Tips for 1st time ~ new puppy owners
Hound Group~ bred for going underground after badgers..... they love to dig so need supervision.
The two most important things you can give your dog are your time and your patience.
Dogs bark. They bark more when they're bored or scared or lonesome.
Provoking your dog or teasing it until it gets angry and growls/snarls is NOT a funny trick.
Dogs pee and poop wherever they feel like it until they learn the advantages of doing it where you want them to.
Dogs have medical emergencies, normally when your vet is closed.
Dogs are not solitary animals. (Hamsters are.) A bored dog is a destructive dog.
Socialization is EXTREMELY important! If you do not get your dog out of the house and introduce him to as many situations
and people as possible he may become antisocial and aggressive; which is a huge liability and heartache.
Dogs should not be "outdoor only". They are social animals that need to be with their family. Yes, some dogs are happier
outside, but that doesn't mean you can stick them in the back yard and only go out to feed them and throw a ball once in a
while!
Dogs need exercise (like a walk off the property for an hour and a half a day.. regardless of weather... or a good workout in
the yard/in the house playing fetch a few times a day).
Dogs need training. Includes Puppy or beginner obedience classes and homework. If you don't want your adult dog
behaving a certain way, don't let it get by with it as a puppy! A five pound puppy might be cute when it tugs at your
shoelaces and jumps on your legs, but as an adult or with muddy feet this isn't going to be cute anymore. Have rules laid
out from the start and stick to them.
For most first time owners having a dog means a big change in your lifestyle. A lot of your free time will be taken up with the
dog. Traveling will be logistically more difficult.
Dogs need socialization and training in different locations so they are used to people, kids, and other things like other dogs,
bikes, shopping carts etc.
Dogs are not supposed to be aggressive/protective with their food, toys or any other thing. Pet the puppy as they eat
occasionally to teach them it's okay and not to be food bowl protective. Toys should always be willingly given to you from
the dog. If they growl aggressively when you try to take it away let him know THAT IS NOT ALLOWED in a firm voice so they
know you mean business and let it go freely.
You should not need to hit your pet, verbal reprimands work best at keeping a dog feeling secure and not becoming
fearful/cringing. Dachshunds will accept reprimands, but if they feel the punishment is over the top for the mischief/bad
behavior they did then they will resent it.
Dogs will not come to their name unless you take the time and patience to train them to do so.
Shoving a dog's nose into its mess is NOT the right way to potty train a puppy.
When you first get your puppy, you cannot let it out of your sight unless it is in its crate.
The best dog food does not come from the vet or the grocery store.
Dogs nails must be clipped on a regular basis.
Crate training is not cruel.
Dogs with hair need to be brushed and combed, unless they get a very short haircut. Just like humans... would you go 8
weeks without running a comb through your long hair? A longhair dachshund needs to be combed every few days, esp
behind the ears as it will matt their the fastest.
Matted dogs are not "fluffy", they are filthy. They are also prone to get sores and hot spots. No, they do not magically
appear after being shaved, they were under the matts and you just had no idea they were there.
Dogs have Anal Glands. Sometimes these need to be expressed.
Butt scooting boogie? Usually a sure sign they need the anal glands expressed. Not hard to do, but very stinky! I've found
that if I do them during bath time, when they're all lathered up, that it helps control the odor (VERY STINKY). A paper towel,
*pinch* in and upwards towards the anal opening (after you feel for the sacks on either side just underneath) and
gently/firmly squeeze as you push up. You'll feel a little *burst* when they express. Only takes a minute to do. Ask your vet
to check them every time you go in for a visit, if they need expressing the vet can do it, and/or show you how it's done.
Occasionally a dog will get impacted anal glands, this is something a vet will have to take care of. On rare occasions a dog
may need surgery for repeated impactions.
Training a dog doesn't need to be harsh, confrontational, boring, or violent. It can be fun, free-thought learning methods that
you reward when the dog stumbles on the right behavior.
It's one thing to physically guide a dog during training, and another to be abusive and aggressive.
Training doesn't need to happen in a class, especially in this age of the internet. Not having a professional trainer or no
available classes isn't an excuse (barring cases where professional specialties are required).
Before assuming that a dog is not preforming a command out of defiance, think to make sure the dog actually knows what
you're talking about.
Dogs like routines and patterns. They seem to help them make sense of the world. Use it to your advantage in training.
Show the dog what you would like, and then do that everytime. Like if you want the dog to sit before going out the door or
up and downstairs, make them do it every time. They'll catch on.
If you have a new puppy, you know already that they like to chew. Not only do puppies LIKE to chew, they really NEED to
chew. Chewing is more than entertainment for puppies. It helps them teeth, and it relaxes them. They are able to relieve
themselves of frustration and anxiety by chewing.
Destructive chewing usually begins quite innocently for the puppy, but it can rapidly escalate into a serious problem if the
puppy is not supervised and directed properly.
