Dachshund Puppy Care

Dachshund puppy care, safety, equipment and helpful advice.

Picking up your puppy

Dachshund puppy care starts when you collect your puppy from the breeder, you will often be given a puppy pack which should include some of the food the puppy is eating, and a feeding guide, perhaps a toy and information about any vaccinations given.

Usually puppies between 8-12 weeks will require about 5 meals per day, reducing slowly so at about 16 weeks he is on 3 to 4 meals per day and by 6 months reduce again to 3 meals per day, by one year your dog should find 2 meals a day sufficient.

Always ensure your dog has access to plenty of fresh water and take away uneaten food approximately 20 minutes after serving.The protein requirement for puppies is very important for growth so it is advisable to feed a high quality puppy food which is specially formulated with the correct nutritional ingredients to ensure your puppy gets a good start.

It is a good idea to visit your own vet to have your puppy checked and vacccinations given and also to get guidence with any feeding or puppy care questions you may have.Don't socialise your new puppy with other dogs until he has had all his vaccinations.

Your Puppys First Day

When settling your new puppy at home be aware that this is a difficult experience for your pup,leaving his mother and other puppies, he is in unfamiliar surroundings with strange people he/she will need time to adjust.

An important part of dachshund puppy care is to ensure you have plenty of time to spend with your puppy,make sure children and other members of the family greet the puppy quietly not rushing up in great excitment as this may over excite him or make him anxious.

Get your family to sit on the floor and let the puppy come up to them, perhaps each person could have a treat to give the puppy, this will ensure a positive experience for the puppy.Introduce any other pets,quietly and slowly.

Allow time for your puppy to explore take him outside to go toilet.Start as you mean to go on if you do not want your puppy on the furniture, don't put him on the couch today.

Routines are very important but it will take a few days to establish set meal times, toilet times and of course a young puppy will sleep often.

If as part of your dachshund puppy care routine you intend crate training and you have organised a crate introduce him to it, don't force him just put some treats and toys in the crate and leave the door open,you may need to encourage him to start, you want it to be a good experience.

First few nights for your new pup is always difficult so be patient and sensitive but firm. Perhaps put his crate near your bed,if he crys don't keep getting up to him, it will only take him longer to settle,make sure he is feed,toileted and has a cuddle toy,keep a light on,place a clock nearby as the ticking sound may help ease any anxiety.

Each night should be better as he become familiar with his new home but it may take several nights before he will settle quietly to sleep.

Puppy Proofing your Home

One important aspect of dachshund puppy care is puppy proofing your home, an active puppy can get into all sorts of trouble, to minimise the problems check your home and environment for potential hazards.

Behind and under furniture down side of fridges, stoves other odd spaces that a puppy might manage to crawl into, need to be checked for safety and items that can be swallowed or chewed, and perhaps even could your puppy get stuck.

Make safe or cover all electrical cords and ensure there are not long loose electrical cords that will allow a puppy to pull items over or chew wires.
Check house plants are not toxic to animals and place out of reach.
Keep floor area tidy and free from coins, needles, items of clothing, shoes, pillows, books and any other items that a puppy will love to chew.
All food should be stored where your puppy cannot access, eg chocolate.
Safely store all your personal medication (pain relievers, heart medication etc).
Repair any carpet or mats that are fraying as your puppy will soon attack them.
Areas you do not want you dachshund puppy to have access too, gate off.
Access to fireplace secured.
Ensure all hazardous substances, household cleaners, solvents, etc are safely stored.
Outside area preferable needs to be fenced with a puppy proof fence.
Plants outside should be checked to ensure they are safe for animals.
Garbage cans should be covered, other rubbish stored out of reach.
Storage of any garden sprays, gasoline or other toxic products should be out of reach.
Take care when laying rat poisons, snail and slug poisons and also insect poisons.
Pools should be covered or ensure if your dog falls in he can get out.

As you can see there are a number of potential dangers in your home enviroment so prepare for your puppies arrival.

Dachshund Puppy Care Accessories

Equipment required before you pick up your new dachshund puppy.

Food and water bowls
High quality food � as per breeders or vets recommendation
Collar/Harness and lead
Crate - for travel and for training, ensure the size is correct
Toys a good variety especially chew toys
Grooming items (brush, comb, nail trimmers)
Anti chew spray and odour neutralizer
Bedding
Treats for training

If possible take an old towel to the breeders for them to put with the pups mother and other puppies to take their scent, bring this home with your new puppy as it will help with the settling in process.

New owners need to be aware that if you start early, many aspects of dachshund puppy care are much easier to carry out.For further information visit our dachshund care page.

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