Bringing home a new pup is exciting 🏡—and this Dachshund puppy checklist will help you make sure your little friend is happy and safe ❤️ from day one.
This checklist will help you prepare for your new dachshund puppy 🐾, so you can feel ready from day one. Having the right supplies 🧸 and setting up your home the right way can make the whole process smoother.
Your dachshund will need a cozy place to rest 🛏️, specific food and supplies 🍽️, and plenty of love and attention 💕. Following a checklist ✅ helps you avoid forgetting anything important, and your puppy gets what it needs to start off strong.
Knowing what to expect also helps you avoid stress 😌 and keep your puppy calm and comfortable 🐕.
Key Takeaways 📌
- Learn which supplies and home setup your puppy needs 🧺
- Discover how to care for a dachshund’s basic health and daily routines 🩺🕒
- Get tips for building a positive and lasting bond with your new pet 🤝🐾
🐾 Free Dachshund Care Guide
Download our free checklist to ensure your Dachshund stays happy, healthy, and well-loved!
Get Your Free Guide 🐶Preparing Your Home for a Dachshund Puppy
Your dachshund puppy will be curious and energetic 🐾⚡. Some planning helps keep them safe and happy 😊. Setting boundaries, removing hazards 🚫, and having the right supplies 🎒 creates the best start for your new pet.
Puppy-Proofing Tips 🛡️
Dachshunds love to explore, bite, and dig 🐶🦴. Keep electrical wires, sharp objects, and small items like coins or hair ties out of reach ⚡🔒. Lock up cleaning chemicals and medicines in rooms with childproof latches 🧼💊.
Block off small spaces under furniture and behind appliances where a tiny puppy could get stuck 🪑🧱. If you have breakable items on low shelves or tables, move them to higher spots 📦. Dachshunds have long backs, so block off stairs and high furniture to help prevent injuries 🛋️🚫.
Check your checklist for essential puppy-proofing items:
| Must-Haves | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Baby gates 🍼🚪 | Block unsafe rooms or stairs |
| Cord covers 🔌🧩 | Keep wires out of chewing range |
| Cabinet locks 🔐 | Secure harmful substances |
| Chew toys 🧸 | Distract from biting furniture |
Setting Up a Safe Space 🏡
Your puppy needs a space of their own where they feel secure 🛏️. Set up a crate or small pen with a soft bed, food and water bowls, and safe chew toys 🍽️🧸.
Place this area in a spot where your family spends time 👨👩👧👦, but away from loud noises and heavy foot traffic 🚪. Use a crate that is big enough for your dachshund puppy to turn around, but not too large 📏. This can help with potty training 🚽.
Keep their bed clean and check daily for signs of chewing or damage to toys and bedding 🧼🐕. Add a baby gate to block off this area when you can’t supervise 🔒. Teach family members and guests to respect your puppy’s rest time and quiet area 🤫❤️.
Essential Household Adjustments 🏠
Some parts of your routine and home will change for your new dachshund 🔁🐾. Place a non-slip mat near food and water bowls, as dachshunds can be clumsy on smooth floors 🧽🦴.
Move houseplants that are toxic to dogs 🌿☠️, like lilies, out of reach or to another room 🚫. Set cleaning products, air fresheners, and trash cans where your puppy can’t get to them 🧹🚮. Keep shoes, bags, and laundry off the floor so your puppy isn’t tempted to chew 👟👜👕.
Review your dachshund puppy checklist to make sure you have:
- Food and water bowls 🍽️
- Leash and collar 🦴
- Crate or playpen 🏠
- Puppy-safe toys 🧸
- Stain remover for accidents 🧼
- Blankets or bedding 🛏️
Make a plan for regular potty breaks and feeding times ⏰🍽️.es.
Essential Supplies for Your Doxie
Gathering the right supplies makes your Dachshund puppy’s first days at home safer and easier 🐾🏡. Thoughtful choices in bedding, bowls, toys, and walking gear help keep your new pet comfortable and secure 🧸🦴.
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Bed and Crate Selection 🛏️🪵
A good bed gives your Doxie a cozy and safe place to rest 😴. Soft beds with raised sides help puppies feel snug 🛋️. Choose a size that fits your Dachshund’s small body but still allows room to stretch 📏.
Washable covers are best for easy cleaning 🧼. Crates are useful for training and safety 🔐. Select a crate that is just big enough for your puppy to stand, turn around, and lie down 🐶.
Wire crates offer good airflow and let your puppy see outside 🌬️👀, while plastic crates are more enclosed and private 🧳. Adding a soft pad or blanket makes the crate more inviting 🧺.
