13 Essential Tips for New Dachshund Puppy Parents

Bringing a Dachshund puppy home is an incredibly exciting experience. I still remember the moment I first met mine—those short legs and eager eyes made for an instantly adorable, charming, and unforgettable welcome. 

These long-bodied dogs are full of personality and quickly become a great addition to any family. But this beloved breed also comes with specific needs and characteristics that deserve your full attention.

As new parents, your journey starts with learning how to provide the best care possible. This short guide is here to help you understand your responsibilities and support your furry friend every step of the way. Raising a Dachshund isn’t just about cuddles—it’s about meeting their unique needs with love and consistency.

13 Essential Tips for New Dachshund Puppy Parents – Short Answer 

13 Essential Tips for New Dachshund Puppy Parents include creating a safe space, being patient with training, socializing early, and using positive reinforcement. Focus on their unique body structure, provide proper diet and exercise, and be consistent with routines.

1. Prepare Your Home for Safety and Success

Before your Dachshund puppy arrives, it’s important to puppy-proof your home. These little dogs are incredibly curious and love to chew things they shouldn’t, which can be risky if the space isn’t secure. Start by making sure all loose wires and cables are tucked away, and always store household chemicals, medications, and small objects out of their reach.

Make their environment safe and comfortable—use baby gates to block off stairs, since Dachshunds are prone to spinal injuries. Be sure to provide a cozy dog bed and a clearly designated play area where they can explore freely. Ensuring their environment is safe isn’t just smart—it’s absolutely essential for keeping your pup protected from day one.

2. Choose Ethical Sources and Know What to Expect Physically

Adopt your Dachshund from reputable breeders, rescues, or shelters, and always prioritize thorough health screening for conditions like IVDD, eyes, patella, and Lafora. These checks are essential to ensure you’re starting with a healthy pup and avoiding future complications that are common within the breed.

It’s equally important to understand their growth milestones based on age and weight, so you can support their nutrition and training needs appropriately. Also, be aware of breed variations like standard vs miniature sizes and different coat types, as these can affect grooming and care routines in the long term.

You can also check out this helpful guide on development stages.

3. Nail Early Training with Breed-Specific Strategies

Begin obedience training early with simple commands like sit, stay, and come. It’s best to keep training sessions short and positive to maintain focus and enthusiasm. Dachshunds can be strong-willed, so consistency is key.

Use food rewards and praise to counter their natural stubbornness, and gradually introduce helpful cues like “quiet” and “settle” to reduce excessive barking. Also, be proactive in curbing destructive behaviors such as chewing, digging, or resource guarding before they become habits.

4. Master Potty Training with Consistency and Patience

Take your puppy out frequently—especially after meals, naps, or play sessions. Dachshunds thrive on routine, so helping them develop strong potty habits early is important. Always use rewards, not punishment, and expect accidents—just clean them promptly and stay calm.

Be patient; it may take weeks or even months to fully house-train your pup. Crate training greatly supports healthy potty routines, especially if started early. And don’t forget to dress your pup in cozy sweaters during cold winter breaks—it helps them stay warm and willing to go outside.

If you’re unsure, here’s a useful breakdown on puppy outfits.

5. Crate Training for Calmness and Structure

Crate training helps prevent separation anxiety, especially in clingy, “Velcro” Dachshunds that often form deep bonds and struggle when left alone. A crate gives them a sense of security and personal space, which is crucial for building independence and emotional balance.

Always use the crate as a safe, positive space, not a place of punishment. Start with short sessions, and slowly increase the time as they get comfortable. Offer a reward for both entry and exit—this reinforces the idea that the crate is a good place, helping your puppy settle in calmly and confidently.

6. Prioritize Socialization to Prevent Fearful Behaviors

Introduce your Dachshund to people, pets, and new places early and calmly to build confidence and reduce fear-based behaviors. Socialization at a young age helps them adapt to different environments and prevents overstimulation.

Take your pup on neighborhood walks and use treats to create positive associations with what they encounter. This not only reduces barking and anxiety in unfamiliar situations, but also encourages a well-rounded, friendly temperament as they grow.

7. Provide Smart Exercise & Mental Stimulation

Start with 5–10 minute low-impact sessions daily, slowly increasing with your pup’s age to match their physical development. Because of their long backs, it’s important to avoid high-impact activities like stairs or jumping, which can strain their spine.

To keep them mentally and physically engaged, use sniff games, puzzle toys, and soft fetch toys that are gentle on their joints. Most importantly, establish a solid daily routine that includes walks, play, meals, and sleep to give your Dachshund structure and a sense of calm throughout the day.