Here is a typical scenario:
Owner has new puppy. Owner leaves new puppy unsupervised. Puppy gets anxious, and looks for something to soothe
itself with. It comes across a shoe. (or anything else that smells like the owner) Immediately the puppy is comforted by the
scent of the owner. Then it will begin to chew the object that smells like the owner to relieve it's frustration and anxiety. As
the puppy chews, he feels much better. The amount of reinforcement a puppy gets from this activity cannot be over
emphasized. The liklihood of a puppy expressly seeking out your personal items goes up exponentially after even only ONE
incident where he's allowed to relieve his anxiety in this manner. This is why careful confinement and supervision is SO
IMPORTANT. You can never remove that reinforcement the puppy got while he was chewing the object that smells like you.
So what do we do? We confine and supervise the puppy very carefully, and we make sure she has a GREAT toybox with a
variety of very interesting chew items. You can use a box or basket of any type as long as the puppy can easily get to it to
take out chew items. Some things that can go in the box are kong toys, nyla bones, real bones.....use your imagination and
keep it interesting and varied. For the first week or so, put a tiny smear of peanut butter or cheez whiz on each toy once a
day for a week or 2.
So now you have your toy box set up, and your pup is out playing. Of course the pup will choose a toy from the box to start.
But eventually the pup will decide to investigate something that's not his business. This is why you MUST watch a puppy
EVERY SECOND he is loose in your house in the beginning. You don't want to miss an opportunity to TEACH. So, when the
puppy focuses on something he should not have (this means LOOKING AT, SNIFFING, or PUTTING HIS MOUTH on any
object you don't want him to chew) immediately interrupt him. I usually say AH AH, as I move towards the puppy. Once you
have his attention, rush him happily and cheerfully to the toy box, and help him find a cool toy to play with and chew.
Encourage him with a gentle little tug game, or a few tosses.
Do this each time your puppy focuses on something he should not have. You can also interrupt and redirect in this manner
each time the puppy looks up at tabletops, countertops, stovetops, trash can, etc.
If you are consistent, and if you supervise CAREFULLY, in several weeks you will have a puppy who will consistently
choose articles from the toy box to play with and chew.
Keep the box in one place, and never miss an opportunity to encourage the puppy towards the toy box when he wants
something to play with.
If you do catch the pup with something unapproved in their mouth, grab one of the okay toys/chews and take the wrong
item out of their mouth saying "No" and replace it by offering the approved chew. Then tell them, " this is your toy" Dogs
are smart and will catch on.
Dogs bark. They bark more when they're bored or scared or lonesome.
Provoking your dog or teasing it until it gets angry and growls/snarls is NOT a funny trick.
Dogs pee and poop wherever they feel like it until they learn the advantages of doing it where you want them to.
Dogs have medical emergencies, normally when your vet is closed.
Dogs are not solitary animals. (Hamsters are.) A bored dog is a destructive dog.
Socialization is EXTREMELY important! If you do not get your dog out of the house and introduce him to as many situations
and people as possible he may become antisocial and aggressive; which is a huge liability and heartache.
Dogs should not be "outdoor only". They are social animals that need to be with their family. Yes, some dogs are happier
outside, but that doesn't mean you can stick them in the back yard and only go out to feed them and throw a ball once in a
while!
Dogs need exercise (like a walk off the property for an hour and a half a day.. regardless of weather... or a good workout in
the yard/in the house playing fetch a few times a day).
Dogs need training. Includes Puppy or beginner obedience classes and homework. If you don't want your adult dog
behaving a certain way, don't let it get by with it as a puppy! A five pound puppy might be cute when it tugs at your
shoelaces and jumps on your legs, but as an adult or with muddy feet this isn't going to be cute anymore. Have rules laid
out from the start and stick to them.
For most first time owners having a dog means a big change in your lifestyle. A lot of your free time will be taken up with the
dog. Traveling will be logistically more difficult.
Dogs need socialization and training in different locations so they are used to people, kids, and other things like other dogs,
bikes, shopping carts etc.
Dogs are not supposed to be aggressive/protective with their food, toys or any other thing. Pet the puppy as they eat
occasionally to teach them it's okay and not to be food bowl protective. Toys should always be willingly given to you from
the dog. If they growl aggressively when you try to take it away let him know THAT IS NOT ALLOWED in a firm voice so they
know you mean business and let it go freely.
You should not need to hit your pet, verbal reprimands work best at keeping a dog feeling secure and not becoming
fearful/cringing. Dachshunds will accept reprimands, but if they feel the punishment is over the top for the mischief/bad
behavior they did then they will resent it.
Dogs will not come to their name unless you take the time and patience to train them to do so.
Shoving a dog's nose into its mess is NOT the right way to potty train a puppy.
When you first get your puppy, you cannot let it out of your sight unless it is in its crate.