Place the crate or bed in a quiet area away from drafts 🌙. Avoid beds or pads with loose stuffing or zippers, as these can be chewed by teething puppies 🦷.
Food and Water Bowls 🍽️💧
Sturdy bowls prevent spills and are easy to clean 🧽. Stainless steel or ceramic bowls are safer than plastic, which can harbor bacteria or get chewed 🦠🚫.
Look for bowls with rubber bottoms to keep them from sliding on the floor 🛑. A shallow dish works best for Dachshund puppies because of their short legs and long, narrow snouts 🐕🦺.
Clean food and water bowls every day to help prevent illness 🧼🩺. Keep fresh water available at all times 💦; consider a spill-proof bowl if your Doxie is a messy drinker 🐾.
Elevated feeders aren’t a good idea since Dachshunds already stand low to the ground 🐕. Stick to simple, easy-to-wash options you can clean quickly ✅.
Recommended Dachshund Toys 🧸🎾
Toys help prevent boredom and support healthy teeth 😄🦷. Pick soft but durable chew toys for teething puppies and avoid any small parts that could be swallowed ⚠️.
Rubber balls, rope toys, and plush toys work well for Dachshund puppies 🎈🧶🧸.
Puzzle toys are helpful for mental stimulation 🧠. KONG toys you can fill with treats are a safe choice 🐾🍖. Rotate toys every few days to keep your puppy interested 🔄.
Don’t give hard bones or rawhides, which can break teeth or cause choking 🚫🦴. Make sure all toys are made for small breeds and check them regularly for damage 🔍.
Leashes, Harnesses, and Collars 🦮🎽
A well-fitted harness is essential for walking Dachshund puppies 🚶♂️. Their long spines make collars risky for walks, so use a harness that goes around the chest and shoulders 💪🐕. This prevents strain on the neck and back ❌🦴.
Collars can be used for holding ID tags 🏷️. Choose a lightweight, adjustable collar that fits snug but not tight; you should be able to fit two fingers underneath ☝️☝️.
Most experts recommend a four- to six-foot leash for training and safety 📏🚶. Nylon or leather leashes are sturdy and easy to handle 🧵. Always check for secure clasps and proper fit before heading outside with your Dachshund ✅.
Nutrition and Feeding
Feeding your Dachshund puppy the right food in the right amounts supports healthy growth and energy 🍽️🐶. It helps prevent obesity and keeps their bones and joints strong 💪🦴.
Choosing the Right Puppy Food 🐾🥣
Look for dog food made for small breed puppies 🐕. These foods have the nutrients your Dachshund needs for muscle, organ, and immune system development 🧠❤️🛡️.
Check for named meat as the first ingredient, and avoid foods with too many fillers such as corn and soy 🌽🚫. Seek kibble made for puppies, not adults. Puppy food has higher levels of protein, fat, and some vitamins required for development 📈🧬.
Foods with the AFFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) label are complete and balanced ✅📦.
There are different types of food to pick from:
| Type | Notes |
|---|---|
| Dry Kibble 🍪 | Good for teeth, easy to store, convenient |
| Wet/Canned 🥫 | Higher moisture, can encourage picky eaters |
| Fresh/Raw 🥩 | Must be prepared safely, discuss with a vet first 🩺 |
Always introduce a new food slowly over a week to avoid upsetting your puppy’s stomach 🤢➡️😊.
Feeding Schedule and Portions ⏰🍽️
Feed your Dachshund puppy 3-4 times a day until they are about six months old 🍼🐾. Puppies need more frequent meals because their stomachs are small and their energy needs are high 🔋.
Spacing meals throughout the day helps maintain steady energy and avoids hunger between meals 🕒🍲. Use the feeding guide printed on your puppy food bag as a starting point 📜.
Most Dachshund puppies eat ½ to 1 cup of food daily, divided between meals 🐶🥣. The exact amount depends on your puppy’s age, weight, and activity level 📏⚖️🏃♂️. Monitor your puppy’s body.
Dachshunds gain weight easily, so check for a defined waist when viewed from above 👀 and feel for ribs without pressing hard ✋🐾.
If you have questions, ask your veterinarian to help set the best feeding plan 🩺❓.
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- ✅ Helps create a safe, restful space
Health and Veterinary Care
🎉 Grab your free Dachshund care checklist!
Every new doxie owner needs to plan for health checks and medical costs 🩺💰. Having a schedule for vaccines, regular deworming, and possibly pet insurance helps keep your puppy safe and healthy 🐾✅.
First Vet Visit Preparation 🐶📅
Schedule your puppy’s first vet appointment as soon as you bring them home—ideally within a few days 🏥. Early vet visits are critical for checking your puppy’s health and detecting any issues 🔍🩺.
