begin a Routine
Try to keep feeding, potty breaks, playtime and bedtime reasonably consistent. A predictable routine helps puppies understand what to expect.
Keep Their Diet Consistent
When your puppy first arrives, keeping their diet familiar can help reduce unnecessary stomach upset. If you plan to change their food, make the transition gradually rather than changing everything at once.
Provide fresh, clean water throughout the day and follow the feeding guidance appropriate for your puppy's age, size and individual needs.
Feed an appropriate puppy diet.
Keep fresh water available.
Avoid sudden food changes.
Follow your veterinarian's recommendations.
Consistency Is the Key
Potty training takes patience. Your puppy is still learning, so accidents are normal during the early stages.
Choose a Spot
Decide where you want your puppy to go and consistently take them to the same area.
Take Them Often
Give your puppy regular opportunities to use their designated potty area, especially after waking, eating and playing.
Praise Good Behavior
Positive encouragement when your puppy gets it right helps reinforce the behavior you want.
Be Patient
Accidents happen. Stay consistent and avoid harsh punishment while your puppy is learning.
Protect Their Long Back
Dachshunds have a distinctive long-backed body shape, so it's especially important to take care when they are climbing, jumping or using stairs.
Limit unnecessary jumping from furniture.
Be careful around stairs and slippery surfaces.
Support your puppy properly when picking them up.
Maintain a healthy weight as your Dachshund grows.
Ask your veterinarian about appropriate exercise.
A Good Night Starts With a Safe Space
Your puppy may need some time to adjust to sleeping away from their previous environment. A comfortable, quiet sleeping area can make the transition easier.
Comfortable Bed
Provide a warm, comfortable place where your puppy can rest without being disturbed.
Consistent Bedtime
Establish a predictable bedtime routine and keep nighttime interactions calm.
Safe Environment
Remove anything your puppy could chew, swallow or become tangled in while unsupervised.
Build a Relationship With Your Veterinarian
Regular veterinary care is an important part of raising a healthy Dachshund. Schedule an initial appointment and keep your puppy's vaccinations, parasite prevention and routine care up to date according to your veterinarian's recommendations.
The Beginning of a Wonderful Friendship
Your puppy doesn't need everything to be perfect on day one. What matters most is patience, consistency, a safe environment, and plenty of positive attention. Give your Dachshund time to settle in and enjoy getting to know their new family.