What to Expect

        There are quite a few things to learn, if you are a new dog owner. The first hurdle you'll have is the car ride home. I would suggest having a second person with you, to hold the puppy on their lap, or you can purchase a travel case to keep your puppy safe during the trip. There is a chance that your puppy may become carsick. Having a towel on hand, or some cleansing wipes would be beneficial. 

       When you bring your puppy home for the first time, it will be a whole new experience for them. New sights, sounds, smells, people, and even other pets for them to meet. It will take a few days for your new pup to adjust to their new surroundings. By then, they will realize that this is "home"! 

       We have worked hard to socialize your puppy to adults, children, pets, loud noises, etc...but this will be an ongoing process that you will need to continue with them. Don't be afraid to introduce new experiences to your pup over the course of the next year or so!

        Overcoming fears of new things, with gentle encouragement, will boost their self-confidence. Patience is key. But trust in YOU needs to be established first. They need to know that you love them, and they will lean on YOUR self-confidence. Dogs are pack animals. Your family is their new pack. Puppies will always look for guidance from their Alpha. Harshness is not necessary, but firmness and consistency are essential. 

        You'll find that dachshunds are highly intelligent and eager to learn. Keeping their mind busy with interactive toys, chewable playthings, or playtime with you will help to keep the energy level down. 

         Potty training may take several months before there are no "accidents". Your puppy will be partially paper trained by the time they go home. Some use "pee pads" in their home. Others begin using the outside right away. There is no "correct" choice. That's your decision to make. Puppies will generally need to "go" about 15 minutes after eating. Taking your puppy out every hour to go potty will help them to learn where to go. Lots of praise when they succeed will help even more! 

         Crate training is an option if you don't want your puppy sleeping with you (though many people do!). If you choose to crate train your puppy, the first few days/weeks may be a little difficult. Your puppy is used to snuggling with their litter mates. If you do not have a companion for your pup, they may cry/whine at the start. (Bear in mind that a puppy is not like a human baby. Their "crying" is a call for attention in this situation, not an actual need for help.) 

         Your puppy will come home with a gift bag containing a small bag of 4-Health puppy food, some snack biscuits, a few toys, and a plush blankie.

         You can use any puppy food you choose. Your vet can help with that decision. Just mix 1/2+1/2 of my puppy food with yours, until it's gone. Then move straight into your own food. This will eliminate any stomach upset from the changeover. While I allow my pups access to food all day long, this does not always work well in a home environment. Feeding three times a day (breakfast, lunch, dinner) is totally fine. I suggest giving them about 1/2 cup of food at a time. and then monitor how much they actually eat. You can adjust from there. Keep in mind that as they grow, their appetite will increase. 

          Your puppy will come vet-checked, wormed, and with first vaccinations. The second round of vaccinations will be due approximately 2-3 weeks after. You will be given a written record of your pup's worming and vaccine information as well as their vet health papers when you pick them up. 

          When you receive your puppy, they will be in the best of health, as far as we are aware. The health and safety of all of our puppies and adult dogs is our TOP priority. We would NEVER sell a puppy that is sick or injured.

          We take our puppies to their first vet visit, however, it is always a good idea to have the puppy checked by your own vet to verify the health of your puppy. We stand behind the quality of our dogs. Our health guarantee is: If your vet finds something wrong with your puppy that we were not aware of, you will receive a full refund or a replacement puppy. If the puppy develops a life-threatening congenital defect within the first 2 years of age, you will receive a full refund. All of this will be in writing when you pick up your puppy. Again, I stress, we stand behind the quality of our dogs. 

          I highly recommend waiting until closer to a year before spaying/neutering your puppy. There is a lot of physical development that needs to occur for your puppy to be healthy. Puberty is essential to that. Cutting short that process leads to cardiac tumors, bone cancer, prostate cancer, abnormal bone growth and development, ACL ruptures, hip dysplasia, urinary incontinence, hypothyroidism, and behavioral issues (noise phobias, fearfulness, aggression, etc...).

          For more info on spaying/neutering check out   

https://www.intermountainpet.com/en-us/blog/why-you-should-wait-until-puberty-to-neuter-your-dog