Bringing home a miniature dachshund is exciting! These little hounds are clever, affectionate and full of personality. This guide covers the essentials. And remember, we're always just a message away.
Preparing for your puppy
A little preparation makes the first days much smoother. Here's a simple shopping checklist:
- Crate sized for a small dog, with a divider, plus a soft washable bed
- Food: the same puppy food we use (we'll tell you which) to avoid tummy upsets
- Food and water bowls, shallow and non-tip
- Harness and lightweight leash: a harness is kinder to a dachshund's neck and back than a collar for walks
- Pet ramp or steps for beds and sofas
- Puppy pads and an enzyme cleaner for accidents
- Safe chew toys and a few soft toys
- Baby gates to block stairs
Puppy-proof at dachshund height: tuck away cables, shoes, small objects and anything toxic. Dachshunds are curious noses on legs!
The first 48 hours
Keep things calm and simple. Show your puppy their crate, water and potty spot, and let them explore one or two rooms at a time. Limit visitors for the first few days, keep to a routine for meals, naps and potty breaks, and expect a little crying at night. Placing the blanket that smells like mom in the crate really helps.
Feeding
Young puppies need small, frequent meals. Stick with the food your puppy is used to, and change gradually (over 7–10 days) if you switch.
| Age | Meals per day | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 8–12 weeks | 3–4 | Small portions; watch for low energy after long gaps between meals. |
| 3–6 months | 3 | Follow the food's guide and adjust to body condition. |
| 6–12 months | 2 | Transition to an adult or small-breed formula as advised by your vet. |
Keeping your dachshund lean is one of the best things you can do for their back. You should be able to feel (not see) their ribs.
House training
Dachshunds are smart but can be stubborn, so consistency is everything. Take your puppy out after waking, after eating, after play and every 1–2 hours in between. Go to the same spot, use a cue word, and reward with praise and a tiny treat the moment they finish. Never punish accidents; just clean with an enzyme cleaner and keep going.
Protecting their back (IVDD)
Because of their long backs and short legs, dachshunds are prone to intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). You can reduce the risk a lot:
- Keep them at a healthy weight.
- Use ramps or steps and discourage jumping on and off furniture.
- Carry them with one hand under the chest and one under the rear, keeping the back level.
- Use baby gates on stairs, especially while they're young.
- Encourage regular, moderate exercise to keep their core strong.
Call your vet right away if your dachshund shows back pain, reluctance to move, a hunched posture, wobbly back legs or trouble walking.
Grooming by coat type
Smooth coat
Low maintenance: a weekly wipe or rubber-brush and an occasional bath.
Long-haired
Brush 2–3 times a week, paying attention to ears, chest and "feathers" on the legs to prevent tangles.
Wire-haired
Brush weekly; the coat may need hand-stripping a couple of times a year to stay neat.
For every coat: trim nails every 2–3 weeks, check and gently clean ears, and brush teeth several times a week.
Vet visits & vaccines
Schedule a check-up with your own vet within the first few days home, and bring the health records we give you. Your vet will continue the vaccination and deworming schedule and advise on flea, tick and heartworm prevention.
Socialization & training
The weeks after going home are a golden window for socialization. Gently introduce your puppy to new people, sounds, surfaces and (once your vet says it's safe) calm, vaccinated dogs. Short, positive, reward-based training sessions work best: sit, come, and name recognition are great first goals. A puppy class is a wonderful next step.
Have a question we haven't covered? Get in touch. We love hearing from our puppy families.