8. Diet: Keep It Balanced and Back-Friendly

Choose high-quality food designed for small-breed puppies, as their nutritional needs are different from larger breeds. Be sure to feed 3–4 meals daily until your Dachshund is around six months old, as this supports steady growth and energy levels.

Avoid overfeeding, since excess weight increases the IVDD risk, which is already a concern for this breed. It’s always best to ask your vet for personalized feeding recommendations that suit your puppy’s size, age, and activity level.

9. Prevent Back Problems from Day One (IVDD Awareness)

Dachshunds are adorable, but their unique body shape makes them prone to back injuries—especially Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD). To minimize the risk, always use ramps for furniture access so they don’t strain themselves. 

Don’t let them jump off couches or beds, no matter how confident they seem. Their spine needs gentle, supported movement at all times. When lifting them, always pick up your pup with one hand under the chest and the other under the rear to keep their back supported. 

And just as important—keep them lean and fit. Weight control is absolutely vital, as extra pounds put serious pressure on their delicate frame. Little choices like these will make a big difference in keeping your Dachshund safe, strong, and comfortable for years to come.

10. Build a Basic Grooming Routine Early

Grooming isn’t just about keeping your Dachshund looking sharp—it’s part of essential care. For smooth coats, brush your pup 1–2x/week, while long or wire-haired Dachshunds may need 2–4x/week to stay tangle-free and comfortable. Bathe your puppy every 3–4 weeks using a puppy-safe shampoo to protect their sensitive skin.

It’s best to introduce nail trimming and dental brushing early, so they get used to it without fear. Also, desensitize your pup to grooming tools and touch gradually—this makes future sessions smoother and strengthens your bond. Regular grooming keeps them clean, healthy, and confident.

11. Dental, Ear & Nail Maintenance Matters 

Dental and hygiene care is just as important as feeding and training. Brush your Dachshund’s teeth daily to prevent gum disease, which is common in small breeds like theirs. Alongside dental care, remember to clean their ears weekly to avoid infections, especially since their floppy ears can trap moisture.

Also, trim their nails every 2–3 weeks, or use a grinder if they’re sensitive to clippers. Regular grooming habits like these don’t just keep your puppy clean—they prevent future health issues and help build trust during handling.

12. Create a Loving, Low-Stress Environment

Spend quality time with your puppy daily—bonding is especially important since Dachshunds are naturally people-oriented and crave companionship. To keep them emotionally balanced, avoid leaving them alone for long periods, as this can trigger stress and unwanted behaviors.

Use enrichment activities to reduce boredom and anxiety, such as treat puzzles, scent games, or gentle interactive toys. Early crate and separation training helps prevent excessive clinginess, teaching your pup to feel safe and secure even when you’re not right beside them.

13. Must-Have Supplies Checklist

Before your new pup arrives, make sure your must-have supplies checklist is complete. Essentials include dog ramps to protect their spine, a crate with soft bedding for comfort, and small-breed puppy food with appropriate bowls for mealtime. A harness and lightweight leash will make walks safer and more manageable.

For timing, many new owners also wonder about the right age to bring their pup home, so here’s a detailed resource on leaving breeders

Keep a mix of toys on hand—fetch, puzzle, and a snuffle mat—to stimulate your puppy’s mind and body. Don’t forget grooming basics like a nail trimmer, toothbrush, and shampoo. Lastly, a sweater or coat is essential for cold outings, especially with your Dachshund’s short coat and low body.

Final Words

Raising a Dachshund puppy comes with unique challenges, but with the right care, consistent training, and dedicated attention, your pup will grow into a loyal and loving companion. It’s all about ensuring proper nutrition, regular exercise, and protecting their delicate spine from an early age.

If you give them the best start in life, they’ll reward you with a lifetime of joy. Soak in every second, and enjoy each moment with your new furry friend—it’s a bond that only gets stronger with time.

FAQ’s

What not to do with Dachshund puppies?

Avoid fighting, climbing, or any activity that stretches, twists, or bends the spine—these are not good for short dogs like Dachshunds. Provide steps to beds and couches, so you don’t hear the horror stories of injuries later.

How long does it take for a Dachshund puppy to settle?

Normally, it takes about 2–3 weeks for a dog to adjust to a new home, but it can take up to 3 months to fully settle in behaviourally—patience and consistency go a long way in helping them feel safe.

How to care for a new Dachshund puppy?

Create a safe space with ramps, a cozy bed, and puppy-proofed areas. Stick to a routine with quality food, short training sessions, and daily bonding. Begin early socialization and grooming to build good habits and confidence.

How to avoid your Dachshund getting IVDD?

Prevent jumping by using ramps and avoiding stairs or high-impact play. Keep them lean and fit—excess weight puts pressure on their spine. Handle them gently, supporting both chest and rear during lifts.