Dachshund Puppy Tips

They are affectionately referred to as "wiener dogs." Longer than it is tall, the dachshund's stubbly-legged resemblance to a hot dog earned it this nickname. Despite its small size, the dachshund has a stubborn streak and an independent attitude that allowed it to fulfill its original purpose: flushing ornery badgers from their dens. It is also a lively dog that enjoys spending time with its human family. If you choose to bring a dachshund puppy into your home, there are a few things you should keep in mind as you raise it.

  1. Socialization

    • Socializing your dachshund puppy within its first six months curbs its tendency toward aloofness or even aggression with strangers. Introduce your dachshund to as many people, children and animals as possible early on. Take it everywhere you can to expose it to different situations, circumstances, sounds and smells. Always keep treats on hand to reward it for remaining calm, happy and friendly in these situations.

    Housetraining

    • Dachshunds are stubborn by nature (remember that they were bred to take on badgers) and can be difficult to housetrain. Start by crate training. Hide treats inside the crate before locking it in to teach it that the crate is a safe and positive place. Crating your dachshund for 1 to 2 hours while you are away prevents it from making messes. Dogs don't like to soil where they sleep. To train your puppy to potty outside, use positive reinforcement methods. Interrupt it and carry it outside each time you catch it making a mess in the house. Take it outside frequently and encourage it to go potty. Every time it does this successfully in the yard, reward it with a treat and praise.

    Boundaries

    • Independent dachshunds need boundaries or they will try to take charge on their own. If you don't want your dachshund running your house, set rules for your puppy and enforce them from the moment it arrives. Choose any rules you wish. Is your puppy allowed on the furniture? Is it allowed in the kitchen or the bedroom? Establish these rules and enforce them consistently. Never allow your dachshund to break a rule.

    Obedience Training

    • Because dachshunds can be difficult to train, consider enrolling your puppy in basic obedience classes. A professional trainer helps you get a head start on teaching your dachshund good manners. Practice basic obedience at home as well. Use treats to teach your dachshund commands and to reward it for obeying them. Never physically punish your dachshund. They are a courageous and stubborn breed and don't respond well to negative training techniques.

    Exercise

    • These dogs don't have very long legs, so your puppy will likely get the exercise it needs playing inside the house or in the yard. They are active, however, so if you want to protect your belongings from its hunter's instincts, make sure your dachshund puppy gets plenty of exercise each day. Play with it two or three times daily. Take it for at least one walk per day to let it experience the world outside of the home. Provide it with toys and chews to occupy itself at other times.

    A Place to Dig

    • Natural hunters, dachshunds have a strong digging instinct. That means that your flowers, grass and bushes are in danger. It will be nearly impossible to teach your puppy not to dig at all. Instead, give it a designated digging area in your yard. Fill a sandbox with dirt. Hide treats in the dirt (your puppy's sensitive nose will find them) to encourage it to dig in that area. If you catch it digging elsewhere, interrupt it and move it to its sandbox. Reward it for digging there instead.