Bring any breeder or shelter paperwork with you, including vaccination records, deworming dates, and microchip information 📄💉.
Prepare a list of questions to ask your vet:
- What size and type of food is best? 🍽️
- Which vaccines does your puppy need and when? 💉📆
- What signs of illness should you watch out for? 🤒👀
During this visit, your vet will do a physical exam, check for fleas and ticks 🐜, and explain a care plan 📋.
Vaccination and Deworming 💉🐛
Vaccines protect your dachshund puppy from diseases like parvovirus, distemper, hepatitis, and rabies 🦠🐕. Puppies usually start getting shots at 6–8 weeks old, with boosters every few weeks until about 16 weeks 🗓️.
A typical vaccine schedule looks like this:
| Age of Puppy | Vaccine(s) |
|---|---|
| 6–8 weeks | DHPP 🐶 |
| 10–12 weeks | DHPP, Leptospirosis 💉 |
| 14–16 weeks | DHPP, Rabies 🛡️ |
DHPP means distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, and parvovirus 🧬. Deworming matters, too 🪱. Puppies can pick up worms from their moms or the environment 🌿.
Most vets suggest deworming every two weeks until 12 weeks old, then once a month after that ⏳📆.
Pet Insurance Considerations 🐾💳
Pet insurance helps cover vet bills for accidents, illnesses, and sometimes routine care 🚑. Dachshunds are prone to back problems (IVDD), and treating those can be pricey 💸🩻.
When you look at pet insurance, think about:
- What the plan covers (illness, injury, hereditary issues, routine care) ✅
- Exclusions for pre-existing conditions ❌
- Deductibles and monthly costs 📉📈
Compare a few companies and look for plans that start coverage while your puppy is young 🐶. Ask your vet if they have suggestions based on what they see with dachshunds 👩⚕️📊.
Training and Socialization
Dachshund puppies need guidance to learn good behavior and adjust to new people, places, and routines 🐶👣. If you start training early, you’ll probably avoid bigger issues later and build a stronger bond 🧠❤️.
Housetraining Basics 🚽🐾
To housetrain your dachshund puppy, take them outside first thing in the morning, after meals, and before bed 🌅🍽️🌙. Stick to a schedule and always use the same door 🚪.
When your puppy potties outside, give calm praise and a small treat right away 🎉🍬. If accidents happen inside, clean them up fast and skip the punishment 🧼🚫.
Puppies don’t really understand scolding after the fact ❌😔. Crate training can help, since most puppies won’t soil the spot where they sleep 🛏️🐶.
Key tips for housetraining:
- Take your puppy out every 2-3 hours ⏰
- Keep the potty area consistent 📍
- Use positive rewards for going outside 🦴
- Watch for signs your puppy needs to go (sniffing, circling) 👃🔄
- Be patient—accidents are normal at first 🙏
Socializing Your Puppy 🐕👥
Your dachshund needs to meet new people, animals, and see different places to grow up friendly and confident 🌎🤝. Start socializing as early as you can, ideally before 16 weeks old 📅.
Invite visitors over and introduce your puppy to gentle, vaccinated dogs 🐶🐾. Let your puppy hear household noises like vacuums or TVs 📺🧹, and try out different surfaces—grass, concrete, whatever’s around 🌿🪨.
Don’t overwhelm your puppy 🚫. Short, positive experiences work best ✅🎈.
Easy ways to socialize:
| Activity | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Meet neighbors 👋 | Friendly to people |
| Car rides 🚗 | Get used to travel |
| Walks around the block 🚶♀️ | Experience new sights/smells |
| Puppy classes 🏫 | Interact with other puppies |
Positive Reinforcement Techniques 🥳🦴
Use treats, praise, and gentle petting to reward your puppy for good behavior 🍬🙌. Dachshunds usually respond best to rewards, not harsh corrections 🚫.
Whenever your puppy sits, follows a command, or behaves well, reward them right away so they know what you like ✅🧠. Keep training sessions short—5 to 10 minutes is plenty for most puppies ⏳.
Always be patient and consistent 🙏. Never yell or hit your puppy; that just causes fear and slows learning ❌😢.
You can use a clicker or a simple word like “Yes!” to mark good behavior 📣. Stick with small, soft treats so your puppy can eat them fast and stay focused 🍗🎯. Training should feel fun for both of you, not like a chore 🎉🐾
Grooming and Maintenance
Dachshunds need regular care to stay clean, healthy, and comfortable 🛁🐾. Proper grooming keeps their coat shiny, helps prevent infections, and lets you spot health issues early ✨🩺.
