A dachshund is known by several names. Whether I am known as a wiener dog or a doxie, I have remained extremely popular for many decades. I am spunky, and I have a big dog bark. Dachshund puppies are just as feisty as adult dachshunds. Like all puppies, we are always eagerly looking for affection. We also have a curious nature, and as such, we are always ready to test boundaries and explore our new home.
The dachshund breed was produced for underground hunting. From up above, our human hunting partners were able to locate us on account of our loud bark, while we were digging in tunnels after our prey. However, in modern times, we are no longer bred to hunt badgers.
We have still retained our clever attributes, however! We are a national symbol in Germany, and we have also won the hearts of several well-known artists. For example, Picasso loved his dachshund, Lump. Similarly, Andy Warhol used Amos and Archie in his pop art.
Facts About Dachshund Puppies
Our long bodies and inquisitive faces have made us quite iconic. However, raising a dachshund puppy requires a lot of attention and energy. Once a person has taken a dachshund puppy into his or her arms, there is no going back.
Size
My size is quite small. I reach a height of nearly 8 to 9 inches. Similarly, 16 to 32 pounds of weight is normal for a standard dachshund. On the other hand, a miniature dachshund has a height of 5 to 6 inches and weight of 11 pounds or less.
Breed Characteristics
I am a stout little dog. I am well known for my signature long body and short legs. Although I am short in stature, I am confident and alert. I come in three types of coat: smooth, long-haired and wire-haired. I also come in a large range of colors and patterns. However, the most common dachshund colors are light tan and black, with brown markings.
Temperament
Many people wonder from where I got this big dog bark. I may be small, but I am mighty in spirit. I keep my nose to the ground. I am a tried and true tiny hunter. Dachshunds also make excellent watchdogs as they are vigilant in their efforts. But sometimes it is best to keep your dachshund’s confidence in check. From time to time, he can be shortsighted and he’ll need to learn to understand his limits. The reason is that I can be played to the point of shortsightedness and therefore I should be made to understand my limits.
Grooming And Health Needs
As puppies, we require only minimal brushing and bathing. Similarly, depending on the type of coat that your dachshund has, he’ll have different grooming needs when he gets older. Dachshunds with smooth coats can smell so they are at their best with a simple wipe down with a towel. Long-haired dachshunds require regular brushing, and wire-haired dachshunds may need plucking or hand-stripping a few times a year. In between, they should also get an eyebrow and beard trimming. Similarly, a puppy’s nails should also be trimmed regularly. All hair varieties of dachshund shed moderately.
In general, dachshunds are a healthy breed, but they may have certain issues with their back on account of their long body frame. However, back problems can be avoided by preventing them from gaining too much weight and not allowing them to jump from furniture too often. Dachshunds are also prone to ear infections.
Training
Dachshund puppies are very independent, which means that sometimes they may disagree with their owner. However, dachshund puppies really love affection. As such, a training style based on positivity and rewards is most suitable for my breed. When puppies, dachshunds thrives in socialization classes.
Energy level
Although we are small, we need regular exercise. By keeping your dachshund in shape, you are helping him build muscles, which in turn protects his long back from injury. Furthermore, we are not built for great distances. Similarly, due to my short legs, I am not ready for a lot of swimming.
On an average, we live between 12 to 16 years.
The Best Person For Dachshund Puppies
As mentioned above, I may be a little stubborn but I am an excellent dog, particularly for first-time dog owners. And if my owner is patient with me, I can also be patient with my owner. We can live comfortably in apartments as well as in large homes. I am the happiest in families where there are no young children, on account of my intense drive for prey and also due to my protective nature.
I can also become a wonderful couch potato companion, but make sure to pick me up correctly to avoid strain on my back. Dachshunds are not necessarily built for speed or distance, but I will need at least two walks in a day so that I may get my energy out.
Getting A Dachshund Puppy
You should do extensive research on the breed before deciding to get a dachshund puppy. There are a number of resources available to help you find a rescue puppy or a breeder who can provide you with a healthy and ethically-sourced puppy. It is important that you are aware of what you are getting into when you decide to bring home a dachshund puppy. This is a significant step in becoming a responsible pet owner. Whether you find a responsible breeder or plan to adopt, commit to getting ready for a friendly and energetic addition to your family.
