Preparing Your Home for a Miniature Dachshund: The 2026 Essential Guide
Bringing home a new long haired miniature dachshund is an exciting milestone, but these “tiny titans” have unique needs that differ from other small breeds. Because of their long silhouettes and big personalities, a little preparation goes a long way in ensuring their safety and your peace of mind.
Here is our essential checklist for welcoming your new Happy Trail Pups companion.
1. Safety First: The "Low to the Ground" Perspective
Dachshunds are famously curious. To prepare, you need to get down on their level.
Secure the Perimeter: Check for small gaps under fences or behind appliances. If a puppy’s head can fit, their body can too!
Cord Management: Puppies love to chew. Use cord protectors or tuck away charging cables that sit at floor level.
Houseplant Check: Ensure any indoor plants are non toxic. Common plants like lilies or sago palms are dangerous for small hounds.
2. Protecting the "Doxie" Back
The most important part of owning this breed is protecting their elongated spine. Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) is a concern for all dachshunds, but prevention starts on day one.
Invest in Ramps: Avoid letting your puppy jump on or off high sofas and beds. Place “puppy ramps” in your main living areas early so they learn to use them immediately.
The “Two Hand” Lift: Teach everyone in the household how to support the puppy’s chest and rear at the same time. Never lift them by the front legs.
3. Creating a "Cuddle Cave"
Dachshunds are natural burrowers. In the wild, their ancestors lived in dens, and that instinct remains strong today.
The Bedding: Look for “cuddle cave” style beds or provide plenty of soft fleece blankets they can tuck themselves under.
The Crate: We recommend crate training as a safe “den” for when you aren’t home. Make it inviting with a heartbeat toy or a piece of your clothing to help them adjust to their new environment.
4. Grooming Essentials for Long-Haired Varieties
One of the best parts of the long haired variety is their silky, elegant coat. To keep it mat-free:
Soft Slicker Brush: Start brushing your puppy for 5 minutes a day. Even if they don’t “need” it yet, it desensitizes them to being handled.
High Quality Puppy Shampoo: Look for oatmeal-based formulas that won’t strip the natural oils from their “fluffy” ears.
5. The First Night Transition
The first 48 hours are the most critical for bonding. Your puppy is moving from our home to yours, and they might be a bit vocal.
Consistent Routine: Feed them and take them out to potty at the same times every day.
Patience is Key: Dachshunds are incredibly intelligent but notoriously stubborn during potty training. Use positive reinforcement (and plenty of tiny treats!).
Ready to find your new best friend?
At Happy Trail Pups, we take pride in raising socialized, healthy, and home raised puppies ready for their forever families.
Check out our Available Puppies here or Fill out an Application to join our 2026 waitlist.