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Coat Care Needs 🐕🧼
Dachshunds can have smooth, long, or wire-haired coats, and each type needs different grooming ✂️. Smooth coats just need brushing once or twice a week to get rid of loose hair 🧹.
Use a soft bristle brush or grooming mitt for smooth coats 🧤. Long-haired dachshunds need daily brushing to prevent mats and tangles 🪮.
Try a slicker brush or metal comb for long fur 🧷. Wire-haired dachshunds do best with hand-stripping or trimming every few months, plus weekly brushing ✂️🔁.
Check for fleas and ticks while you brush 🐜. Bathe your puppy every 4–8 weeks with a mild dog shampoo, and dry the fur completely 🛁🌬️.
Don’t bathe too often—too many baths can dry out their skin 🚿❌.
Nail Trimming and Ear Cleaning ✂️👂
Nail trimming stops nails from getting too long, which can hurt or make walking tough 🐾🚶. Trim your dachshund’s nails every 2–3 weeks 📅.
Use a dog nail clipper and avoid cutting into the quick, the sensitive pink part ⚠️. Their long, floppy ears can get infected pretty easily, so clean their ears once a week with a vet-approved cleaner 🧴.
Use a cotton ball, not a swab, to gently wipe the visible parts of the ear 🧻. Watch for redness, bad smells, or discharge—those could mean infection and need a vet’s attention 👃🔍❗
Regular checks and cleaning really help keep your puppy healthy and comfortable 🩺❤️.
Comfort and Enrichment
Your dachshund puppy needs comfort and things to do 🧸🐶. Making the right choices here helps avoid boredom and supports healthy development 🧠❤️.
Safe Chews and Interactive Toys 🦴🎾
Dachshund puppies love to chew and explore 🐾🔍. Pick toys made from safe, non-toxic materials and check for small parts that could break off ⚠️.
Look for products labeled for puppies 🍼. Here are some good options:
- Rubber chew toys (like KONG) 🧽
- Soft plush toys (pick ones without button eyes) 🧸
- Rope toys (great for gentle tug games) 🪢
- Puzzle toys (for a mental challenge) 🧠🎯
Rotate toys to keep things fresh 🔄. Always check for damage and toss anything with sharp edges or loose stuffing 🧵🚫.
Mix up chews and interactive toys so your puppy gets comfort and mental exercise 🎾🛌.
Creating a Daily Routine ⏰📆
A predictable schedule makes your puppy feel safe 🐶💤. Set times for meals, bathroom breaks, play, and naps 🍽️🚽🎮.
Start the day with a quick walk and bathroom break 🚶♂️. Here’s a simple table to help plan:
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 7:00 AM | Bathroom break 🚽 |
| 7:30 AM | Breakfast 🍽️ |
| 8:00 AM | Play or walk 🐾🎾 |
| 9:00 AM | Nap 💤 |
Repeat bathroom and play breaks every 2–3 hours 🔁. Offer quiet time and avoid sudden changes in routine 🤫.
This helps your puppy settle in and learn what to expect ✅. Sticking to a pattern also makes house training a bit easier 🧻🐕.
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Traveling and Outdoor Adventures With Your Dachshund
Bringing your dachshund on trips or outside means thinking about comfort and safety first 🚗🐾. Plan ahead so your puppy feels secure and isn’t overwhelmed by new sights or sounds 🌆🎧.
Car Safety Tips 🛻🛡️
Use a pet seatbelt harness or a secured carrier to keep your dachshund safe in the car 🚙🔒. This stops your puppy from roaming or getting hurt if you need to brake suddenly 🚫💥.
Never leave your dachshund alone in the car—even on mild days, heat can build up fast 🌡️. Bring water and a portable bowl for longer rides 💧🥣.
If your puppy seems nervous, start with short car trips 🚘. A familiar blanket or toy can help them relax 🧸🛏️.
Before any long travel, feed a light meal to help prevent car sickness and stop often for bathroom breaks 🍽️🚻.
Introducing Your Puppy to New Environments 🌳🏞️
Take it slow when you bring your dachshund to new places 🐶🚶. Let them explore at their own pace, and use a harness and leash for safety 🎽🦮.
Bring treats to reward calm, curious behavior 🍬🐾. Skip busy or noisy parks at first—crowds and loud sounds can be too much 🔊🚷.
Let your dog meet new people and other dogs gradually, and watch for signs of stress 👀😟. Keep outdoor adventures short at first and give lots of praise during and after each outing 🐕🎉.
