Adopting a Dachshund

10 Things to Ask Before Adopting a Dachshund

Updated 11/03/2023 by Ava Jaine

So, you’re ready to take the plunge and bring home a new Dachshund?  First, you need to do some research on the breeder or rescue and ask the right questions before making an official commitment to your new pup.

We have a detailed list of 10 Things to Ask Before Adopting a Dachshund just for you.

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Don’t forget to print out your Free Adoption Questions list below to take with you to the Shelter or Breeder.

Table of Contents

 

Consider checking out your local  Dachshund Rescue Center before going to a Dog Breeder.

So many doxies need homes that are still quite young, already house trained, and may be the better option for your family than starting off with a new dachshund puppy.

Remember, new puppies will require more training and attention than a dog that is a little older.

Do Dachshunds Make Good Pets?

Yes, Dachshunds make wonderful pets. They are my number one dog of choice for my family. Many of my extended family members over the years have also had Dachshunds.

Dachshunds are special members of the family.  Any doxie parent knows that raising a dachshund is a unique and cherished experience that they will never forget.

Adopting a Dachshund

Male or Female Dachshund?

No two Dachshunds are alike. When I was young, my female dachshund, Heidi, was extremely well behaved and could be left in the house while my family would go on vacation. She just needed someone to stop in a couple of times per day for food, water, and to be let outside.

As an adult with my own family, my story is slightly different.  My male dachshunds can’t be left alone in my home for more than one hour without getting into some sort of trouble.

My doxies do require a designated doggie area or playpen when we leave for work, and kenneling services when we go on vacation.

While attending the DachtoberFest in Maryland, I talked to a women who had several dachshunds (10+) over the years. 

She said that her male dachshunds were more needy than her female dachshunds, who were more independent.

All dachshunds are different and have their own unique personality, Male or Female.  But, I have to agree with my friend from the the DachtoberFest…males do tend to be more needy and clingy than female doxies.

 
Adopting a Dachshund

Am I Really Ready For A Dachshund?

Ask yourself the following questions before adopting any dog, especially a Dachshund.

  • Do I have enough money to purchase a dachshund and support veterinary care?
  • Can I supply good quality dog food and pet supplies?
  • Is my home safe for a dachshund?
  • Do I have a safe yard with a lead or a fence to protect my dog?
  • Do I have an easy to clean floor in my house where I can train the dog?
  • Can I give this dog the right amount of attention?
  • Do I mind a dog that will follow me everywhere I go?
  • Have I researched how to Train A Dachshund?
  • What are common ailments dachshunds are prone to and how I can prevent them?
  • Will my other pets be able to accept a new dachshund?
 

Questions You Should Ask a Dog Breeder

Friends, if you’re considering a Dachshund puppy from a breeder found online, please read our online Safety Tips to Avoid Dachshund Puppy Adoption Scams Online.

  • How many different breeds do you sell?  Avoid breeders who sell multiple dog breeds, never purchase from a puppy mill….report it instead.

  • How long have you been breeding dachshunds?  The longer the better in my opinion.

  • How often is the dam (mother dachshund) bred?  This should be no more than once per year.

  • How old is the dam (mother dachshund)?  She should be at least 2 years old.

  • Were genetic tests done on the parents (Dam and Sire)?  Good breeders should have the parents tested for genetic problems that could pass to their pups.

  • Can I meet the parents?  They should have at least one of the parents on premises with the pups.

  • How old is the dachshund puppy?  When the puppies are eight weeks of age, they are usually ready to be adopted.

  • Have the dachshund puppies received their vaccinations?  Breeders should already have the puppies first vaccination, usually the combo vaccine called DHLPPC. The puppies generally will receive their first vaccinations every 2-4 weeks until they are about 14 weeks old.

  • Have the puppies been checked for parasites?  All of the puppies should be checked for parasites and treated for worms.

  • What is your return policy?  Most breeders with a good reputation will have a reasonable return policy if there are any health problems with your new puppy. If you happen to bring home a pup that develops a health problem that can be treated by a vet, it is still a good idea to contact the breeder to have the other pups checked just in case.

  • What is the Puppy Eating?  Make sure to find out what the puppy is currently eating so you can help them gradually change to your preferred puppy food brand at home.  Here is how to change their dog food properly without causing an upset stomach.

 
Adopting a Dachshund

Questions to Ask a Dachshund Rescue

  • Was this dog a rescue or did it have a previous owner?  No real wrong answer here, just good to know the history of the dog.

  • Has the dog been examined by a vet?  All rescue dogs should be examined before being adopted.

