Potty training a miniature Dachshund puppy can feel like a daunting task, especially given their reputation for stubbornness and small bladders. But don't worry! With a little patience and the right techniques, you can turn this challenge into a rewarding experience for both you and your pup. Establishing a consistent routine is key to successful potty training. Puppies thrive on predictability, so knowing when to take them outside will help them learn where it’s appropriate to go. You’ll want to keep an eye on your puppy's behavior—watch for signs like restlessness or circling, which often indicate they need to relieve themselves. Taking your furry friend out after meals, playtime, or naps can significantly increase the chances of success. Remember that positive reinforcement is your best friend in this journey; praise and treats when they do their business outside create a happy association with potty time.

Another essential aspect of potty training your miniature Dachshund is maintaining consistency in your approach. This means sticking to the same commands, routines, and rewards every time you take your puppy outside. Using consistent verbal cues, such as "potty break," can help reinforce the behavior you want to encourage. Additionally, be patient with your puppy; accidents are a natural part of the learning process. If they have an accident indoors, avoid scolding them harshly—this can create fear and anxiety around potty time. Instead, clean up thoroughly to eliminate any lingering scents that might encourage repeat offenses in the same spot. Lastly, keep in mind that each puppy is unique and may progress at their own pace. Some miniature Dachshunds may catch on quickly while others may take longer to fully grasp the concept of outdoor potty breaks. Regularly reassess your training techniques and adjust them as needed based on your puppy's responses. Celebrate small victories along the way; whether it's successfully going outside or simply showing signs that they need to go out more frequently, recognizing these moments will help build a positive environment for learning. With dedication and love, you'll find that successful potty training is within reach.

It’s also important to recognize that miniature Dachshunds, like many small breeds, may have unique needs when it comes to potty training. Their small bladders mean they may need more frequent bathroom breaks than larger dogs, so adjusting your schedule accordingly can be beneficial. Additionally, consider the timing of their meals; feeding them at the same times each day can help regulate their bathroom habits. This predictability not only aids in potty training but also contributes to their overall well-being by establishing a routine that they can rely on. Remember that as your puppy grows and matures, their bladder control will improve, and you’ll likely find that they can hold it for longer periods as time goes on.

To establish a successful potty training routine for your miniature Dachshund, consider implementing a sample schedule for potty breaks that accommodates their small bladder and unique needs. Start by taking your puppy outside first thing in the morning, after meals, following playtime, and before bedtime—typically every 1-2 hours during the day (Jessica, 2023). For instance, you might set a schedule that includes outdoor breaks at 7 AM, 9 AM, 11 AM, 1 PM, 3 PM, and then again at 5 PM. As your puppy becomes more accustomed to this routine and shows signs of needing to go out—such as restlessness or circling—be prepared to adjust the frequency accordingly. Remember to reward them with praise or treats immediately after they successfully relieve themselves outside; this positive reinforcement will help solidify their understanding of where it's appropriate to go. Consistency is key; sticking to this schedule will not only help with potty training but also create a sense of security for your puppy as they learn what is expected of them.

For those who prefer to potty train their miniature Dachshund using an indoor litter box or a designated grassy area, the process can be just as effective with the right techniques. Start by selecting a specific spot for the litter box or grassy area that is easily accessible and away from your puppy's eating and sleeping spaces. Introduce your puppy to this area consistently, using verbal cues like "go potty" as they approach it. Just as with outdoor training, positive reinforcement is crucial; reward your puppy immediately after they use the designated spot with praise or treats. This helps them associate the location with a positive experience, making them more likely to return there in the future.

To enhance success when transitioning to an indoor potty solution, maintain a regular schedule for bathroom breaks similar to outdoor training. Take your puppy to their designated spot after meals, playtime, and naps—typically every 1-2 hours during the day. If you notice signs of needing to go—such as sniffing around or circling—promptly guide them to their litter box or grassy area. Be patient and consistent throughout this process; accidents may happen as your puppy learns where it's appropriate to relieve themselves indoors. With time and dedication, you'll find that your miniature Dachshund can successfully adapt to using an indoor potty solution while still enjoying all the benefits of being house-trained.