Checklist for successful first outings:
- Collar, harness, and ID tag 🏷️
- Poop bags 💩🛍️
- Water and portable dish 💧🥣
- Favorite toy 🧸
- Treats for rewards 🍬
Building a Lifetime Bond
Creating a strong relationship with your dachshund puppy takes daily effort 🤝🐾. It really matters to notice when your puppy needs something and to build trust through clear, gentle communication 💬❤️.
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🐾 These thoughtful extras help make your dachshund puppy’s early days more joyful, safe, and stress-free.
Recognizing and Responding to Puppy Needs 👀🍼
Dachshund puppies show you when they’re hungry, thirsty, or need a bathroom break 🍽️💧🚽. If you see sniffing, circling, whining, or pawing at the door, they’re probably asking to go outside 🚪🐶.
Yawning, lying down, or sneaking off to a quiet spot? That’s your puppy saying they’re tired or just want some peace 😴🔕.
Key ways to respond:
- Keep a regular schedule for feeding, bathroom trips, and naps ⏰🍽️💤
- When your puppy asks for attention, offer toys, playtime, or gentle petting 🧸🎾👐
- If your puppy seems overwhelmed, give them a safe, quiet place to rest 🛏️🤫
Establishing Trust and Communication 💕🗣️
Trust starts with gentle words, patience, and keeping calm—even when there’s a mess 🧹😌. Stick with the same tone and use the same words for commands like sit, stay, and come 🗣️📢.
Simple training tips:
- Pick short, clear words for commands ✍️
- When your puppy does well, reward them right away with treats or praise 🍬👏
- Skip the yelling or punishments; just guide your puppy toward better choices 🚫🙅♂️
Table: Examples of Clear Communication
| Command | Action | Reward Example |
|---|---|---|
| Sit 🪑 | Puppy sits | Treat, petting 🍬👐 |
| Come 👋 | Puppy comes to you | Cheer, treat 🎉🍪 |
| Down ⬇️ | Puppy lies down | Calm praise 😌💖 |
🐾 Don’t Miss Out!
Download our free Dachshund care guide to keep your furry friend happy and healthy.
Get Your Free Guide 🐶Frequently Asked Questions
Caring for a Dachshund puppy means prepping your home, sticking to a routine, and getting to know their quirks and needs 🐾🏠. With a bit of patience and the right supplies, new owners can avoid common mistakes ✅🐶.
What are the essentials I should have before bringing a Dachshund puppy home?
You’ll want a crate, comfy bed, food and water bowls, and puppy food your vet approves 🛏️🍽️. Don’t forget a collar with an ID tag, leash, puppy-friendly toys, grooming tools, and puppy pads for house training 🎾🧼🧻. Puppy gates and cord covers help keep your little one safe 🚪🔌.
How should I care for my miniature Dachshund puppy?
Feed high-quality food in amounts your vet suggests 🍲🩺. Make sure fresh water is always available 💧. Brush your puppy’s coat once a week 🪮. Check ears and nails regularly ✂️👂. Take them outside for potty breaks and short walks every day 🚽🚶♂️. Schedule regular vet visits for shots and check-ups 💉📅.
What should I avoid doing with my new Dachshund puppy to ensure proper training?
Don’t use harsh discipline or yell ❌😠. Dachshunds have fragile backs, so skip long walks and don’t let them jump from high places 🦴🚫. Stick with the same commands and routines 🔁. Don’t let your puppy chew or bite hands and feet 🙅♂️🦷.
Could you suggest a daily routine for a mini Dachshund puppy?
Start with a potty break and breakfast 🚽🍽️. After eating, play or take a short walk 🎾🚶. Let your puppy nap somewhere quiet 💤. Feed meals at set times ⏰. Do a bit of training here and there—just a few minutes at a time 🎓. In the evening, offer another walk or potty break, then wind down before bed 🌙🐶.
At what age can I expect my Dachshund puppy to sleep through the night?
Most Dachshund puppies can sleep through the night by three or four months old 🛌🕒. Some pups might still need a quick trip outside until they’re fully house trained 🚪🚽. Every puppy’s different, so hang in there while they settle in 🐾💤.
Why might someone say that Dachshunds are a challenging breed to own?
Dachshunds have strong personalities 💥. Honestly, they can be pretty stubborn too 😅. They need patient training 🙏. Sometimes, it just takes longer to housebreak them compared to other breeds 🧻⏳.
Because of their long backs, you have to watch their exercise closely 🐕⚠️. These pups are prone to back injuries if you’re not careful 🩻❗ Early socialization helps a lot 🤝. Consistent rules do, too—otherwise, they’ll probably try to run the show 😎🐾.
