1. Dachshunds don’t potty train in two weeks!
I’ll admit, I naively thought I could take a week off of work to train Charlotte and have her potty trained within two weeks. This was my thinking as I prepared for her arrival, already having committed to picking her up from the breeder, until I started reading. That bubble was burst quickly, and continued to be burst many times after she arrived. Miniature dachshunds have miniature bladders, and they need to go out every 20-40 minutes at first as they settle in. This was the toughest and most frustrating part of the journey.
2. Dachshunds’ reputations for being frequent barkers can be accurate.
Given the chance, they will bark at squirrels, other dogs, toddlers, mail carriers and the Amazon delivery driver. And their bark is PIERCING! Keep in mind that they were bred to burrow into tunnels underground to hunt badgers, and that bark had to carry through to the surface to alert their owners. Today, their bark will carry through walls, so be prepared. Barking is in their nature and may not be easily quieted.
3. That tiny puppy will grow quickly and easily double in size.
When Charlotte first came home, she was so tiny that I was afraid to handle her. She felt fragile. It took some time to get used to having her underfoot, and she was so low to the ground that she was easy to miss! I recommend putting a bell on your pup’s collar as you get used to having them follow you around the house, especially as you’re making dinner. Take the time to enjoy that fleeting puppy stage, because it will be gone all too quickly.
4. Along with growing, their socialization window (about 16 weeks) will go by quickly.
Puppies who are socialized early, carefully and often will be more well adjusted to unfamiliar sights, smells, people and places. Don’t be afraid to take your pup out to explore as soon as your vet says it is safe to do so.
5. Puppies are expensive!
Along with the cost of your pup, especially if you purchase from a reputable breeder, there are new puppy visits at the vet, gates and exercise pens for containment and safety, healthy foods, toys, new puppy training sessions, medications and vaccinations and a spay or neuter surgery. The biggest costs will come in the beginning if this is your first dog since you will need gear up to keep your dog and your house safe. Be prepared to budget for immediate and potential future costs as your dog ages.
6. Although it’s difficult to resist, only buy necessities before you pick you you dog.
Until you know their size, temperament and activity level, hold off on buying every cute stuffed toy or enrichment puzzle. I felt prepared with a sturdy exercise pen before Charlotte came home only to find that she was so tiny that she could fit through the bars! Some dogs love stuffed toys and others love rubber chew toys. Don’t go crazy before you know what kind of things your dog will love and what will be sniffed and ignored.
7. You will need gates!
Contrary to point number 6, you WILL need to have gates installed and ready before you bring your newest tiny family member home. Puppies are curious, and miniature dachshunds are so small that they could be seriously injured if they attempt a flight of stairs or get into something they shouldn’t have access to – like chocolate or your white carpet! For their safety and your sanity, have gates installed before they arrive.
8. Crate training is worth enduring.
Although it seems cruel to new dog owners, crate training is actually good for you pup. It gives them a place that they will come to love if introduced in the right way. It will become their own special space where they can go to relax and get away when they feel overwhelmed or just want a good nap. And crate training will keep them safe when you’re not able to have two eyes on them as they get used to a new home.
9. You will need to take time off
A new puppy is a huge adjustment, and someone needs to be with them while they are adjusting to a new home, family and routine. Consistent potty and manners training in the beginning will make life easier and more fulfilling for you and them later on. Plan to take some time off or to have other family members pitch in as you all settle into a routine.
10. Dachshunds are independent, intelligent, active dogs
I did know this from all the research I did, but I didn’t realize just how independent and fearless they are. They were bred to be hunters, so these are not couch potato dogs. Their brains need stimulation, and their bodies need exercise. Plan to take time for walks, training, play and lots of cuddles.