  • Has the dog received its vaccines?  As long as the dog is old enough, yes, the dog should have received its vaccines.

  • Has the dog been checked for parasites?  All dogs should be checked for parasites and treated for worms.

  • Does the dog have any known health conditions?  Get some information on this dog, it may have some health conditions, it’s better to know as much information as possible.

  • How old is the dog?  The vet can usually give an estimated age to the rescue by examining the size and condition of their teeth and eyes.

  • Is the dog-friendly towards other animals and children?  If you have children or other pets at home, this is crucial information.

  • What is the return policy?  Most shelters will have a good return policy in case of any serious issues or health concerns.

  • What Food is the Dog Eating?  Get the name of the food the dog is currently eating so you can help them gradually change to your preferred dog food brand at home.  Here is how to change their dog food properly without causing an upset stomach.

 

Preparing Your Home For A Dachshund

It is very important to be prepared before the new puppy enters your home.  Here is a list of doggie necessities you will need before bringing your new dog home.

• Dog bowls
• Dog leash
• Dog collar and harness
• Dog gates
• Dog kennel and playpen
• Dog food
• Dog toys
• Puppy pads
• Dog bed
• Dog blanket
• Puppy shampoo

Related Post: Ultimate List Of Dachshund Puppy Essentials

 

Dog Bowls

Stick with glazed food – quality ceramic, glass, or stainless steel dog bowls for water and dog food. These types of dog bowls are non-porous, resist chewing and can be cleaned easily in the dishwasher. One big feature I like about these heavier bowls is how sturdy they are.

Dachshunds love to root around and push their food bowl around the floor. Sometimes, they may try to bury their food under a toy or blanket.  So, the heavier the better and less flipping of the bowl.

Post You May Like: Perfect Dog Food Bowls For Dachshunds

Adopting a Dachshund
 

Dog Leash

I have gone through many leashes with my dachshunds. The best ones are thick and made of tough material. This is so their little scissor teeth in the back of their mouths can’t slice through them as easily.

This happened every time we went camping.  While we were setting up our tent, we secured the two dogs around a nearby tree so they wouldn’t wander off into the woods. Literally, before the tent was up, one of my dachshunds were wandering around the campsite dragging a leash that was sliced in half. 

The other dog would still be secured around the tree. I never actually caught them doing it, so I wasn’t sure if one dog released the other or that dog released himself, it will always be a fun mystery.

Another good feature to have on a dog leash is reflectors. When you walk your dog around your neighborhood, it is always best to wear bright reflective colors and use a reflective dog leash. Heaven forbid if you accidentally lost control of your dog and a car couldn’t see them.

Dog Collars

It is always a good idea to grab a couple of different types of collars for your new dachshund.

Dog Body Harnesses are a good idea for the dog that loves to pull constantly on their walks. When we take our dachshunds hiking, we have one dachshund who does just fine with his regular neck collar, but the other one pulls so hard that he is coughing and hacking because he just can’t get enough of this awesome walk we are having.

Body collars or harnesses for dogs should be nice and comfortable with plenty of room to grow, but not too snug. 

Read more about the Best Dachshund Body Harnesses.

 

Puppy Gates

You will need to pick up some puppy gates for your home to protect your stuff and your new pup.  Get a couple of individual doorway gates (from Amazon) that easily secure to your door frame and your stairs.  Some even have a kitty door.

A larger exercise play yard for your designated puppy area helps a ton during potty training. 

We LOVE our Superyard (from Amazon) for our pups during training. 

We also used the Superyard for our kids when they were toddlers, Win-Win!

 

Dog Kennel / Crate

Choosing the correct kennel is crucial for your dachshund. They will try to get out, so you need to learn how to safely keep them in. It needs to be a comfortable size for the dachshund.  A larger kennel that will stay at home and a small travel crate for trips to the vet or vacation is a good idea.

Dog Food

Start your dog off right with a  High Quality Puppy Food. Do your research on what dog foods are best for dachshunds and discuss some healthy options with your local Veterinarian to see what they recommend. 

I give both of my Dachshunds Science Diet – Small Bites.

  • Avoid purchasing the Cheapest Puppy Food.  Cheap ingredients = unhealthy dog.
  • Purchasing the Most Expensive dog food is not the best idea either.  Rich Ingredients = Sensitive Tummy Issues.

Look for a dog food that has quality food ingredients, less fillers, and a price that you can afford.

See DogFoodAdvisor.com for the best reviews on a variety of Dog Foods.

Dachshund Toys

Dachshunds may have a big bark, but they have a small sized mouth, so they need smaller toys.

