Getting Ready

Bringing home a new puppy is exciting! A little preparation goes a long way toward making the transition smooth for both you and your new companion.

Supplies Checklist

We recommend having the following ready before pick-up day:

Crate — A small crate sized for a miniature dachshund. This becomes their safe space and is essential for house training.
Food & water bowls — Stainless steel or ceramic, sized appropriately for a small breed.
High-quality puppy food — We will send you home with a supply of the food your puppy has been eating. If you plan to switch, do so gradually over 7-10 days.
Collar, harness & leash — A harness is highly recommended for dachshunds to protect their long backs.
Puppy pads — Helpful for the first few weeks of house training.
Chew toys — Puppies teeth! Safe chew toys redirect their natural urge away from your furniture.
Bed or blanket — We send home a blanket with the litter scent to ease the transition.

Puppy-Proofing Your Home

Dachshunds are curious and surprisingly resourceful. Before your puppy arrives:

Secure loose electrical cords and cables
Move toxic plants, chemicals, and small objects out of reach
Block off stairs — dachshunds should avoid stairs to protect their backs, especially as puppies
Set up a designated potty area (indoor or outdoor)
Decide where the crate will live — ideally in a common area where the puppy can see and hear the family

The First Night

Your puppy may whine the first night — this is completely normal. They are adjusting to a new environment without their littermates. Place the crate near your bed, include the scented blanket, and try a warm water bottle wrapped in a towel. Most puppies settle within 2-3 nights.

Veterinary Care

Schedule a vet appointment within 72 hours of bringing your puppy home. This is required to activate our health guarantee and gives your vet a baseline for your puppy's health. Bring the vaccination records and health certificate we provide at pick-up.

Training Tips

Dachshunds are intelligent but can be stubborn. Start training early with positive reinforcement:

Consistency is key — Use the same commands and rules across all family members.
Short sessions — 5-10 minute training sessions work best for puppies.
Socialization — Expose your puppy to new people, sounds, and environments (safely and gradually) during the critical socialization window (8-16 weeks).
Patience — House training a dachshund can take longer than other breeds. Stay positive and persistent.

Preparing for Your Puppy