So, you finally caved and decided you need a dachshund puppy in your chaotic life. Welcome to the club; I’m a breeder in Oregon, and I’ve got more weenies underfoot than I have matching socks. Before you imagine picture-perfect Instagram moments, let me remind you: dachshund puppies are adorable chewy hotdog tornadoes. I totally get why you’re nervous. Every week, I hear from excited families who can’t wait for puppy kisses, until those kisses come with accidental nibbles on toes, chewed phone chargers, and that first dramatic dachshund meltdown. Puppies are cute, but raising one (especially a stubborn little dachshund) isn’t all rainbows. If you’re overwhelmed by info online or worried about making a mistake, you’re in good company; I still question my life choices when a puppy finds the laundry pile again. Grab a mug of coffee, ignore the dog fur on your pants, and I’ll walk you through 10 hard-won dachshund care tips to help you survive, and even enjoy, life with your new lowrider.
1. Prepare Your Home Before Bringing Home a Dachshund Puppy
First-time owners sometimes forget dachshunds are nosey, determined diggers. They’ll find (and chew) anything not nailed down. When I prepare for new litters, I go room by room picking up socks, cords, wayward shoes, and whatever else looks tasty to a pup. Dachshund puppies love to climb into laundry baskets, behind couches, and under beds; basically anywhere you wish they wouldn’t find themselves. Even that corner behind the recliner is fair game to a curious little sausage dog! They’re expert at squeezing into spaces you didn’t know existed, sometimes coming out with dust bunnies stuck in their whiskers.
- Puppy gates are my best friend for keeping puppies out of trouble.
- Cable organizers are pretty handy for saving your chargers from tiny teeth.
- Trash cans with lids and “dachshund level” cleaning help cut down surprises.
This prep work saves you a lot of stress when the puppy comes home. Dachshund proofing beats pulling a chewed sock from a dachshund’s jaws at 2am; trust me on this. If you have kids, remind them to pick up their toys and snack wrappers—inventive puppies can turn anything into either a chew or a chase game. Even plants aren’t safe, so check to make sure you move anything toxic out of reach.
2. Invest in the Right Puppy Gear (and Skip the Useless Stuff)
When it comes to dachshund care tips, some products are overhyped. You don’t need a $100 puppy jacket, but you do need a secure harness (their necks are delicate). I always recommend:
- Flat, nonslip dog bowls for those long, silly ears
- A crate with space to stretch, but not enough to party
- Enzyme cleaner for potty accidents (and there WILL be accidents)
- A soft harness instead of a collar for walks
- Tough, safe chew toys (Kongs are my go to)
Treat yourself to stain remover in bulk; first time dachshund buyers always thank me later. Add to your list a cozy blanket and a puppy-safe snuggle toy, which can help new arrivals adjust to their new environment. And don’t bother with shoes, fancy costumes, or too many treats—simple, reliable gear works best with these smart little adventurers.
3. Focus on Early Socialization and Confidence
Dachshund temperament can be a wild card. Some are little social butterflies, and some act like the world’s smallest, crankiest security guards. Early, gentle socialization is absolutely the best way to get a confident, friendly weenie. I introduce my puppies to new textures (like grass, tile, gravel), sounds (doorbells, vacuum, hair dryer), and gentle people of all ages.
- Invite friends and family over, as long as they’re not chaos monsters themselves
- Short, positive outings are much more helpful than busy dog parks at the start
Pushing too fast can backfire; mine once barked at a scarecrow for a week. Keep new experiences relaxed and fun. Gently handle your puppy’s paws, ears, and mouth daily so vet visits and grooming are less of a struggle later. Give your dachshund chances to meet friendly, well behaved dogs as well, building up their ‘doggie social skills’ slowly.
4. Potty Training is a Marathon, Not a Sprint
I can’t tell you how many dachshund puppy buyers are shocked that potty training isn’t quick and easy. Doxies are known for being stubborn and a little slow on this one. Consistency helps, and a sense of humor goes a long way. I set timers every 1 – 2 hours, and out we go. Praise parties for outside potties, quiet cleanup for inside accidents. No drama, just more paper towels.
- Take the puppy out after meals, naps, and play
- Limit big indoor areas until the habit is set
- Use a leash during potty breaks if your yard has distractions (hello, squirrels)
If you expect a few slips, you’ll stress less. They’ll get it, eventually. Remember, even well meaning friends who’ve had other breeds might not realize just how tenacious and sneaky dachshunds can be about hidden pee spots. Stick with the process—your persistence will pay off!
5. Dachshunds Are Food Fanatics—Control That Dinner Bell
Little wieners can get chunky fast, and it matters for their long term health. Obesity makes back problems way more likely. I measure food at every meal. No leaving the bowl out all day unless you’re weirdly into angry, hungry puppy eyes. Table scraps? Not worth the drama with a food motivated dachshund (plus they’ll perform a full Broadway protest if denied people food after you start).
- Find a high quality puppy food, and check with your vet when in doubt (AKC’s dachshund feeding guidelines are helpful). In my program, I feed Life’s Abundance Small & Medium Breed Puppy Food.