Wake up- Potty Break first thing

7am- Feed 1/2 cup of puppy food(this should take approximately 10 minutes) When your puppy starts walking away or playing... He's done!  Pick up the food and put on the counter.  Then take your puppy to the appropriate potty area

9am -Potty Break

11am-Potty Break

Noon - Feed 1/2 cup of puppy food(this should take approximately 10 minutes)When your puppy starts walking away or playing... He's done!  Pick up the food and put on the counter.  Then take your puppy to the appropriate potty area

2pm - Potty Break

4pm - Potty Break

6pm - Feed 1/2 cup of puppy food(this should take approximately 10 minutes) When your puppy starts walking away or playing... He's done!  Pick up the food and put on the counter.  Then take your puppy to the appropriate potty area

8pm - Potty Break

NOTES:  

*He doesn't have to eat all of his food every time you feed him.  When he's full he will start walking away or playing.  At that time... just pick up his food (until his next feeding) and take him outside to the potty area.  

*While outside...The trick is to keep encouraging him to potty... with redirection.  You are not out there to play.  He has a job to do.  When he does his business... Immediately give him lots of praise.  Mini Dachshunds are people pleasers and will do anything for this type of attention.

*Please remember ... you will need to wait for both a pee and a poo.  So 2 seperate times to praise them.

*After 10 minutes of being outside... if he has not done one or both of the jobs.  Bring him directly inside and place him in the Cat Carrier -- that should be right next to the door to go outside.  

*Please leave him in the carrier (without any attention) for 10 - 15 minutes.  After that time ... Please quietly take him back out to the potty area and start all over again.

*Give him atleast 10 minutes ... Then repeat steps until you get the desired results.  

*If you are consistent with your new puppies schedule and needs...and use the 10 minute rule... You can have him successfully  potty trained in a weekend

*Make sure to praise him when he potties in the correct area.  As I stated before... Miniature dachshunds are people pleasers and will do anything for this type of attention.   

*If he has an accident in the house... I don't recommend punishing him.  I believe this will only scare him and make him confused and afraid of you.  Instead... Immediately pick "IT" up with a paper towel(urine or feces) and take "IT" and your puppy  to the appropriate potty area... place it on the ground and let the puppy smell it while using your command word.  My command word is "Potty".  He may not do anything but smell it.   That is enough for him to understand that .... "This is the right place for the POTTY"

* It is acceptable to use potty tools such as a tiny belly band while training... or a diaper for girls.  It really depends on how much time you have to invest in making a puppy a respectful member of the family.  It all starts with a consistent schedule.

How to successfully transition your new puppy from the food I feed him to what you want to start feeding him at home

When you get a new puppy, it's critical to transition them to whatever food you plan to use at home. The American Kennel Club (AKC) suggests doing this over a period of five to seven days (2022). You can start by mixing 25 percent of the new food with 75 percent of the old food and serving that to your puppy for a couple of days. You can then gradually increase the amount of new food and decrease the amount of old food until you're serving only the new food at the end of the week. This slow introduction helps keep the puppy from experiencing gastric distress.

The easy answer is.... You don't want to cause diarrhea.  Slower is better and easier on their digestive system

First Choice ... Royal Canin Dachshund Puppy food. 

Second Choice ...  Diamond Naturals small breed Puppy Food

There are lots of great puppy foods on the market.  Please choose the best food for your puppy and your budget.  

I get the exact same amount of each food... Mix it all together in a bowl and mix or shake it up.  Then I feed as normal until that food is close to gone.  Or 7 days.  Which ever comes first.

I pour whatever is left into the new bag of food I'm gonna feed ... and I'm done. 

This is technically not the correct way to transition the new puppy to a new food, but...

it works for me!

There are tons of Microchip Registries.  I have tried to use free ones in the past.  That has back fired... they end up selling their registry and then charging you to be on their registry.  They also make it incredibly difficult to switch to any other place.  I do not recommend using a free program.

The companies that have been around the longest... Or the ones I used 30 years ago are AVID and Home Again.  However, I'm not big fans any longer... since they try to get you to pay a monthly subscription fee.  I think it's just a money grab with no benefits.

The new registry I found... and I love, so far, is  https://findpet.com/

They have a complete profile page for each pet... that includes pictures, description of pet and personality, nose print, a scanable tag that immediately links the finder of your pet to your contact information.  

The only down side.  It doesn't seem to be compatible with Android devices.   I've contacted the company and I'm waiting for a reply.  

1000% yes!!!!!

You will thank me... If you ever need it!

Your puppies first vet visit should be as soon as possible after picking your baby up from my home.

While me and my Vet make sure your puppy is in 100% great health before letting them go home with you.  The real reason you MUST go to the vet is...

