Accessories for a new dachshund
If you haven't had a dog in the house in recent years, there's a few things you need to have on hand before the big day.
Some items are absolutely essential.
Shopping list:
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Food dish and water bowl. This should be something that will not easily tip over and something that won't trap water underneath when water spills (and it will). If you have a dishwasher, make sure it's dishwasher safe. If you're bringing home a puppy, the dishes should be gnaw proof and one that won't slide around on the floor.
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High quality food (puppy food if you're adding a puppy). Dachshunds are not big eaters so it doesn't cost that much more to get the best. Avoid the least expensive foods. I have found that our dogs like a mix of canned (small, cat-food size cans — never feed cat food to a dog) mixed with some crunchy kibble type food. Dachshunds easily can become overweight if given too much food, so be careful on quantity of food. We feed our dogs (standards) twice a day. In the morning each dog gets 1/4 of a small can of food mixed with about 1/4 cup of kibble mixed in. Soft food (canned) entirely may cause gum problems, so the crunchy kibble helps alleviate this. In the evening they receive about 1/3 cup of just kibble. Talk to your vet on what would be appropriate for your dog.
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Bedding. Each dog should have their own place to sleep. Preferably two places. One for daytime naps and the other for nights. We have always used a large wire crate for nighttime sleeping with individual bedding inside for both dogs and then for daytime, they each have small wicker beds.
How you set up your sleeping arrangements are entirely up to you. Our dachshunds really enjoy the crate as do we. At night we always know where they are should there ever be an emergency, we won't have to go looking for them. The night-time crating has become an evening ritual. At bed-time we tell the dogs that "it's bed-time. And they always take off for the back door to take care of business. Then when they come in, they take off for their crate. By the time we catch up, they're all tucked in and ready for bed. If the crate's door isn't open, but not latched, they will actually pull at it to get it open. How sweet is that? -
Location of their bedding. They should have a place that's quiet and free of drafts. We keep an old quilt that we cover the crate, especially during the colder winter months. This gives them a nice sort of igloo that they can feel safe and secure in and less like being caged. -
Collars. Young dachshunds can be anything that's not too expensive and can be easily replace. Make sure the fit is snug but not too tight. Never put on a collar that is too loose.
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Leads. We don't recommend using a lead on young puppies. The world is full of things that can frighten a young puppy and the last thing we want is to have them afraid of a lead and collar. The lead should be gradually introduced to the puppy as they become more accustom to their surroundings.
For mature dachshunds a light leather lead or retractable lead is good. Pet stores usually offer a large selection of leads and collars.
Harnesses are not recommended for the dachshund as most harnesses do not fit properly around the dachshund's unique anatomy. -
Brush and combs. Natural bristle brushes are preferred, and brushing should become a weekly routine for both you and your pet. During flea season, a fine toothed flea comb is recommended.
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Toys. Dachshunds love toys. There's a wide variety of suitable toys, but not all are safe. Toys made from rawhide or solid rubber are good. They can be chewed and pulled without danger of choking. Avoid toys made of wood or plastic. Squeaking toys also can be quickly chewed apart and parts may be swallowed. If you use these types of toys, always use them under supervision. Never give the dog old clothing items to play with (i.e. shoes, socks etc.) as they can't tell the difference between old clothes and items you're still using. Toys should be special play things that you control when they come out and when they get put away. It's better not to leave toys laying around.
Other things to consider before bringing home your new friend is finding a vet. A good vet is an absolute must for any dog owner. They can advise you on all matters related to the health of well fare of your dog. If you don't know a vet, ask some friends for recommendations. If possible, find one that is close and has hours that fits your working schedule. Once you bring home the pet, take him to your vet and have the vet give the dog a physical and to check the dog's records if available.