- Save treats for training; otherwise, they’ll beg like pros
If you live with other pets, supervise meal times closely—dachshunds are quick stealers! Also, avoid bones and fatty leftovers, as their sensitive tummies really don’t appreciate surprises.
6. Gentle, Persistent Training Works Best (Leave the Drill Sergeant Act for TV)
Dachshunds are smart, but let’s be real, they’re also stubborn. Harsh corrections or yelling just teach them to avoid you (or, in my case, roll their eyes and ignore me). I keep it light, short, and positive. Treats, praise, silly voices—use what works. Five minute practice sessions go further than marathon training battles.
- Focus on basics: sit, down, come, leave it
- Redirect unwanted behavior instead of scolding
- Repeat, repeat, repeat—patience is your new best friend
And yes, even as a breeder, I have training fails. My oldest dachshund still thinks “stay” is more of a suggestion.
If you’re feeling stuck or want a little more structure (without turning into a drill sergeant), this free training workshop is actually a solid place to start:
No fluff—just simple, real-world training that works for stubborn little dogs like ours.
Bottom line: don’t overcomplicate it. Keep it consistent, keep it positive, and celebrate the small wins. That’s how you end up with a dog that actually listens… most of the time.
7. Protect Their Backs (Seriously, Don’t Skip This)
Dachshunds are basically sausages with feet. Those long spines? Prone to trouble, especially if you let them go up and down stairs, jump from furniture, or live life as a tiny parkour expert. In my house, ramps and steps are everywhere. I teach “wait for help” early, but let’s be honest; sometimes puppies launch themselves anyway.
- Block stairs until your pup is older and stronger
- Lift them gently off couches and beds; no dramatic leaps, please
- Avoid rough play or high impact games
Nothing wrecks your day like a dachshund with a sore back. Prevention is way easier than the panic (and vet bills) after a fall. If you have kids or guests, teach them early how to properly support a dachshund and why jumping isn’t allowed. Dachshund backs need lifelong attention, not just during puppyhood.
8. Don’t Underestimate Their Energy (Or the Zoomies)
Dachshunds look tiny, but, wow, they can run circles around anyone. Short play sessions outside, snuffle mats, and puzzles tire them more than just tossing a ball. I rotate toys (otherwise they get bored fast), and mix up our walks around the yard to give their noses new things to sniff. A tired dachshund is less likely to start “remodeling” the house for you.
Interactive play and digging in a safe sandbox can help focus their energy and instincts. And when rain keeps you inside, simple games like “find the treat” keep minds and noses busy, too.
9. Vet Visits and Preventive Care: Don’t Skip The Basics
If you’re new to dachshunds, know this; they’re brave overthinkers, but not always at the vet’s. Regular checkups get them used to the process, and so does handling ears, paws, and teeth at home. I’ve definitely had my share of dachshund drama at the clinic. Start early and make exams as low stress as possible. Vaccinations, deworming, and flea prevention are part of responsible ownership; plus, you want your puppy to play safely.
- This VCA Hospitals guide to dachshund health is a super useful read.
Annual checkups aren’t just routine—they’re a smart way to catch health issues sooner. If your puppy acts “off,” don’t wait; dachshunds sometimes downplay their pain, so making friends with your vet team pays off in the long run.
10. Accept the Chaos—and Celebrate the Little Wins
If there’s one thing I wish every new puppy owner understood, it’s that perfection isn’t the goal. You will mess up. Your puppy will pee on the rug right after you brag about him. There’s no gold medal for “best weenie wrangler.” At my place, we celebrate the chaos and laugh when we can; otherwise, I’d never survive puppy season. Just love your new dachshund, and remember: progress over perfection, always.
Finding joy in the messy, unpredictable moments is what makes dachshund ownership so special. Snap photos, share stories, and know that every little “win”—a successful potty trip, a mastered command, or a new friend at the park—means you’re on the right track.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are dachshunds good family dogs?
Yes, if you like goofy, loyal, sometimes dramatic four legged family members. They can be great with kids; but always supervise young children. Dachshund temperament leans strong willed, but most are very loving.
What should I buy before bringing a puppy home?
My no-nonsense list: crate, food, bowls, harness/leash, puppy pads, safe chew toys, enzyme cleaner, and a comfy bed. Stash patience and extra paper towels, too.
How hard are dachshunds to train?
Dachshunds aren’t impossible to train, but they’ll make you work for it. Consistency, positivity, and snacks help. Don’t expect labrador level obedience; the stubborn streak is real.
Do dachshunds bark a lot?
If there’s rustling in the leaves, a suspicious neighbor, or their lunch is late; yes, dachshunds bark. Early training helps (and so do treat distractions), but barking comes factory installed with most weenies.
Ready for Dachshund Puppy Chaos?
Surviving puppyhood isn’t about being flawless; it’s about showing up, having a sense of humor, and enjoying the adventure as it comes. If you want more tips, need a pep talk, or want to check out available puppies, reach out or join our waitlist. My door (inbox) is always open for fellow dachshund-chaos fans. Good luck out there, future weenie wrangler!