I don’t know how many people I have had said to me “I cannot wait until my Dachshund puppy is at least 6 months old, then we are out of the puppy stage”. This makes me cringe and laugh at the same time. Cringe because I worry the person’s expectations may be too high for their doxie and laugh because the fun is in full swing when it comes to a 6-month-old Dachshund puppy.
I generally describe this age as the toddler’s terrible twos combined with the teenage years of a human. They are into everything, tend to have selective hearing, and have no problem using you for their own gain. I am currently raising a miniature smooth Dachshund male for the show ring and the 6-month-old phase has by far been the most trying.
Having raised and trained Dachshunds for over 26 years, I can honestly tell you they are all puppies until they are about 2 years old. Now, that does not mean they are all that way. I have had some that settle in between 12 and 15 months and I have had some remain “puppy-ish” until they were 4 years old. I currently have a 17-month-old that has to be watched like a hawk as he will put anything in his mouth.
So, what can you expect from your 6-month-old Dachshund puppy? A lot of work, love, and laughter.
What to Expect from a 6-Month-Old Dachshund Puppy?
Your 6-month-old Dachshund is still all puppy and if you do not stay consistent with their training can become a total terror. By this time, your house should be puppy-proofed but you will still want to remember to keep things that you are attached to out of reach of your little Doxie. Adorable little pups, but rough on rugs, laundry, shoes, kids’ toys, and basically anything they can get their mouths on.
While your 6-month-old Dachshund should still be contained when you are not able to keep an eye on them, they will most likely have more freedom in your home. However, I never give a puppy free run of my home until they are about 2 years old, fully housetrained, and through the puppy stages.
Your Dachshund puppy will still want to take naps during the day and while they will dive into cuddle beds and blankets, you will want to use an indoor play pen to keep your Doxie safe and give them their own space.
How Big is A 6-Month-Old Dachshund?
Expect your 6-month-old puppy to be a little gangly and awkward with big, floppy ears and lively eyes. Your pup will most likely look a little lean and that is perfectly okay. They will really begin to look long and lean but will definitely have the classic look of a Dachshund.
A puppy that is too chunky or is just obese is really not cute, especially when the puppy is older and should be leaning out. An overweight puppy cannot get out and move and enjoy life, it also puts undo stress on their joints which can cause problems as they get older.
Try to keep your pup at their ideal weight by feeding them a healthy diet of high-quality puppy food and ensuring they get plenty of exercise. Expect your puppy to really start to look like an adult and start lengthening as well as their chest begin to deepen.
How Much to Feed a 6-Month-Old Dachshund Puppy?
There is a fine line between feeding the right amount and letting your puppy eat too much. I tend to toe that line when growing a show prospect. I always feed puppies free choice, meaning they can eat as often and as much as they like. When a Dachshund reaches 6 months of age, I start really assessing how much they are eating.
If I notice the puppy is eating too much and not being very active, I begin measuring their food intake. A puppy that is very active and eating quite a bit is normal and those pups stay on unlimited food. However, if the puppy eats a large amount and stays too lean, you will want to head to the veterinarian to make sure there is not an underlying problem.
I keep my Dachshund puppies on Fromm Family Gold puppy food for the first year of life to ensure they have all the nutrients needed for their growth and development. Through the years I have tried a number of different puppy foods and I always go back to the Fromm puppy food.
How Much Does a Dachshund Puppy Sleep?
A puppy, no matter the breed, still requires several naps throughout the day even when they reach 6 months old. While you can plan longer activities now that your Doxie puppy is older, remember they are still a puppy and should not do anything too strenuous and have plenty of breaks.
I always put all my puppies on a schedule that gives them several naps throughout the day. Since I work from home, it is easy to set a specific schedule for my puppies. For those puppy owners who work away from the home, set up an indoor playpen with a bed, food, water, and a potty pad as well as lots of toys to keep them entertained.
How Much Exercise Does Your 6-Month-Old Dachshund Puppy Need?
Spending time playing with your 6-month-old Dachshund for at least an hour daily is a great way to bond with your puppy as well as give them the exercise that they need. You should break that time up into smaller blocks of time such as 30 minutes in the morning and 30 minutes in the evening of harder play.
If you don’t have 30 minutes in the morning, head out and spend 10 minutes of 15 minutes, and then make sure they have longer play times in the afternoon and evening. Letting your Doxie puppy exercise too much can cause them to become sore or develop joint and/or muscle pain. You want to make sure they are staying in shape without them hurting themselves.
How to Train a 6-Month-Old Dachshund
Just like with any puppy, consistency and positive reinforcement are the best way to ensure you have successful training sessions. You can have longer training sessions as long as the Dachshund puppy is happy and wants to perform. As soon as you see them start to lose interest or no longer want to do the activity, that is when you end the session and make sure they know how good they were.
If you are too rough with your doxie puppy during training they will not respond to you or want to work for you. Too many times I have seen a Dachshund puppy so ready to learn only to be shut down by a heavy-handed trainer. Keep things fun, have a special toy that they only get during a training session, and use a special treat that is only used for training. Repetition and consistency along with positive reinforcement should always be used.
Final Thoughts
You will have a blast with your 6-month-old Dachshund puppy as long as you keep your sense of humor during some of the times you really want to joyfully throttle them. Every day with a doxie puppy, no matter the age is a party.
Sometimes you will shake your head in amazement at their antics, but you will also have so many days of unconditional love and deep devotion. Your 6-month-old Dachshund puppy will eventually grow up and become a mature doxie that is not always trying your patience.
Keep them on a schedule, make sure they have plenty of exercises, and be consistent in their training to create a well-adjusted canine companion that enhances your life.
If you’ve missed our other posts about the development of Dachshund puppies, you can check them out here:
- 8-Week-Old Dachshund: Growing and Exploring Their Surroundings
- 3-Month-Old Dachshund: Growth and Training Tips
- 4-Month-Old Dachshund Puppy: Training, Socialization, and Growth
- 5-Month-Old Dachshund Puppy: Growth, Training, and Keeping It Real
- Senior Dachshunds
Dachshund Resources and Tips
If you want to learn more about the Dachshund breed, check out these articles:
- The Dachshund Breed Profile: A Curious, Energetic, Mischievous, Stubborn, Yet Loveable Dog
- Miniature Vs. Standard Dachshund Comparison
- Dachshund Colors – Patterns and Markings Explained [With Pictures]
- Short Haired Dachshund: All You Need to Know About The Original Wiener Dog
- Long-Haired Dachshunds: Health, Temperament, and Grooming
- Wire-haired Dachshunds: History, Health, Temperament, and Fun Facts
- Male or Female Dachshund: Which sex is best for you?
- Blue Dachshund: Breed Info, Temperament, Health, and Costs
- Piebald Dachshund – Temperament, Health, Costs and Pictures
- Dapple Dachshunds – Temperament, Health, Costs and Pictures
- English Cream Dachshunds: Temperament, Types, Health and Care
- What Factors Determine The Lifespan of a Dachshund?
- Top 20 Essential Accessories for A New Dachshund Puppy
- How to Train Your Dachshund Puppy: From Basic Tips to Advanced Methods
- How Much Does a Dachshund Cost? (Full Breakdown of Initial Price and Yearly Costs)
I am looking to purchase female Miniature Dachshund either a puppy or any other not older than 5 years. Can you help me with this? Please respond back to me. Thank you……. Monika .