Bringing Your Puppy Home
Puppies go home between 8-9 weeks of age after being cleared by a Veterinarian and being fully weaned and eating kibble. All of our dachshunds come with age appropriate vaccines and de-worming, as well as, one month of heart worm and flea/tick prevention. All of our puppies are well socialized and used to being handled and have some puppy pad/crate training. We feed our puppies "Life's Abundance Small Breed Puppy" which can be purchased on the Life's Abundance website. Please review the information below. This will help you best prepare for his or her arrival.
Puppy Pad Training
Training your puppy to use puppy pads can be a useful tool, especially if you live in an apartment or don't have easy access to a yard. Here are some steps you can take to train your puppy on puppy pads: 1. Choose a designated area for the puppy pad. This area should be easily accessible to your puppy and away from their food and water bowls. 2. Show your puppy the puppy pad and encourage them to explore it. You can place a treat on the pad to entice them to investigate it. 3. When your puppy shows interest in the pad, place them on it and give them a verbal cue, such as "go potty" or "potty time." Wait for them to go potty, and when they do, give them lots of praise and a treat. 3. If your puppy doesn't go potty on the pad, take them outside to their designated potty area and wait for them to go potty. When they do, give them lots of praise and a treat. 4. Repeat this process every time your puppy needs to go potty. As they become more familiar with the pad, gradually move it closer to the door or outside area. 5. Once your puppy is consistently using the puppy pad, you can start to gradually move it further away from their designated area and towards the door or outside area. 6. It's important to remember that accidents will happen, especially in the early stages of training. If your puppy has an accident, clean it up thoroughly with an enzymatic cleaner to remove any scent and avoid attracting them back to that spot. While pad training is not for everyone, it is recommended for puppies until they have their last set of shots. Consistency and patience are key when training your puppy to use puppy pads. With time and practice, your puppy will learn to use the pads and become potty trained.
Crate Training
Crate training can be a useful tool for housebreaking and providing your puppy with a safe and secure space. Here are some steps you can take to crate train your puppy: 1. Choose the right size crate. The crate should be large enough for your puppy to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. If the crate is too big, your puppy may use one end as a bathroom and sleep in the other, defeating the purpose of crate training. 2. Introduce your puppy to the crate gradually. Leave the door open and place some treats or a favorite toy inside the crate to entice your puppy to explore it. 3. Encourage your puppy to spend time in the crate by placing their food bowl or water dish inside. Gradually increase the amount of time your puppy spends in the crate, starting with short periods and gradually building up to longer periods. 4. Always provide your puppy with plenty of praise and positive reinforcement when they go into the crate. Make sure to never force your puppy into the crate or use it as a form of punishment. 5. Once your puppy is comfortable spending time in the crate, start closing the door for short periods while you are in the room. Gradually increase the amount of time the door is closed while you are in the room. 6. Practice leaving your puppy in the crate for short periods while you are out of the house. Start with just a few minutes and gradually increase the time as your puppy becomes more comfortable. 7. Make the crate a comfortable and inviting space for your puppy by placing a comfortable bed or blanket inside. You can also leave some toys or treats inside to keep your puppy entertained. Remember, crate training takes time and patience, and it's important to never force your puppy into the crate or use it as a form of punishment. With consistency and positive reinforcement, your puppy will learn to love their crate and see it as a safe and comfortable space.
Dietary Needs
Feeding your small breed puppy a balanced and nutritious diet is essential for their health and growth. Here are some general guidelines for a feeding schedule for a small breed puppy: 1. From weaning until about six months of age, small breed puppies should be fed three to four meals per day. This is because small breed puppies have smaller stomachs and need to eat more frequently. 2. After six months of age, you can start to reduce the number of meals to two or three per day. It's important to spread the meals out evenly throughout the day and avoid feeding your puppy too close to bedtime. 3. Measure out the appropriate amount of food for your puppy based on their age, weight, and activity level. Overfeeding your puppy can lead to obesity and other health problems. 4. Choose a high-quality puppy food that is specifically formulated for small breed puppies. Look for a food that is rich in protein and includes essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals. 5. Avoid giving your puppy table scraps or human food as treats, as this can lead to nutritional imbalances and behavioral problems. 6. Always make sure your puppy has access to fresh, clean water throughout the day. Remember, every puppy is different and may have different nutritional requirements, so it's always a good idea to consult with your veterinarian about the best feeding schedule and diet for your small breed puppy.