The vet you want to take your puppy to WILL NOT see your puppy for an emergency...if he has not first established a client/patient relationship with you AND YOUR NEW  PUPPY.

Even if that vet has been your vet for 20 years through all of your other pets.  If they have not seen this new puppy with their own eyes and examined with their own hands.  YOU will get the standard 2 week visit!

That can be a death sentence in a true emergency situation!

Ideally, the same day that you place your deposit on your new puppy... You would call your veterinarian and set up the vet appointment for the same day (s)he comes home or the next morning.

At the first visit... You should have a list of questions for your vet.  Here are a few I highly recommend:

Will you see my puppy in an emergency situation?

Will you come in at 3am if an emergency occurs?

What is your protocol for an emergency?

Is there a different facility or Veterinarian that sees emergencies?  Then get all of that information(name, number, address, times available, what exactly is the proceedure for being seen)?

I send home a folder for all your puppies information... Please add important Veterinary/Emergency information to it.  That way in an emergency situation... all you have to do is grab that folder and you have all the information you need.

Please take your puppy folder with you to the vet.  This will have all your babies information inside it... DOB, Weight, Vaccination dates, Deworming Dates, Microchip information, Vet Appointment Notes, and My phone number if the Veterinarian has any more questions.  

Your new vet will let you know when your puppy is due for his next puppy vaccines.  They will talk to you about the importance of Heartworm prevention and Flea and Tick Prevention... and get your puppy started on the correct medication 

Leptospirosis vaccination can cause a severe, and in some cases...deadly reaction in Miniature Dachshunds.
Reactions do not happen every time, but happen often enough in this breed that we feel the risk outweighs the
benefits of the vaccination. For this reason we ask our clients not to give their new miniature dachshunds this
vaccine or any combination of vaccines that include Leptospirosis in the ingredients. We will not stand behind
reactions from this vaccination.
If you choose to go against our recommendations PLEASE follow these steps...
1. Schedule the first appointment of the day
2. Ask that your pet be pre-treated with diphenhydramine(Benadryl)
3. Hang out at the Vets office for at least 45 minutes after vaccination is given
4. Know that any reaction(including, but not limited to Vomiting and Diarrhea) is an emergency in the very
tiny puppy. Make sure the veterinarian and staff will see you and treat your pet at a moments notice if you
return to the clinic.
5. Do not leave the vet appointment without after hours numbers and instructions. It is not common for a
reaction to happen that far from the causing stimuli, but can happen. So please be prepared for any emergency.
6. Do not include any other medications, vaccinations, or treatment on the day of the Lepto vaccination.  

I will start with first tellig you that any diarrhea can be or lead to an emergency situation.  It is best to contact your veterinarian if you are worried at all.

However, with that being said, it is pretty common for puppies to experience a "Stress Diarrhea" on their first couple of days home.  Especially if they are driving in a car for an extended period of time.

I have a protocol in place for "Stress Diarrhea".

1.  Take pictures of any and all diarrhea and send me those pics.  It will help me to understand the severity of the situation.  

2.  I send home a dewormer that calms the tummy down and clears up the diarrhea.  

3. Based on the pics you send me... I will advice you to give the dewormer or hold off.  

4. Once you start giving the medication(by mouth)... You give it everyday at the same time of the day for 5 consecutive days.  

5. You must finish the medication!

6.  Notes:

Medication does not need to be refrigerated

Once started---continue until gone

If you do not use the dewormer within the first 2 weeks of taking your puppy home... Please discard all medication.  It is no longer the correct dosage for your puppy.

Stress diarrhea in dogs, also known as stress colitis, is inflammation of the large intestine triggered by stressful events or situations. This inflammation can lead to frequent, loose stools, sometimes containing mucus or even blood, and can be accompanied by straining during defecation. While stress colitis is often short-lived, it's important to address the underlying stress and potentially seek veterinary guidance for diagnosis and treatment. 

When your puppy gets highly stressed out... it shows up in their poo.  The diarrhea isn't the part that worries me.  The part that worries me...

Your puppy is very tiny when they go home and diarrhea can lead to dehydration very quickly.  The second thing that worries me is that after the body becomes overly stressed,,, that in itself can lead to other problems.  So it is very important to deal with the diarrhea situation ASAP.

I am always available to discuss any issues with you about your new baby.   I generally tell my new clients...my phone goes to "Sleep" at night, so I won't get the messages until I wake up the next morning.  However, the absolute first thing I do when I open my eyes is check my phone.  So send the message at 3am.  I'll get back to you shortly.  

