New Puppy! What Now? Best Tips for Dachshund-Owners

Cue the zoomies. Savor the snuggles. Prepare for the cutest chaos ever!

There’s nothing quite like bringing home a brand-new Dachshund puppy. The excitement! The floppy ears! The tiny paws padding across your floors! It’s an experience filled with joy, laughter, and more than a few “aww” moments. It won’t be long until your heart is officially stolen by a four-legged sausage roll, and we’re here for it!

Alongside the cuteness overload comes something else: the reality of raising a dog — one with a very big personality packed into a very small body!

At Dapper Doxies, we know firsthand just how wonderfully quirky, intelligent, and strong-willed these pups can be. And the best way to ensure a smooth transition for both you and your little wiener wonder?

Proper preparation.

Think of it as creating a welcoming committee for your new pup — a mix of love, structure, and a few strategic tricks to set your Dachshund up for a happy, healthy life.

Below, we’re serving up the essential tips every new Doxie owner needs to know, straight from our expert breeder’s perspective.

Establish a Schedule & Stick to It!

A predictable routine doesn’t just make training easier. It creates a sense of safety and stability for your pup!

Dachshunds may be independent thinkers, but they thrive on routine. A consistent schedule helps build trust, reduces anxiety, and gives your puppy the confidence it needs to settle into its new world.

Here’s what a strong day-one schedule should include.

Meal Times

Feed your puppy at the same time(s) every day. Typically, three meals a day until they’re around 6 months old.

Potty Breaks

Puppies have small bladders, so frequent potty trips are crucial. Plan on taking your pup out every 1-2 hours at first (and definitely after naps, meals, and playtime).

Nap Times & Bedtime

Puppies need 18–20 hours of sleep per day! Create a cozy crate space and establish a wind-down routine to help them rest and recharge.

Play & Walk Time

Regular stimulation helps curb boredom and supports healthy development. Short walks (5–10 minutes a few times a day) are perfect for young puppies.

Puppy-Proof Your Home

Think of your new Dachshund as an adorable tornado. Anything within reach will be sniffed, chewed, or pawed at. And because these pups are low to the ground (literally), their view of the world includes things you may not have thought twice about.

Setting your space up for safety is what ensures success before your new friend even arrives!

Here’s your puppy-proofing checklist:

Tuck away wires and cords. Doxies are nosy and love to chew.
Secure your cabinets. Especially the ones with food, cleaning products, or medications.
Block off staircases or high furniture. Dachshunds are prone to back issues, so jumping up or down can be dangerous.
Remove floor-level temptations. Shoes, houseplants, kids’ toys; they’re all fair game to your pup’s curious nose.

Feed Them Right (Resist the Puppy-Dog Eyes)

A proper diet supports growth, development, and long-term health. Plus, it’s a great way to keep those iconic sausage shapes trim and fit.

Dachshunds are notorious food lovers. They’ll act like they’re starving, even when they’re not, and those pleading eyes can be hard to resist! But feeding your pup the right amount of high-quality food is one of the most important parts of raising a healthy dog.

Our advice:

Choose a high-protein, vet-recommended puppy food. Grain-inclusive diets with real meat sources are often best.
Stick to portion guidelines based on your pup’s age and weight.
Avoid people food, especially anything with high fat, sugar, or sodium.
Use treats sparingly and only during training sessions.

Start Socialization Early (Safely)

Dachshunds are bold, brave, and sometimes a little… sassy. Proper socialization helps ensure your pup grows into a confident, well-mannered adult, rather than a barky diva. The goal is to build confidence in new settings and teach your pup that the world is full of fun, not fear.

That said, timing and setting are everything. Until your puppy has received all their core vaccines (usually by 16 weeks), you’ll want to avoid dog parks and unfamiliar dogs.

Instead:

Invite friends over with healthy, vaccinated dogs.
Take your pup on car rides, store visits, or patio hangouts.
Expose them to different sounds, people, and surfaces (like grass, tile, gravel).
Use positive reinforcement during new experiences.

Support Their Spunky Minds: Enrichment & Training

Dachshunds are smart. Very smart.

That brainy energy needs an outlet, or else you might find a pillow torn to shreds when boredom strikes. Daily training and enrichment will keep your Doxie mentally sharp and emotionally balanced.

Start with basic commands (sit, stay, come), leash walking, and crate training. These pups have a stubborn streak, but with consistency, they’ll surprise you with how quickly they learn.

Once you’re nailing commands consistently, it’s time to challenge your doxie with:

Puzzle toys and snuffle mats
Hide-and-seek games with treats
Short agility sessions or learning new tricks
Positive reinforcement and patience

Be Prepared for the Dachshund Drama!

Let’s be honest: Dachshunds are theatrical!

Whether it’s flopping dramatically when you say “no” or barking at the wind like it’s a sworn enemy, these little dogs are full of flair. With the right balance of structure, affection, and good humor, you’ll raise a well-behaved Doxie who still gets to keep their signature spunk.

Embrace the sass, but don’t let it rule your home:

Set clear boundaries from day one. No, your bed isn’t their bed (unless you want it to be).
Don’t reward bad behavior with attention. That will only make it harder to correct in the long run!
Stay firm but loving. They’re smart enough to know the rules and push them!

Ready to Start Your Dachshund Journey?

A better-prepared puppy parent = a happier, healthier Dachshund for life!

At Dapper Doxies, we’re passionate about helping people bring home confident, healthy, and happy Dachshund puppies, whether you’re a first-timer or a lifelong Doxie devotee. Our puppies come microchipped, vaccinated, genetically tested, and well-socialized, so they’re ready to thrive in your home.

We hold our puppies for 10 to 12 weeks to ensure they’re fully prepared for life with their new families, and we’re always here to offer guidance long after you bring your puppy home.

Ready to welcome your very own Dapper Doxie? Contact us today to start your adoption journey and find the perfect pup for your family.