The Dachshund

The Dachshund was developed in Germany centuries ago to hunt badgers. Badgers were a threat to farmers’ livestock, and packs of these short-legged, stubborn Dachshunds were sent down badger holes after them.

For the first 3 weeks of the puppies life, the family and the pack are unimportant as far as the baby Dachshund is concerned. The only one of any significance is the puppy and the Mother. She is key to his survival and the source of food, warmth and security. At the age of 4 weeks the puppy’s needs are still being met by his Mother, but his littermates are becoming more important. His Brothers and Sisters provide warmth and security when their Mother leaves the bed. His curiosity is developing and he will climb on and over his littermates learning their scent and feel. During this time he will begin to use his sense of hearing to follow sounds and his sense of vision to follow moving objects. Mum will also begin to discipline the puppies and this instinctive training will be vitally important to the puppies future acceptance of training. At this age the puppies can learn the difference between their Mother’s touch and handling of humans.

Weeks 5 through to 7 the young Dachshund goes through lots of changes, he is learning to recognise people and is responding to individuals voices. Playing, wrestling and playing more with his littermates will teach the puppy how to get along, how to play, when the play is too rough, when to be submissive and when to take things seriously. The mum teaches the puppy to accept corrections, training and affection.

At 8 weeks old the puppy is frightened for most of the time, this is because things are changing and the puppies are going to their new homes and starting new and exciting lives with their new family.

When you get the puppy home take time to introduce new things to the puppy as it will all be new, exciting and frightening but with time the puppy will become more confident and have lots of fun times with you. Get the puppy used to immediate family at first so they are not ‘over faced’ by people then slowly as the puppy gets more settled introduce friends and extended family.

The puppy may become upset and cry at bed time because it will be all new and the puppy has being used to have its litter mates to keep him company, try and give the puppy a bed time routine and try to stick to it, at first the puppy may cry which is not nice to hear however persevere and slowly but surely the puppy will get in to a routine and soon not bother about going to bed.

Finally enjoy your puppy and I hope you enjoy the new member to your family, have lots of fun and good times. If you need any advice or information please feel free to contact me. daytime 01538300344 evenings mobile 07973430213

Cooper

BLACK AND TAN FEMALE GARTHORNE ELLA  PET NAME DING

DORRIS CHOCOLATE AND TAN FEMALE ALSO DORRIS WITH HER PREVIOUS LITTER OF BABIES

Cooper with his ladies

Barkley and Dorris