Adopting A Dachshund puppy
There are several dogs and puppies that a need a new home. A large number of rescue dogs come from owners who surrendered them because the owner changed their lifestyle or chose the wrong breed for their family.
There are major differences between rescuers and breeders. For example, rescues may not always have young puppies available. However, most rescues will not accept puppies that have not been neutered or microchipped. If you adopt, you might even get a dog that has already been housebroken.
Finding a dachshund rescue is easy as there are several websites with good lists on them.
Finding Dachshund Breeder
The first step is to conduct your own research, but beware of puppy mills that pose as reputable breeders. In the same way, there are a lot of online scams. Use various online forums when searching for your dachshund puppy. It is also very important to ask questions and to make arrangements to meet the parent dogs or the mother. Also, follow your gut. If it seems like something is wrong at a particular breeder or if the dachshund appears too good to be true, something is likely going on. Several resources for finding a good breeder are offered online. These websites have very strict guidelines regarding who can participate.
Dachshund Puppy Resources
After you have found the right dachshund, it is the time to prepare your home for the new member of the family.
The First 24 Hours With Your Dachshund Puppy
Anyone who has ever had a puppy can tell you that the first 24 hours are the most difficult. Although there is a lot of excitement, there is also a lot of doubt and insecurity. Most new puppy parents of the puppy face a period of uncertainty, where they wonder if they are doing it right or not. Regardless of how much you love the new member of the family, you will still face certain challenges. We can help by providing a guide on surviving the first 24 hours with the new puppy.
Preparing in advance
When the new puppy arrives, try not to do anything else but play with the puppy and watch him sleep.
Also, it is a good idea to set up everything the puppy needs in advance.
Take The Day Off
Taking care of a new puppy requires a. You’ll probably also be so excited that you’ll want to spend every possible moment with him. If your work and life schedule allows, plan to take off at least one day, the day you bring home the puppy. If possible, try to work from home for a few days after your new arrival arrives. Spending as much time as possible with your puppy in the beginning will help create a strong bond between the two of you. You will never regret the time you spent with your pooch.
Start Housetraining Immediately
As soon as you bring the new puppy home, it is a good idea to show the puppy to his “potty spot.” When he goes poop or pee there, praise him with a lot of positive vocalization and also give him a treat. Also try to ensure that the puppy goes potty outside before you have bring him back indoors. Plan a potty break every two hours. However, accidents are bound to happen, but you can start the puppy off on the right paw by setting up a schedule right from the beginning.
Show Them The Puppy Zone
The first day (and night) is the time to teach the puppy that he is part of your family. However, it is also very important to establish a routine as well as physical boundaries so he learns proper in-home behavior. It is possible to establish boundaries and get him used to his new home on the very first day if you have set up a “puppy zone.”
You should show the new puppy around as soon as he arrives. You can throw some treats or kibble so that the puppy enters on his own.
Keep It Quiet The First Day
When you bring home a new puppy, you are excited about showing off the newest member of the family to the whole world. However, remember that your puppy just had a scary first car ride. Moreover, he is in a completely new place and with people he does not know at all. As such, it is smart to make the first day quiet, safe and easy. There will be time for visitors later on. On the first day, allow the puppy to settle into his new environment and his new family peacefully. Moreover, the puppy will probably want to sleep a lot.
Get Ready for Naps (and Maybe a Sleepless Night)
Being a puppy is exhausting. On average, puppies sleep 15 to 20 hours a day. They also have bathroom needs nearly every hour. When the puppy is 8 to 12 weeks old, he will likely take several short naps throughout the day. He will also need to go outside as soon as he wakes up. Your new puppy will probably wake you up a few times on the first night. It is a good idea to establish a bedtime routine for the puppy starting on the very first night. Establishing a particular sleeping place will help the puppy get used to a routine. It should be warm and inviting with a snuggly toy.
How Long Can You Leave Puppy Alone?
A new puppy is exciting, but it also means making several changes to your routine. Your work and social life may change according to your puppy’s needs. He will need your company, as well as interaction and exercise. He also won’t be able to hold his bladder for long. If you work full time, you will need help during the first three months. Consider hiring a loving pet sitter or an in-home daycare provider.
