Everything you need to get started and make your pup feel at home!
Getting Things Ready
Puppy/ dog training book purchase or get advice online
Essentials: Food, Water, Treats, & Toys
Food puppies need high quality food for health and growth (Learn about: LFD Kennel's Dachshund Diet)
Bowls food and water bowls, make sure they are of a lower height so there is no strain on pup
Food Storage airtight containers or bins for dry food; lids for open cans of wet food and remember to refrigerate!
Treats rewards when puppy training (... and just because!)
Chew Toys puppies are still teething, but beware of squeakers dachshund can eat them, no rawhide
Cuddle Toys a new environment & maybe missing siblings -- they even make some with light heat packs!
Toy Box/Bin toys, toys, & more toys! avoid tripping hazards with storage, but make sure your pup can easily get their toys out
Safe Place to Sleep & Play
Bed & blankets dachshunds love to burrow and get comfy! (Need Help?: LFD Pinterest Page)
Crates & Gates size adequate for a mature dog (Learn about: Crate Training)
Litter box (opt) pellets made of alfalfa or paper are safe in case of ingesting
Safe Outside Play & Travel
Harness not a neck collar, a harness suited for a dachshund (Need Help?: LFD Pinterest Page)
ID Tags even indoor dogs need identification, make sure to include: pup's name, your phone number, home city
if you can, include your full address
if your pup takes medications: "needs meds"
if your pup is microchipped (LFD encourages it!) (Learn about: Microchipping)
Leash retractable leashes are great for small breeds
Car restraint safest for puppy/dog to travel in the backseat in cage or restraint
Potty pads & Poo bags (Learn about: Housebreaking/Potty Training)
Health & Sanitation
Grooming Supplies shampoo, brush, nail trimmer, toothpaste & brush, ear cleaner (Need Help?: LFD Pinterest Page)
Cleaning supplies non-toxic cleaners, Enzyme spray cleaner for carpets
Baby Benadryl for allergies
Aspirin for pain get Vet approval before using
NEVER USE - TOXIC:
acetaminophen (Tylenol)
ibuprofin (Advil or Motrin)
Establish Your "Pet" Family
Veterinarian a check-up is one of the very first things -- you want a good relationship with a vet for exams and vaccines
Emergency Veterinarian not all vets offer 24-hour services, make sure you know where to go for emergencies
Pet Insurance make sure you're covered, you never know! (Learn about: Pet Insurance)
Pet Sitter find someone you trust, but we recommend having your pup spend time with them before any trips
Dog Groomer it's not exactly a necessity, but if you're not comfortable clipping toe nails and the like, groomer it is!
Dog Trainer first time owning a puppy? a puppy class is a GREAT idea!
Dog Walker peace of mind if you're busy -- your pup needs potty breaks & exercise!
Before You Bring Your Puppy Home
Your puppy is completely dependent on you for everything, and their safety is your No. 1 priority!
Inside Your Home
set up your gates and barriers in your home
unplug electrical cords, move them out of reach, or string them through cord concealers -- your pup might chew on them
put away small items that are choking hazards (coins, paper clips, rubber bands, jewelry)
make sure any cleaning supplies, including those for puppy are secured behind doors or on high shelves
keep all sharp objects out of your doxie's reach (knives, scissors, razors, tools)
double check the types of plants in your home, some can be toxic to your new doxie puppy
secure trash can lids -- puppies are attracted to the smells!
Don't Forget Outside!
designate their "puppy area", plan ahead for potty training! (Learn about: Housebreaking/Potty Training)
fenced yard if possible, and check for holes/gaps in the fence
protect your pup from any possible water sources they could fall in
check for and remove any possible toxic plants or flowers, or place barriers
keep away from any possible fertilizers or treatments in the garage/shed/yard