Dachshunds love to chase balls, catch frisbees, and chew squeaker toys. Some doxies love to just demolish their toys. They love new toys for their Birthday or Christmas, but they are pretty temporary.

On special occasions, consider taking them to the pet store with you to let them choose from a few different types of toys.  Give them the option, they will love it.

Related Post: Best Dog Toys For Dachshunds

 

Puppy Pads

Pick up some puppy pads. You don’t need to go all out right away and get the 100 pack, just get a regular package and start their house training with those for starters.

Dog Bed

Pick up a nice cozy bed for your doxie.  Dog beds come in all shapes and sizes.  Plan on buying a nice one, but nothing too fancy if you are getting a new puppy.  Anything new for the puppy will get chewed, de-stuffed, peed on, you name it.

Pick a dog bed that is able to fit in your washing machine for easy cleanup.  Some smaller dachshunds also love the kitty igloo (From Amazon). 

My dachshund, Reno, absolutely loved his kitty igloo when he was younger. He would rough it up a bit at first, and then, it became his secure puppy den for bedtime.

Dog Blanket

Don’t go too crazy with your puppy’s new doggie blanket. See if you have an older blanket in your linen closet that you can spare.

Hint: They love fabric with your scent on it.  This will help them feel comforted when they are sleeping.  Dog blankies are bond to obtain some holes when your dog decides to make it his most recent chewy.

 

Puppy Shampoo

Get a gentle, real ingredient, puppy shampoo. Something hypoallergenic and tear less is best.

The Burt’s Bees Oatmeal-based puppy shampoo (from Amazon) ranks the highest for being gentle on your puppy, but still effective at cleaning them up.

Avoid using people shampoo. I know it may seem tempting and just more convenient, but our people shampoo is formulated for our skin and hair, not a dog’s. It will dry out your dachshund’s shiny coat and cause more itchy skin conditions.

Learn more about preventing Dachshund Skin Issues.

Puppy’s First Ride Home

When you pick up your new puppy, make sure you have a few things in the car for the ride back home. Understand that this pup has never been on a car ride, and it may make him very nervous or car sick.

Be prepared with some old towels, plastic bags, and wipes just in case. If it is a super long drive back to your home, make sure you have your pup’s water and food for those potty break pit stops you take on your way home.

When you pick up your new pup, it is a great idea to take a friend or family member with you for the journey. Not only is it a good way to have your pup bond with you but also to get to know other members of the family on the way home.

 

Puppy’s First Family Day

Explore: Let the puppy go on a sniff journey through your home!  Sniffing out his new surroundings and getting to know your family members gradually is a great way to allow him to become comfortable in his new home.

Meet and Greet: Try not to overwhelm the little one too much.  Don’t let your entire family visit on the same day to meet the new puppy, this may scare him.

Potty Training: Make sure to take frequent outside potty breaks.  Potty Training should start right away.

Naps: It is normal for your new dachshund puppy to nap a few times throughout the day. He is getting used to his new owners, new surroundings, and new rules of the roost. Give him time, just like a new baby, he is growing and needs to rest.

Puppy’s First Evening

At night time, it is up to you if you would like to crate your dog or have their bed in your bedroom.  It is OK to have the puppy in your bedroom or at least close by so that you can hear them cry when they need to go potty outside.

Puppies can’t hold their bladder very long, so be prepared to get up one to two times per night for the first couple of weeks.

This time will go fast, but it is a good part of the night training to have your dog alert you when they have to go potty outside.  Don’t hesitate, get them right outside.

When they have finished going potty, praise them quickly and send them back to bed.  Don’t use this time in the middle of the night as a time for attention or play.

Keep Your Puppy Rules consistent and don’t give up on the potty training.

Puppies are quick learners, so they understand what is acceptable behavior and what is not.  Good Luck with your new puppy, enjoy these special days, they go fast.

 

Free Printable Adoption Questions

Don’t forget to take along these free printable adoption questions.
Note: Your Printer Scale Settings need to be set to “fit to paper” to print correctly.

Dog Breeder Questions pdf
Dog rescue Questions pdf

Up Next: Easy Ways To Potty Train Your Dachshund

Adopting a Dachshund
 

Up Next: Ulitmate List of Dachshund Puppy Essentials – Everything You Need!

Ultimate list of dachshund puppy essentials

Helpful Links:

References:

  • Lunis, Natalie. 2009. Dachshund the Hot Dogger. New York, NY: Bearport Publishing Company, Inc.
  • Schweitzer, Karen. 2010. Our Best Friends the Dachshund. Pittsburg, PA: Eldorado Ink.