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Building a Bond: How to Connect with Your Dachshund Puppy in the First 30 Days

Building a Bond: How to Connect with Your Dachshund Puppy in the First 30 Days

Bringing home a new Dachshund puppy is equal parts joy, chaos, and downright adorableness. One minute, they’re snuggling sweetly in your lap, the next, they’re zooming across the living room like a furry torpedo with zero regard for gravity or personal boundaries. It’s quite a whirlwind — an exciting, heart-filling, and slightly nerve-wracking whirlwind, if that!  

And in all that excitement, it’s easy to forget one important thing: your puppy is learning you just as much as you’re learning them. 

The first 30 days are a magical window where trust, communication, and connection begin to form. With a few mindful habits and bonding tricks, you can help your Dachshund pup feel safe, loved, and right at home. 

Let’s break down the best ways to build a strong, lasting bond with your new doxie, straight from the perspective of breeders who live and breathe Dachshunds every day! 

1. Create Comfort Through Gentle, Consistent Emotional Bonding 

During the first month, your puppy is adjusting to new sights, smells, and routines, and yes, they’re probably a little overwhelmed. 

One of the best ways to help them settle in is through predictable, gentle emotional bonding. 

How to Build Emotional Trust 

  • Make cuddle time a daily ritual. Dachshunds are famously affectionate and thrive on snuggles. Short, calm bonding sessions help them associate you with warmth and comfort.

  • Use a soft, happy voice. Tone matters! Your cheerful “good morning!” or gentle “it’s okay” helps them understand emotional cues.

  • Let them come to you. Avoid overwhelming them with too much touching too fast. When they seek you out on their own, that’s a sign trust is taking root. 

Why It Works: Like most companion breeds, Dachshunds are deeply people-oriented. Establishing soft, comforting interactions early helps reduce anxiety and creates a foundation for training, communication, and a lifelong bond.

2. Establish Early Communication Cues (Your Puppy Is Listening!) 

Your Dachshund puppy may be tiny, but they’re shockingly smart, and they start learning your communication style on day one. 

Here are some basic communication cues you can try to establish early on: 

  • Name Recognition: Say their name before rewarding or praising. (“Luna, good girl!”) 

  • Attention Cues: Teach them “look” or “watch me” using treats and eye contact. 

  • Calm Commands: Simple cues like “sit,” “come,” and “wait” help establish structure without overwhelming them.

Real-Life Example: When you call their name from across the room and reward them for looking your way, you're teaching them that responding to you is rewarding — and fun. Over time, this creates near-telepathic communication between you and your doxie. 

Why It Helps: Clear communication reduces frustration (for both of you), helps your puppy feel secure, and accelerates training success as they mature.

3. Build a Daily Routine That Sets Expectations 

Dachshunds love consistency. Routines help them understand what’s happening next, build confidence, and feel safe in their new environment. 

Key Routine Guidelines 

  • Feeding Times: Keep meals consistent to prevent tummy issues and regulate energy levels.

  • Potty Schedule: Dachshunds can be stubborn with housetraining; structure helps dramatically.

  • Play & Training Windows: Short, fun sessions are better than long, overwhelming ones. Sleep schedule: Puppies need up to 18 hours of sleep — yes, really! 

Why It Matters: Predictable routines create stability, reduce anxiety, and make it easier for your pup to understand household expectations. A well-structured Dachshund is a happier, calmer Dachshund.

4. Have Quality Playtime That Matches Their Personality 

Every Dachshund has a unique mix of sass, curiosity, and spunk, and the right type of play helps you tap into their personality. 

Here are some ideal games you can implement into play time for the first month: 

  • Mini Tug-of-War: Great for confidence building. 

  • Short Hallway Fetch Sessions: Perfect for channeling zoomie energy.

  • Puzzle Toys: Keep their sharp little minds stimulated. Gentle chase games: Bonding + exercise = a win-win. 

Tailor Play to Their Style: Some Dachshunds are fearless little athletes from day one. Others are cautious observers who need slow introductions. The key is reading your pup’s signals and matching the energy. 

Why This Strengthens Bonding: Play helps your puppy release stress, learn social cues, and associate you with fun and joy, which is essential for a long-lasting connection.

5. Teach Them That You’re Their “Safe Person” 

Every puppy needs a human anchor — someone they know will protect, guide, and comfort them. 

Here are a few simple ways you can start building up that safety bond: 

  • Offer comfort during loud noises or new experiences. 

  • Let them explore new environments while staying close by. 

  • Reward calm behavior. 

  • Use lots of positive reinforcement. 

A Real Scenario: If your puppy startles at a vacuum or doorbell, kneel down beside them, speak softly, and reward calm curiosity. Over time, they’ll learn that you're the one they can look to for reassurance during uncertain moments.

6. Celebrate Small Wins (Your Puppy Feels That Energy!) 

Every accomplishment, from peeing outside to responding to their name, is a big milestone. 

Celebrating these moments creates an emotional feedback loop that boosts bonding and confidence. 

Small Wins to Celebrate 

  • First successful potty break 

  • First night sleeping comfortably 

  • First “sit” 

  • First time they follow you from room to room 

  • First time they nudge you for affection (a huge bonding sign!) 

Why It’s Important: Your joyful reactions help reinforce trust, communication, and excitement around learning and connection.

Ready to Begin Your Own Dachshund Puppy Adventure? 

At Dapper Doxies, we’re passionate about raising miniature longhair and wirehair Dachshunds who are healthy, well-socialized, and ready to bond with their forever families. 

Our puppies receive the highest standard of care, with genetic and OFA testing, microchipping, vaccinations, early socialization, temperament nurturing, and more. 

If you’re ready to welcome a sweet, spunky, lovable Dachshund into your home, contact Dapper Doxies today to start your adoption journey with one of our adorable, well-raised pups!