Feeding
Keep your puppy on the food they arrive with, and change brands gradually over a week if you want to switch.
Puppy Care
Dachshunds are not like other small dogs. A few habits in the first weeks will protect them for life.
The first weeks
Calm routines beat perfect routines
Set up a sleeping spot, a feeding spot, water and a safe area before your puppy arrives. Your puppy does not need to learn everything on day one. Gentle repetition, plenty of sleep and consistency work far better than rushing.
Sleep
Puppies sleep 18 hours a day. Limit visitors, long play sessions and new experiences in the first week.
House training
Take your puppy out after sleeping, eating and playing. Praise quietly the moment they go, every time.
Coat care
Short haired doxies need a weekly brush. Long haired doxies need brushing two or three times a week, especially behind the ears.
Weight
An overweight dachshund is a dachshund with back problems. Measure meals and go easy on the treats.
Socialisation
Introduce people, surfaces and sounds gradually and positively. Carry your puppy outside until the vaccination series is finished.
Exercise for a growing dachshund
Short, frequent play is better than long walks while the growth plates are still closing. A rough guide is five minutes of walking per month of age, twice a day, building up as your puppy matures.
Digging, barking and stubbornness
Dachshunds were bred to go down a badger hole alone and make their own decisions. That means they dig, they have a big voice for a small dog, and they will negotiate with you. Reward-based training works; repetition and raised voices do not.