Still, it is not possible for you to remain with the puppy every second. You can leave him home alone for a safe period of time, and it is not dangerous or bad. Moreover, it is also important that the puppy learns to adjust for some time separate from his owner.
Ask For Help When Needed
The first 24 hours with your puppy won’t be easy. He will need company and activity as well as a lot of interaction. Sometimes puppies cry and have accidents while learning how to be a part of this world. Once you both have made it through the first day, you and your puppy will settle into the routine. However, sometimes you may need some help.
Puppy-proofing Your Home
Although you will often be home with your puppy, you need to make your house safe for those little paws and that curious nose. For those times your puppy will be alone in the house, you should consider creating a puppy zone. For this purpose, select a secure area of the house. It can be the entire living room or bedroom or a small part of the kitchen that has been sectioned off. Some of the things that you may need are:
- A crate if you are providing crate training.
- Baby gates: it is a good idea to have a pet gate if your dog is
not a jumper. However, if she is, you are going to need something higher. - Cozy items like blankets or old shirts.
- There should be at least one bed with an orthopedic pet mattress.
You may also require a chew-proof bed. - You’re also going to require potty pads and a lot of safe toys and
Toys And Chews For Puppy
You should avoid leaving the puppy alone in the house with bully sticks, rawhide or any chews that are likely to break off. The reason is that these pieces can get lodged into the puppy’s throat.
Need For Exercise
Your puppy requires a lot of physical activity every day. Exercise helps him stay healthy, digest his meals, burn calories, stimulates his mind and wards off boredom. Exercise also helps prevent disruptive behavior that is induced by boredom. It is important for a puppy to burn off energy. Before leaving your puppy alone for any period of time, you should make sure that he gets a play session or a brisk walk for at least 20 minutes. A midday romp will also help break up the day.
Puppies also need mental activities in order to remain happy and healthy, as well as well behaved. You don’t want your puppy to become destructive when you are gone. An exciting walk in the neighborhood, a training session, puzzle feeder or some other indoor games or enrichment activity will certainly help your puppy mentally and also balance out the time he must spend alone in the house.
Conclusion
During the first six months a puppy’s life, they need a lot of care and attention and they also need regular exercise. Puppies that are less than 10 weeks old will not be able to hold their urine for more than one hour at a time.
Puppies are less likely to miss their owners when they were taken out beforehand. If they are bored or lonely, they can be prone to destructive behavior. Creating a puppy zone can help. Your puppy will also need a large supply of chew toys and socialization. You can also consider getting a dog sitter if needed.
Bringing home a puppy is a significant commitment, but it is also very rewarding. Most of us remember our first experience as a child when our parents brought home a furry little friend. However, before bringing a dachshund puppy home, make sure that it is the right breed for your family. Consider your lifestyle and situation as such decisions should not be made in a hurry. And remember to purchase your puppy from a reputable breeder who can give you all the relevant information you need.
See Also My Other Related Posts:
Don't Forget To Make Your Dachshund Happy And Check Out Dachshund Favorite Products!
In my article, I reveal all the information about Dachshund’s Favorite Food. The best dachshund food available on the market: Most Nutritious And Delicious Dachshund Food Products Available On The Market
If you want to learn what are the latest trends in Dachshund fashion check my article: Dachshund’s Fashion. How to choose the dachshund clothes that just simply fit: Finding the Right Clothes for Your Dachshund
If you want to prepare your beloved Dachshund for cold weather check out my article: Jackets And Outdoor Gears For Dachshund.
To go out with your dachshund, but not choke him to death check out my article about harnesses: Finding The Best Harness for Dachshund When you are ready to get one check the options available on the market Choosing The Right Harness For Your Dachshund
Don’t Forget To Make Your Dachshund Happy And Check Out Dachshund Favorite Products!
In my article, I reveal all the information about Dachshund’s Favorite Food.
If you want to learn what are the latest trends in Dachshund fashion check my article: Dachshund’s Fashion.
If you want to prepare your beloved Dachshund for cold weather check out my article: Jackets And Outdoor Gears For Dachshund.
