C – Calm
C – Confident The most important 2 “C’s”
C – Controlled
I can not stress enough the importance of being Calm, Confident and in Control when it comes to dog ownership. An owner who is stressed and unsure will alert their dog to be the same. How we respond to our environment is so important for not only our fur family member, but also for our own wellbeing.
Below are some answers to your questions. – Answered to the best of my ability.
1. What kind of nail clippers do you use?
At the start, we use human fingernail clippers until they go to their new home. Our adult dachshunds have enough activity and walks that we don’t need to use clippers. The sidewalk “file” their nails naturally. I have heard good things about the nail clipper or nailgrinder/clipper set added on my website under Health & Grooming Favorites.
2. What kind of dog treats (especially for training rewards) do you use?
Highly recommend PawTree – Training Treats. All of them are great but keep it simple to something close to their kibble ingredients at first. Also, their Raw Chicken Freeze – Dried Dog food makes great training treats as well. Super high quality food but a little pricey. I like to buy one bag occasionally with my food order and make little snack size bags to store in the freezer keeping them extra fresh. With that said, I move quickly toward high praise and affection as my reward for good behavior. I can not stress enough about being very careful on how much treat giving can actually cause behavior problems as well as health issues for a dachshund.
3. How old should the pups be to go to a formal obedience class?
As far as training, socialization should start right away… Slowly and calmly… friends and family. You can start in house training right away as well. Getting them used to harness and leash without pulling or biting. Only respond with attention when they are calm and waiting with a polite sit to be picked up. These steps will give you a great start towards moving into formal training if you choose. I would recommend waiting until they are fully vaccinated but you can also ask your veterinarian’s opinion on this.
4. What kind of brush do you use for smooth coat dachshunds?
I have never used a brush on my smooth coat dachshunds but would love input on what others would recommend.
5. Do you clean their teeth at home? If yes, what kind of product(s) do you use? If not, how often do you get their teeth cleaned at the Vet?
I have heard good things about PawTree’s Plaque Control Oral Hygiene Support. They are soft Chews that can be used as directed on label. I personally have not tried it out yet, but plan to add to my next order. Coconut oil can also help improve a dog’s breath and calm gum irritation due to its natural antibacterial properties, but it works best as a palatable toothpaste alternative for mechanical brushing rather than a standalone plaque remover. Just using a small amount won’t hurt them. Biggest tip for teeth care is definitely no wet food mixes or human food. Also, good rule of thumb is to play with puppies ears, paws and mouth slowly while having quiet time so they don’t pull away when needing to clip nails, brush teeth or clean ears. Additionally, we always make sure that the adults have a teeth cleaning when they are spayed or neutered.
6. Do you prefer the hard-sided plastic crates/kennels to the metal cage style?
I prefer the hard-sided plastic crate with the two door opening. This way I can use it when I go to the vet if needed or move around the house. The two I use here at our home are on the website as well. I start with the smaller one (only one door) and move to the larger one (two door) when they are bigger. (The soft sided ones are used for flights/travel.)
7. Could you please explain your process for potty/house training (or tips, tricks, dos and don’ts).
8. Could you please explain your process for crate training (or tips, tricks, dos and don’ts).
9. With crate training, do you ever let the dogs sleep in your bed, or will they regress and need to be retrained?
I will answer questions 7, 8 and 9 together:
Main Tip for Potty Training:
Do not let them have free range of house without being monitored at all times. Again, watch them at all times when they are in the main areas of the house. Play time/freedom to run around while you watch should be just after they go potty in their potty area (inside or outside). High praise is best for going potty on their spot. (I would personally not use treats for going potty and just give high praise and affection.) They learn very quickly that they will get a treat for “going potty” and will fake it for the treat. This creates a nuisance. Training needs to start right away. They need to understand that you are in charge and have everything handled. Both the crate and playpen create a springboard for potty training. (This also goes for our young adult adoptions as well until they have earned the freedom to have more free range in their new home.)
Main Tip for Crate Training:
Go slow and make crate time very positive. Do not wait until you need to use the crate to put a puppy in with the door close. Use a time that you need to do something on your phone, computer or when you want to watch a show, etc. to allow puppy to go in with the door open. Keep patting them and praising them as they lay quietly. This would be after getting their energy out. Once they adjust, slowly close and open the door. Only leave the door closed for a few seconds at a time at first. Then increase the time. Don’t sneak away when the door is closed and they are asleep. Actually wake them up a little with more praise and attention. Keep this up until they are perfectly aware that you have closed the door but they are too tired to complain. Let them sleep for about 10 minutes and then get them out and hold them. Then start the process over again. Do not do this training right before you go to bed at night. The main thing this training creates is the confidence that you are there for them and that they are not trapped. Dachshunds by nature like to burrow so I drape a blanket or towel over the crate for comfort.
Main Tip for sleeping in a bed or Crate Training:
Think of the long game when making this decision. I would highly recommend training for sleeping in the crate to start. Small daytime naps are great for cuddle time but you want to make sure they are able to sleep comfortably in a crate. In other words, I personally would wait until they are older to allow them to sleep in your bed. This will also help with potty training. Again, crate training for sleeping and while not being supervised is advised until you feel they are ready for more freedom. With that said, you will need to work with each puppy with what works best for your schedule.
A few more Notes:
I would highly recommend boundaries right away, and the chance to learn new things. They are very smart. Sleeping and napping in their crate will create a potty routine in their new home. Remember to have fun and do what works best for your lifestyle and routines. Families do not all have the same goals in mind so take it slow and do what works best for your family.
I would do this Routine Cycle:
Sleep in a crate, potty, food/water, play/walk/train, snuggle, sleep in a crate. (Repeat ) This will allow them to understand who’s in charge and bring calm to their new life with you as the pack leader. As they are young puppies, don’t expect too much from them right away. Let them slowly learn and grow to understand what is expected of them.
10. What are your thoughts on “littermates syndrome”?
Honestly, it really comes down to the families approach and training in home. I have heard good reports from my families with littermates. They are able to have a playmate at theirlevel and a companion. I would highly recommend setting the tone of being the pack leader though. This is an extensive conversation and one that does not have one single answer. Highly recommend starting with puppies having individual training sessions. We can talk more on this in person if needed.
11. How often do you give chew treats/toys (like the Nylabone ones or the collagen chews)?
How long of a time period do you let them work on them? Do they pose any choking risk?
I find Collagen Chews (I buy the Farmers brand) are more interesting to all puppies and adults. Also a good support for their joints, skin & coat, and dental health. Additionally, this chew helps with boredom, teething for a puppy and can reduce stress. With that said, they can’t have it all day. I have never had a choking problem but I throw them out once they are about three inches long. If they eat too much at one time it can make their poo a little weird. The amount of time they are allowed to have a chew will be up to your discretion. Nyla-bones are also good for a general chew toy, but they don’t seem as interested as they do the collagen chews. Again, no matter the chew or toy, if it looks like a choking hazard, I throw it out.
12. How often (or when and at what age) do you use a balance stability trainer?
I actually just add a Wobble board into the playpen around 4-6 weeks as a desensitization tool. Not really for extensive exercise. They are too young for that. I try to introduce common things early so that they are not upset when new things come up as they move into their new homes. They like to test it out at this age but they are just realizing that they are ok if the ground moves a little as they run across the board. You can increase to actual short training sessions after around 4-5 months old and following your veterinarian’s recommendations due to bone and muscle development. Remember, the goal for a dachshund is to have healthy muscle mass and low body fat.
Cheers,
Becky DeLorenzo
DeLorenzo Dachshund 