FluffyWA

Positive training · From eight weeks

Dachshund Puppy Training Manual

From 8 Weeks

Dachshund: a well-fitted Y-front harness and low tunnel support safe, low-impact confidence work.

29 chapters · English / 中文

Watercolour illustration of a Dachshund puppy wearing a green Y-front harness while walking out of a fabric training tunnel
Dachshund: a well-fitted Y-front harness and low tunnel support safe, low-impact confidence work.

Breed profile

Training group
Scenthounds
Origin
The Dachshund originated in Germany as an earth-working hunting dog.
Standard weight
7–15 kg
Miniature weight
4–5 kg
Shoulder height
13–23 cm
Coat
Short, long or wire coat
Coat care
Choose grooming tools for the individual coat and condition brushing, body checks and paw handling gradually. Make calm, supported lifting and ramp use voluntary learned skills rather than sudden restraint.
Drive keywords
Scent · Digging · Den guarding
Handling practice
Condition both supported lifting and Y-front-harness wear in tiny voluntary steps: cue, hands or harness presented, brief supported lift or one strap movement, marker, reward and return to stable ground before struggle. Choose a harness that leaves the shoulders free, avoids neck loading and is rechecked as the puppy grows. · Match brushing and body checks to the individual short, long or wire coat, with calm paw and under-body handling rather than forced restraint.

General reference ranges only; individual dogs vary considerably.

Predictability lowers arousal

The first week: daily rhythm

Move the times to fit your household; preserve the order and the ratio of awake time to sleep.

Example rhythm for an eight-week-old puppy
TimeWhat happens
06:30Wake and toilet
Before greeting or play, carry a small puppy directly to the chosen toilet spot.
06:35Breakfast
Use part of the meal for name response and calm four-paws-on-floor reinforcement.
06:45–07:00Calm awake time
Five to fifteen minutes of sniffing, chewing or gentle handling.
07:00–09:00Protected sleep
One to two hours of rest in the crate.
09:00Toilet
Go immediately after release from the crate.
09:05Micro-training
Train for two minutes, then allow five to fifteen minutes of supervised activity.
09:25–11:00Protected sleep
Keep visitors, children and household traffic away from the rest area.
11:00Toilet, water and meal
Offer the next meal if following a multi-meal puppy plan, then keep activity calm.
11:30–13:30Protected sleep
One to two hours of uninterrupted rest.
13:30–17:30Repeat the cycle
Toilet, a two-minute lesson or brief activity, then sleep; toilet after drinking, play and every crate release.
17:30Evening meal
Use part of the ration for name work, followed by toileting and quiet family time.
18:00–20:30Short awake periods
Alternate brief activity with naps; do not turn the evening into continuous play.
22:00–22:30Final toilet
Settle the crate beside the bed after the final toilet trip.
OvernightQuiet toilet if needed
Take the puppy out without play or conversation, then return directly to the bedroom crate.

Do not do these things in the first week

Introduce family members in this order

  1. Children Ask the child to sit on the floor. No chasing, picking up, hugging or crowding; an adult controls the distance.
  2. Resident dogs Meet outdoors on neutral ground, then begin with a calm parallel walk before entering the home.
  3. Cats Maintain secure separation and prevent every chase rehearsal. If the breed profile requires professional cat or small-animal compatibility assessment, do not progress to visual or direct exposure yourself; the qualified professional sets the plan. The cat must always have an exit route.

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