Hey there,
So, I have just made an order for a small dachshund puppy. I’ve always wanted a dachshund, and she’ll be my first dog. I’ve got everything she needs like food, treats, toys, a crate, a bed, brushes, nail clippers, a leash, and a collar. I’ve done lots of research, but I’m still nervous about training her right!
I’ve heard scary stories about potty training, but some say they’re just myths. I’ve heard pee pads aren’t good because they teach dogs it’s okay to go inside. Do those bells by the door help? Should I take her out every 1-2 hours, even at night?
I work 3-4 days a week for 6-7 hours. Sometimes, friends or family can help by letting her out and playing, but not always. I want to train her properly from the start, so she’s fully trained eventually. I’ve looked into the Rover app, but I’m not sure about it. I’m worried about letting a stranger into my home, but I also want her to be happy when I’m away. Any advice would be great!
When they’re a puppy, take them out every 2 hours, including during the night. Since you work 3-4 days per week, and will be gone for 6 hours, you WILL need someone to come in and let dog out. That’s entirely too long to expect an 8-week old puppy to go without potty break. General rule of thumb is they can hold it for however many months old they are. If they’re 2 months old, the longest they can hold it is 2 hours.
You’re right about what you’ve thought about pee pads. My puppy, who is now 15 weeks old, has only had a few accidents (mainly my fault for not getting her out in time), but I never used them. My acquaintance has a dox puppy who is three years old and still requires pee pads.day one crate train! From day one, my puppy slept in his box for all naps. She even naps in her kennel these days. When they are puppies, they will sleep for eight to ten hours every day on average. This is typical; maintain a one- to two-hour nap schedule for them.
It’s crucial to be consistent and to stick to a timetable. Encouragement works wonders. Keep them engaged and having fun. Training sessions should last between two and five minutes. I train with the food that my dog eats.
@Francoise Many thanks for that! How did you persuade her to love her crate and fall asleep in it? She cried for a very long time when I tried to put her in there last night after I got home after fetching her. When you first placed your dog in their box, did yours cry out? She still doesn’t enjoy the toys and sweets I tried offering her to get her in her box. I’ve been feeding her puppy food because she doesn’t even enjoy the treats yet. Have you heated their crate with a heating pad? I haven’t even had her for a day, and she wants to sleep on top of me all the time! God, though, I already adore her so much.