Puppy Care Guide

Everything you need to help your new Dachshund puppy settle into their forever home.

Bringing home a new Dachshund puppy is an exciting experience. The first few weeks are important for helping your puppy feel safe, healthy, and confident in their new environment. At Dachshund Lovers Pups, we want to ensure you have all the information you need to give your puppy the best possible start.

Before Your Puppy Comes Home

Preparing your home before your puppy arrives will help make the transition easier.

We Recommend Having:

  • High-quality puppy food
  • Food and water bowls
  • Comfortable puppy bed
  • Crate or playpen
  • Puppy-safe toys
  • Collar and leash
  • Puppy training pads
  • Grooming brush
  • Nail clippers
  • Pet-safe shampoo

Having these essentials ready will allow your puppy to settle in comfortably from day one.

Feeding Your Puppy

A healthy diet is essential for your puppy’s growth and development.

We recommend feeding your Dachshund puppy a premium-quality puppy food specifically formulated for small breeds. Young puppies typically eat three to four small meals each day, while older puppies gradually transition to two meals daily as recommended by your veterinarian.

Always provide fresh, clean water throughout the day.

When changing foods, introduce the new diet gradually over 7–10 days to avoid digestive upset.

Your Puppy’s First Days at Home

Moving to a new home is a big change for any puppy.

During the first few days:

  • Allow your puppy time to explore.
  • Keep introductions calm and positive.
  • Maintain a consistent routine.
  • Provide a quiet place to rest.
  • Supervise interactions with children and other pets.

Patience and consistency will help your puppy adjust more quickly.

House Training

House training requires patience and routine.

Take your puppy outside:

  • First thing in the morning
  • After every meal
  • After naps
  • After playtime
  • Before bedtime

Reward successful potty trips immediately with praise or a small treat. Avoid punishment for accidents, as positive reinforcement is generally more effective for teaching desired behaviors.

Crate Training

A properly sized crate provides your puppy with a safe, comfortable space.

Introduce the crate gradually using treats, toys, and positive encouragement. Never use the crate as punishment.

Many puppies naturally view their crate as a secure place to rest and sleep.

Exercise and Play

Dachshunds enjoy daily activity but should avoid excessive jumping or strenuous exercise while growing.

Recommended activities include:

  • Short walks
  • Gentle play sessions
  • Puzzle toys
  • Training games
  • Supervised outdoor exploration

Because Dachshunds have long backs, avoid activities that involve repeated jumping on and off furniture or climbing many stairs, especially during puppyhood.

Socialization

Early socialization helps puppies grow into confident adult dogs.

Introduce your puppy gradually to:

  • New people
  • Different environments
  • Everyday household sounds
  • Car rides
  • Friendly, vaccinated dogs (following your veterinarian’s guidance)

Keep every experience positive and rewarding.

Grooming

Regular grooming keeps your puppy comfortable and healthy.

Grooming Routine

  • Brush the coat weekly (more often for long-haired Dachshunds).
  • Trim nails regularly.
  • Clean ears as recommended by your veterinarian.
  • Brush teeth several times each week using dog-safe toothpaste.
  • Bathe only when necessary with a puppy-safe shampoo.

Veterinary Care

Schedule your puppy’s first veterinary visit within 72 hours of bringing them home.

Continue your veterinarian’s recommended schedule for:

  • Vaccinations
  • Deworming
  • Flea and tick prevention
  • Heartworm prevention (where recommended)
  • Routine wellness examinations

Regular veterinary care helps keep your puppy healthy throughout life.

Safety Tips

Protect your puppy by following a few simple precautions.

  • Keep household cleaners and medications out of reach.
  • Secure electrical cords.
  • Remove toxic plants from your home and yard.
  • Use a harness instead of a neck-only collar for walks if recommended by your veterinarian.
  • Supervise outdoor play.
  • Keep small objects that could be swallowed out of reach.

Creating a safe environment allows your puppy to explore with confidence.

Building a Strong Bond

Your puppy will thrive with love, patience, and consistent training.

Spend time every day:

  • Playing together
  • Practicing simple commands
  • Offering praise for good behavior
  • Providing gentle affection
  • Establishing a predictable daily routine

Positive interactions help build trust and strengthen your lifelong relationship.