The day has finally dawned - it is time for the new family member to move in and get to know everyone properly. However, before you go rushing off in excitement, you need to ensure that everything is just right. Your new dachshund's transition to his new home should be as smooth as possible to minimize the trauma for her and frustration for you.

The course of events during the homecoming itself will set a precedent for your dachshund's mindset and emotional balance while she adjusts over the next couple of weeks and months. There are many dangers around the house that are encountered daily. Catastrophes can be averted, as well as, a reduction in stress, minimum vet bills, and everyone is happy. Quite a few items don't seem to bother anyone laying around that is, until a curious dachshund decides to examine it with his/her teeth. Small items can cause internal injuries, big items can cause blockages. Every year inexperienced owners end up paying hundreds to thousands of dollars to the vet due to items being eaten that are not supposed to be ingested. These tips won't mean your dachshund will not scarf down something that could endanger his/her health (or his/her life) but will hopefully cut down on blatant dachshund injuries that could've been prevented.

Don't set her up for failure: taking a little bit of time to prepare yourself and your home for her arrival will lessen the likelihood of you getting frustrated or stressed. Your dachshund takes her emotional cues from you: the happier and calmer you are, the happier and calmer your doxy will be. Getting everything ready and organized for such a life-changing event takes time, so thinking ahead is an absolute must.

It is important to remember that your new doxy will be in an unfamiliar environment and may therefore get in to all sorts of places that may be unsuitable or even downright dangerous. This is a particular concern for a puppy, as they can fit into places where you would not even think to look! Making sure your house is adequately puppy-proofed will not only ensure the long-term existence of your more prized possessions, but could also make the ifference between life and death for your dachshund.

Remove or hide the more tempting and dangerous items from her reach. Basically, removing anything that could pose a risk should be made safe and secure. Wires should be tacked along the walls or hidden underneath carpet, all cupboard doors should be securely shut, medications and cleaners should be well out of reach, and - lastly - make sure that anything you particularly value is placed off-limits, behind a closed door or above head height!

If you have kids, make sure that all toys - especially small items such as pieces from a board game - are out of the way, as your dog or puppy could swallow these. Even houseplants will need to be moved out of his reach, as they could make him sick if he chews them.

You should pre-select an area that is going to be your new dachshund's space - somewhere he can seek sanctuary if things get a bit hectic. This is where you should put his toys and bedding. Make sure that you also put some newspaper down around this area in case he has an accident, which could well happen if he is feeling nervous about his new environment.

There are alot of tempting chewables around the house that could seriouslyharm or even kill your doxy. Taking a few minutes before she arrives to scope out the house from a puppy's point of view (above and at ground level) should help you safeguard both your home and her health.

Are doors securely closed?

If have a pet door - is it the right size and close properly?

Are dangerous food items and plants out of range?

Are medicines, supplements, and antibiotics put up and safe?

Is the garbage secure and inaccessible?

Are cleaning supplies out of reach?

How about small objects and belongings you don't want chewed on - Are they out of reach?

Are sharp objects out of reach?

Is the toilet lid closed and free of sanitizing flush products?

Are electrical cords out of reach or hidden?

Are plants out of reach?

Dachshunds seem to know when you are at your busiest and eyes are off of them. They will watch you and wait patiently for thier chance. Do not give them this chance. If he/she does manage to get an unauthorized object - FIRST DO NOT CHASE. This becomes a game....one he/she is eager to play. Instead trade the object for a toy or a treat....chances are, the object will be dropped for your offering.

Here are some items dogs chose to swallow and the costs of removing them (The following list is from PetPartners, Inc.'s case files):

Corncob $1,1915.10

Chickenbone $2,699.81

String $5,000

Dental floss $3,589.52

Doll head $1,482

Hand warmer $1,424

Small rubber ball $1,418

Limit access

Some items cannot be moved whether its difficult or too inconvenient. Close doors, set up baby gates, put wastebaskets high above the floor, and block off garbage cans with bar stools. Dachshunds can be very creative when they want something you don't want them to have......You must be too.

Supervise, Supervise, Supervise

Dachshunds do not have any common sense as pups. Everything is theirs even when its not. When we have our ow children, we spend ungodly amounts of money, time and energy to ensure they are safe; A dachshund is no different. When you cannot keep an eye on him/her at all times (until he/she can be trusted) then he/she must be put in a crate, his/her own room, on a leash etc.

There are alot of things that are poison to your dachshund...... Some of it being food and must never be given to him/her under no circumstances. Dachshunds LOVE to eat ....... they will beg, whine, steal, manipulate or do anything else to get thier way. This sometimes gets them into trouble when they consume something they shouldn't:

Antifreeze - The sweet killer

Even one lick is enough to kill your dachshund. Once ingested it combines with calcuim in the blood to form crystals which block the tubules in the kidneys causing kidney failure. The first symptom is a sweet breath, nausea and vomiting. He/she may act drunk or uncoordinated. This progresses to depression, drooling, and inability to stand. Once the inability to stand and drooling takes place - death is imminent.

Chocolate - Lethal indulgence

Chocolate acts as a stimulant and is too much for a dachshund to handle. An ounce per pound is enough to be toxic; Bakers chocolate is ten times more lethal. The first phase is vomiting, diarrhea, and restlessness are combined with increased drinking and urinating. The second phase is hyperexcited, tremors, seizures and an abnormal heart rhythm - cardiac and respiratory failure happens 18 hours - 72 hours later.

Grapes of any kind: raisins, grape juice, jelly, etc. An unknown killer

There is something researchers have not yet identified in grapes (and their dried out relatives) that is poisonous. The average fatal dose is half a pound for a medium dog (although smaller quantities have caused death) The first signs are vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, depression and pain. When the kidneys fail, urine stops and death follows.

Xylitol - The killer sugar

This artificial sugar is found in sugarless gum, cereal, toothpaste, and beverages. A massive dose of insulin is released into the system. An hour after ingestion, glucose (blood sugar) levels drop deadly low. The first signs are vomiting, weakness, depression, drunkeness (inability to coordinate), and sometimes seizures.

Plants

Since there are so many varieties in and around the home and what they do it is impossible to list them all here. For a complete and updated list please visit these websites: A KC, ASPCA, and/or Cornell University

Onions - An oxygen depletor

The amount of onions in a Big Mac is enough to trigger poison symptoms. Onions diminishes oxygen, destroys hemoglobin, and damages red blood cells. The only symptom is a seizure caused by a lack of oxygen to the brain and sometimes slight anemia.

And of course: any type of human medicines and/or vitamins, electrical cords, rubber (unless made of nylabone), socks, stuffed animals, soaps, detergents, pesticides, diapers, toilet paper etc.

The point is to be on the lookout for anything that has the potential to cause harm no matter how small or safe something looks. This is just a small compilation of household items that are absolutely toxic to your dachshund.

Not everything can be averted, however, most things can. The most effective ways to prevent these atrocities is to: Case the premises - from two perspectives: yours and his/hers. Anything that dangles or moves must be moved until your dachshund can be trusted. Follow your dachshund around to see how well you have puppy-proofed. She will be sure to point out what you have missed.