The best dog food does not come from the vet or the grocery store.
Dogs nails must be clipped on a regular basis.
Crate training is not cruel.
Dogs with hair need to be brushed and combed, unless they get a very short haircut. Just like humans... would you go 8
weeks without running a comb through your long hair? A longhair dachshund needs to be combed every few days, esp
behind the ears as it will matt their the fastest.
Matted dogs are not "fluffy", they are filthy. They are also prone to get sores and hot spots. No, they do not magically
appear after being shaved, they were under the matts and you just had no idea they were there.
Dogs have Anal Glands. Sometimes these need to be expressed.
Butt scooting boogie? Usually a sure sign they need the anal glands expressed. Not hard to do, but very stinky! I've found
that if I do them during bath time, when they're all lathered up, that it helps control the odor (VERY STINKY). A paper towel,
*pinch* in and upwards towards the anal opening (after you feel for the sacks on either side just underneath) and
gently/firmly squeeze as you push up. You'll feel a little *burst* when they express. Only takes a minute to do. Ask your vet
to check them every time you go in for a visit, if they need expressing the vet can do it, and/or show you how it's done.
Occasionally a dog will get impacted anal glands, this is something a vet will have to take care of. On rare occasions a dog
may need surgery for repeated impactions.
Training a dog doesn't need to be harsh, confrontational, boring, or violent. It can be fun, free-thought learning methods that
you reward when the dog stumbles on the right behavior.
It's one thing to physically guide a dog during training, and another to be abusive and aggressive.
Training doesn't need to happen in a class, especially in this age of the internet. Not having a professional trainer or no
available classes isn't an excuse (barring cases where professional specialties are required).
Before assuming that a dog is not preforming a command out of defiance, think to make sure the dog actually knows what
you're talking about.
Dogs like routines and patterns. They seem to help them make sense of the world. Use it to your advantage in training.
Show the dog what you would like, and then do that everytime. Like if you want the dog to sit before going out the door or
up and downstairs, make them do it every time. They'll catch on.
If you have a new puppy, you know already that they like to chew. Not only do puppies LIKE to chew, they really NEED to
chew. Chewing is more than entertainment for puppies. It helps them teeth, and it relaxes them. They are able to relieve
themselves of frustration and anxiety by chewing.
Destructive chewing usually begins quite innocently for the puppy, but it can rapidly escalate into a serious problem if the
puppy is not supervised and directed properly.
Here is a typical scenario:
Owner has new puppy. Owner leaves new puppy unsupervised. Puppy gets anxious, and looks for something to soothe
itself with. It comes across a shoe. (or anything else that smells like the owner) Immediately the puppy is comforted by the
scent of the owner. Then it will begin to chew the object that smells like the owner to relieve it's frustration and anxiety. As
the puppy chews, he feels much better. The amount of reinforcement a puppy gets from this activity cannot be over
emphasized. The liklihood of a puppy expressly seeking out your personal items goes up exponentially after even only ONE
incident where he's allowed to relieve his anxiety in this manner. This is why careful confinement and supervision is SO
IMPORTANT. You can never remove that reinforcement the puppy got while he was chewing the object that smells like you.
So what do we do? We confine and supervise the puppy very carefully, and we make sure she has a GREAT toybox with a
variety of very interesting chew items. You can use a box or basket of any type as long as the puppy can easily get to it to
take out chew items. Some things that can go in the box are kong toys, nyla bones, real bones.....use your imagination and
keep it interesting and varied. For the first week or so, put a tiny smear of peanut butter or cheez whiz on each toy once a
day for a week or 2.
So now you have your toy box set up, and your pup is out playing. Of course the pup will choose a toy from the box to start.
But eventually the pup will decide to investigate something that's not his business. This is why you MUST watch a puppy
EVERY SECOND he is loose in your house in the beginning. You don't want to miss an opportunity to TEACH. So, when the
puppy focuses on something he should not have (this means LOOKING AT, SNIFFING, or PUTTING HIS MOUTH on any
object you don't want him to chew) immediately interrupt him. I usually say AH AH, as I move towards the puppy. Once you
have his attention, rush him happily and cheerfully to the toy box, and help him find a cool toy to play with and chew.
Encourage him with a gentle little tug game, or a few tosses.
Do this each time your puppy focuses on something he should not have. You can also interrupt and redirect in this manner
each time the puppy looks up at tabletops, countertops, stovetops, trash can, etc.
If you are consistent, and if you supervise CAREFULLY, in several weeks you will have a puppy who will consistently
choose articles from the toy box to play with and chew.
Keep the box in one place, and never miss an opportunity to encourage the puppy towards the toy box when he wants
something to play with.
If you do catch the pup with something unapproved in their mouth, grab one of the okay toys/chews and take the wrong
item out of their mouth saying "No" and replace it by offering the approved chew. Then tell them, " this is your toy" Dogs
are smart and will catch on.
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