Stress diarrhea happens in about 1 out of every 10 puppies that go home. However, we want to make sure to be prepared with every puppy that leaves our home...just in case.

It isn't hereditary

It isn't something that will cause future problems

It is simply an upset tummy that gets out of control 

As long as your puppy is eating, drinking, playing, and able to hold his head up, and interact with you.  He is fine.

If for any reason he starts acting wobbly, or extremely tired, or starts vomiting... it is time to contact your veterinarian... and treat this as an "Emergency Situation"

If the poop doesn't start looking better and more formed after a day or so... then I would contact my vet to ask them to perform a fecal smear(fresh poo that they collect), and/or fecal Inhouse or sent to the lab(you take in a fresh sample off the ground).  Just to make sure your puppy doesn't have any parasites.

Feel free to share any and all poo pics with vet staff.  This sounds gross, but it's important that they actually see what is coming out of your baby... this can help to identify what is going on and help them make your puppy better.

The more you snuggle and hold your new baby on the trip home... and DO NOT put them into a crate or leave them in the car alone! The less likely they are to experience "Stress Diarrhea"

When your puppy goes home with you...

it is the first time they have ever been outside

the first time (s)he has ever been away from us- the only family they have ever known

They really just need encouragement and love and to be snuggled

I send home puppy pads.  If you have a long drive please make sure to pack enough for the trip home.

I ask that you place the puppy pad in the floor board of your vehicle and encourage your puppy to potty there.

Please do not put your puppy on the ground... ANYWHERE... except or until you make it to your own back yard.

You don't want to accidentally expose your puppy to a virus or parasite from other animals.  

Please treat your new puppy like a new baby on his way home from the hospital (the first time)

I send home a leash and collar with every puppy that will fit them.  However, I have not found a harness that is the right size for ALL the puppies I send home.

I do encourage you to take your new baby to the pet store and get a new harness to  teach them to Walk in.   You will need them there to try on the harness.

Notes:

If you cannot find a small enough puppy harness.  Look at cat/kitten, ferret, rabbit, or other small/pocket pet harnesses.  

Try the harness on them in the store but do not put the puppy on the ground.  Please keep him/her in your arms.

You will encounter other dogs that want to smell your puppy.  Please ignore.  

You will encounter other people who not only want to pet your puppy but will want to introduce their pet to yours... by placing them nose to nose!

Please gently but firmly tell these people NO!  

We don't want to expose your new puppy to any new disease, parasite, or god knows what else.  

DO NOT put your new puppy in the cart to ride around the store.  PLEASE hold them in your arms the entire store experience. 

NO!!!

Your new puppy is already going to be frightened and unsure of what is going on.  Please do not add on the risk of Heat Stroke, or them getting overly cold (dependent on the weather), or chance them being taken from your vehicle, Or oops you left a puppy unattended in your vehicle and it fell off the seat and got hurt.

Your puppy will be small enough that MOST if not all establishments will allow you to carry him/her in and hold them on your lap ... or under your shirt(if needed).  Or maybe go throught a drive through.

Quick Note:  We do offer delivery services... if this is not something you want to deal with.  I will hand deliver your new puppy at your doorstep. 

Or fly them across the country

NEVER

It takes up to 3 years for a long hair miniature dachshunds hair to grow to the full coat.  If you shave it ... you will destroy the coat.

Please just brush them when needed

It has been my experience... that long hair mini's shed way less than my smooth coats do.  Occassional brushing is all they need.

Short hair/smooth coats... get brushed with a soft coated brush...because they enjoy it.  I bath my dogs when needed, but never more often than once a month.  I check their ears and wipe them out with a tissue paper atleast once a month...more often if needed.  Some dogs like to dig and will get dirt in their ears.  And I clip their nails and buff them when I hear them clicking on the floor... which is about once every 4 - 6 weeks.  

Long Hair coats.... Same as above plus:

I brush or pull the hair back and up from between the toes and clip the extra hair off.  

I ask my clients to wait to spay or neuter their puppies until they are adults... 12 - 18 months of age.  

I undersand that many veterinarians will disagree with me about dogs being spayed on neutered (some say asap) most say by or at 6 months of age.  However, Miniature Dachshunds have very specific needs.  They NEED to fully develop all the muscles, tendons, bones, and everything associated with a healthy elongated back.

I believe this breed, Miniature Dachshund, needs the growth hormones that they will get from puberty to help develop their back properly and help keep it healthy throughout their lives.  

