Training the Dachshund Puppy

When any puppy arrives at his new home, he will be unfamiliar with his surroundings and so initially will seem less extroverted than he was at the breeder's home. Do not be unduly concerned about this. Everything will be new to him and, when he has taken stock of his surroundings, your Dachshund will soon start to feel comfortable. He will look to you, his owner, to give him confidence in getting to know his strange new world.

Begin by getting your puppy used to the members of your family who live in the home. Soon you will be able to introduce him to your larger circle of family and friends. Please try not to bombard your puppy with too many new people and situations, all at the same time, as this would overwhelm him.

Depending on the age of your puppy, and whether his course of vaccinations is complete, you may or may not be able to take him out in public places immediately. Whichever the case, allow him to settle down at home for the first few days before venturing further. There will be lots you can do at home with your Dachshund puppy, so you will both undoubtedly have great fun, but please allow him to get sufficient rest, too.

If restricted to your home for a little while, you can play games together with suitably safe, soft toys. Never allow your puppy to tug on anything too strongly. Check regularly that potentially unsafe parts, such as squeaks, do not become detached from any toy. These small parts can cause injury, and your puppy's teeth will be very sharp and thus easily able to damage soft toys.

During your first few days at home, you also can get started with a little early training. Introduce your puppy to standing calmly on a table and being gently groomed. This will be helpful on numerous occasions, including your routine grooming sessions and visits to the vet, when it is much easier to deal with a well-behaved dog. You will be so proud of your clever companion!

Accustom your puppy to being on a lead, which is always a strange experience for a tiny youngster. Begin by just attaching a simple collar, not too tightly, but not so loose that it can be caught on things, causing panic and possible injury. Just put it on for a few minutes at a time, lengthening each time period slightly until your puppy feels comfortable in his first item of clothing. Don't expect miracles; this may take a few days.

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