The greatest gift you can give your puppy is a stress-free existence. Structure your puppy's world so that she feels safe. Provide for her needs, anticipating them before she does, and incorporate as much playtime into your daily routine as you can. A young puppy won't understand the word "no" or develop impulse control before 6 - 8 months, so put your expectations and frustrations on the back burner until you can channel both into useful communication. Puppyhood, like childhood, is short - Let your puppy enjoy hers to the fullest.

You have to understand the world from her perspective. She's brand-new to the world, and curiosity is her guide. Though her curiosity may result in behaviors that you find aggravating, don't take any of her antics personally: After all, she's just a baby. Getting angry at a puppy is as silly and ineffective as yelling at a 6 month old child. Not only will you not get through to her, you'll also frighten her. You, the very person she should feel most safe turning to, will be scaring and confusing her. This routine is neither educational nor good for long-term bonding. There is a much better way to navigate through this time-a much better way.

Your puppy is a lot like a human baby. Okay, sure, your pup may have a tail, full set of teeth, a furry body, but many of the differences stop there. Like a child, your puppy has 5 basic needs:

As well as an instinct to satisfy them. Unlike babies, puppies don't cry when thier needs aren't being met. Instead, they start nipping and, if directed, may bark and become frantic and fidgety. The behaviors are different, but the concept is the same. Both are easily overwhelmed when thier bodies make demands. If initial nips are met with harsh discipline, the puppy may develop defense reactions, such as aggression or barking back.

You can help your puppy identify his needs by pairing directions with routines. Whereas a child will develop language and a more civilized approach to communicating her requests, your puppy will develop his own system of communicating by prompting the routine.

Whoever satisfies a need is held in high regard. Though it may take some time for your puppy to "pay you back" with his love and devotion, each passing day brings you closer to that ultimate connection. Need by need your bond will grow!

Eating

Puppies are happiest when a predictable routine has been set. Schedule feeding times and stick to them as closely as possible. If you notice your puppy getting nippy or difficult, check your watch. The result could be a result of hunger tension.

Drinking

Puppies need a lot of water, especially when the weather is hot or when they're chewing and playing. Even though it's important to allow your puppy access to water when her system demands it, it's equally important to moniter her drinking habits. Bladder muscles are the last to develop, so what goes in, comes out quickly!

Establish a drinking station for your puppy and keep her dish there whether it's empty or full. Give your puppy water with her meals; after playing, chewing, or napping; or as you're on your way to her potty area. If your forgetful, it's better to fill her dish and leave it out for her throughout the day. Though it may delay your housetraining, it's better than having him go thirsty.

Restrict water after 7 pm, unless you want to be up all night taking your puppy outside. If your puppy clearly needs a drink, either give her a small amount (no more than 1/4 cup) or offer a couple of ice cubes.

Sleeping

We all love a good sleep, and you'll find that you're puppy is no exception. Craete a quiet space where your puppy can escape the daily hubbub and catch up on his z's whenever he need to. Make it clear to friends and family that this area - perhaps a crate, bed, room, or pen - is off-limits to people when your puppy needs to nap. An over-tired puppy is impossible to deal with. Like a child, a puppy will simply melt down. In fact, when pushed, his mouthy, testy behavior may turn into snappy aggression. Don't correct, worry, or admonish him. Have pity instead - He's exhausted.

Potty

Housetraining can be summed up this way "Whatever goes in must come out". Your puppy's biological clock will have her eliminating on demand. When her bladder or bowels are pressed, she'll let loose whether she's outside or on the papers - or on the rug, if your not watching. Her Mom has taught her to leave the "nest" when eliminating. If Mom was too relaxed, the puppy will rely on you to clean up after her, a message of total care and devotion.

Your goals are to teach your puppy where to go and how to let you know if an obstacle (such as a door) is stopping her from getting there. Fortunately this will be easy once you have a routine and are ready to relax your expectations. Tension or expressed frustration is confusing; Your puppy won't learn quickly and may grow increasingly more afraid of you.

Play

The urge to play and express himself energetically is one of the most natural responses in your puppy's repertoire. As with children, play and light hearted interactions can be fabulous instructional tools and can be used exclusively during your first few months together. How you play with your puppy determines your longterm relationship:

These are samples only. Every family is different and has thier own time frames performing thier daily routines. Please note, all tasks must be done. Adapt them to meet your own daily schedules to establish your own routines with your new dachshund.

If puppy is left at home with no breaks - you WILL have a mess to clean up upon your arrival home at lunchtime and in the evening time. Be careful as this may become routine for your dachshund. Habits are hard to break!

If your puppy is more interested in you than his meal, take him outside first for 10 minutes then try giving her the food again and take back outside after 20 minutes.

Working Family

* Do on days off

Stay at Home Family