Yes.  Females go into heat every 6 to 9 months.  Most dogs keep themselves clean enough that you will not even know.

If she doesn't... You can use a washable diaper during this time.

What you should know...

If your female goes into heat(bleeding).... this is not the time she will be fertile and able to conceive a puppy of her own.  It is he time directly after she stops bleeding.  In general... how ever long she bled... is how long she will be in "Standing Heat" (or able to get pregnant).    So you will need to keep the boys away from her during this time.

It is possible for a young dog going through puberty to spray or mark... and it's possible whether they are neutered or not!

The way I stop spraying/marking in our home...

We purchased washable "BellyBands" and put them on our boys if we notice any odd marking behavior.  Then we turn them loose in the house.  My dogs will hike their legs on everything they come across.  They will do this for days.  Then it finally sinks in to them that they are not actually "Marking" anything (leaving their scent)... and then they get tired of it... and stop... and never do it again.

I have been breeding miniature dachshunds for approx. 20 years.  Our dogs have never had any back issues...

I only breed dogs that are healthy and have very good structure.  I not only examine what their bodies look like, but pay close attention to how they walk, run, play, and carry themselves in general... Before I even consider adding them to our line.

With that being said... I also maintain a healthy lifestyle for our dogs to ensure the health of their backs well into their old age.

I keep them trim... Not skinny... just not a fatty floppy belly that will throw their "weight around" when they are walking.  

I provide stairs and ramps for our dogs.   Please note... Doxies cannot be told to use a ramp, because they rule everything in life. LOL.  But ramps are provided for them.  They know when they need them.

I also believe that keeping our animals "Intact" or "Unaltered" makes their backs stronger throughout their lives.  

Do not allow them to get fat. 

They don't have to be "Skinny"  just no extra weight to carry around.  A little weight doesn't hurt anyone.  It is literally when they start getting that floppy belly.  That weight is going to push, pull, tug on their back and cause undue stress on the back muscles.

Provide ramps and stairs for your new baby.  You cannot Make them use it, but you can make them available ... when they decide they need it.

Waiting to spay or neuter your baby... until they are an adult.  So they get maximum benefit from the hormone surge throughout puberty.  This is the time their bones, mucles, ligaments, etc... get stronger.  This is what ensures a healthy back throughout their lives and gives them a better quality of life in old age.

I want to say if you follow my suggestions... that your dog will have 100% perfect life and will never experience a back issue ever in their life.

We both know that is not true.  What I can promise you is ... if you do the things I ask...

If something unforseen happens to your dog at any point in their life ... that they will heal up much quicker due to the healthy back you have allowed them to develop.

I make a puppy care kit that includes:

Blanket that smells like momma

leash/collar

starter food bowl

Food-enough to gradually switch your puppy over to his new food.

Toys

Potty Pad for the trip home

All paperwork (Medical and Registration paperwork)

Panacur Dewormer(for 5 days) only to be used ... if your pet experiences "Stress Diarrhea"

You don't have to have anything... but the quesiton is what else could you use?

Cat carrier - correct size for potty training kennel

stairs or ramps - can help prevent back injury

snuggle puppy - Puppies can be a little nervous and lonely after leaving their littermates.  

Tough Toys -  These guys love to chew, but they are as destructive of a chewer as our Olde English Bulldogges were.  So we try to provide "Tough Toys" for all of our babies

Cognitive Toys (look up on Amazon) there are tons of puzzles and toys that they have to figure out how to get treats out of.  Mini Dachshunds are highly intelligent dogs... they really need something to do with their minds... it will keep them out of finding their own trouble.

Belly Bands-- a must have for boys--it's a game changer, even with potty training

Kongs-- atleast 2-- One to freeze and one to use.  I only give my doxies kongs when I want to kennel them up while I'm gone.  They totally forget about me being gone and work on cleaning out that treat jar.  I pick it up as soon as I return and put it into the sink/dishwasher... to be cleaned, reloaded, refrozen

GPS Tracker-- Don't need it ... until you need it.  Then you will thank me 

Canine Litter box/Feline Pine/ or potty grass.   Doxies can be stubborn!!!  And will not go outside to potty in the rain or bad weather.  If you provide them with a place to go inside... You never have to worry about them having accidents later in life

This is an endless list and I will update as I think of other awesome things for our babies.  Our babies get really spoiled so I'm always looking for new ideas.  

I'll add on to this list as I think of stuff.  But Really, it just depends on what you want to spend your money on.