Puppy Frequently Asked Questions
Email vonloosdachshunds@gmail.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.
Almost every year, dachshunds land in AKC's top 10 most popular breeds, so it's no wonder you're considering this adorable dog. Learn more about the infamous wiener dog on this AKC webpage about dachshunds and by reading this Dachshund Club of America flyer. Talk with people who have owned or bred dachshunds. If you have the opportunity, meet one in person to better understand why this breed is so beloved, sassiness and all!
No. For the well-being of our pups, new owners will need to pick their new puppy up in person. We are located about 30 minutes east of Lansing, Michigan's capital city. If you choose to fly to pick-up your puppy, Capital Region International Airport (LAN) and Flint Bishop International Airport (FNT) are both less than 30 miles away. Arrangements can be made to meet you at either of these airports. Most airlines allow you to travel with a puppy as a carry-on which is the least stressful way for your puppy to fly.
- For a current litter—complete our online application (no obligation) and we will be in touch. A $500 non-refundable deposit is required to reserve an agreed-upon pup.
- For a future litter—complete our online application (no obligation) so we have it on file and to be the first to hear about future litters.
A $500 non-refundable deposit to hold an agreed-upon puppy can be made via Venmo (@VonLoosLLC), PayPal (@VonLoosLLC), or with a credit card at pay.vonloosdachshunds.com. The remaining balance is due in cash on pick-up day. No checks or money orders. Please note that 6% Michigan Sales Tax will apply.
Your puppy can come home at 8 weeks, or shortly thereafter.
- A small blanket with its mother's and littermates' scents
- An informational packet that also includes a vaccination and medical records card, microchip instructions, AKC registration application, and many more puppy resources!
- A 2.5 lb bag of Royal Canin Mother & Babydog Dry Food (about a 10-day supply). After a few days, once your puppy starts to settle in, you will want to transition them (see next section) to Royal Canin Dachshund Puppy Food (available on Amazon, Chewy, etc.) or a puppy food of your choice.
Consult with your veterinarian first to ensure that the new food will meet your dachshund’s dietary needs. To avoid digestive issues, we recommend at least a 7-day transition before you begin feeding the new food exclusively. Start by mixing 75% of the old diet with 25% of the new diet on Day 1 and Day 2. On Day 3 and Day 4, mix 50% of the old diet with 50% of the new diet. On Day 5 and Day 6, mix 25% of the old diet with 75% of the new diet. On the 7th day, you can feed the new food exclusively.
- Make a veterinarian appointment for within 72 hours of your scheduled pick-up date to take advantage of the Health Guarantee in the contract. You'll also want to discuss vaccinations and a flea+tick+heartworm prevention plan with your vet.
- Watch this video
- Get them enrolled in a highly-rated puppy class (as early as 10 weeks)
- Purchase essential items (see next section)
Essentials:
- Leash
- Collar and silent ID tag with your contact info (no bells, preferably nothing that jingles)
- Dog food (see next question)
- Puppy-appropriate chews & toys
Other items to consider:
- Dog bed or mat
- Puppy Pads (especially in colder months/climates)
- Playpen and/or gates
- Harness
- Ramps and/or Stairs if allowing on furniture, beds, etc.
- Puppy-proofing supplies (garbage cans with lids, cord/cable protectors, child locks, etc.)
- Potty bells (learn more on this AKC webpage)
- A small crate if you plan to crate train, which we highly recommend. If you're apprehensive, think of it like a crib to keep your puppy safe. It should only be large enough for them to sit up, turn around, and lay down in. We recommend about 12" wide x 18" deep x 12" high for miniature dachshund puppies, or a larger crate with a removable/adjustable divider(s). If you do decide to invest in a crate, bring it with you on pick-up day (see the first 3 minutes of the First 24 hours video mentioned in the previous question). Check out this Crate training video and these AKC crate training tips to get started.
When you bring your puppy home, it will be accustomed to eating Royal Canin Mother & Babydog Food. We will send you home with a small bag to get you started which should last about 10 days. After a few days, once your puppy starts to settle in, you will want to transition them to Royal Canin Dachshund Puppy Food (available on Amazon or Chewy) or a puppy food of your choice. Once your dachshund has reached 10 months of age, we recommend transitioning them to Royal Canin Dachshund Adult Dry Food which is what we feed our dogs. It is highly recommended that you consult with your veterinarian regarding your dog's diet. We discourage giving dachshunds human food, rawhides, or treats not made in the USA or Canada. Your puppy hasn't really had any treats yet. In the beginning you can use their normal dog food as treats. Keep in mind, the more frequent the treat, the more frequent they'll have to go #2. As you introduce more treats as they get older, a couple of our favorite training treats are America's VetDogs Skin & Coat Treats and Zuke's Rabbit Training Treats. Our current favorite long-lasting chews are Earth Animal No-Hide Stix (any flavor) and Caledon Sweet Potato Chews.
Your puppy will likely exhibit stress as it adjusts to its new environment. Symptoms may include digestive upset, lack of appetite, shivering, whining, and/or barking, especially at bedtime. All of this should improve within a few days to a week. Patience and consistency are key during this adjustment period. Keep in mind that every interaction with your puppy is teaching them something. Here's a First 24 hours video to help you start things off right on the right foot (and paw). With some consistency and an extra dose of patience, you'll be bonding with your new best friend in no time at all!
Due to their horizontal abundance, all dachshunds are at higher risk for Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD), a condition that particularly impacts breeds with longer backs. About 25% of dachshunds are affected by IVDD, which can cause back pain, partial loss of function in the limbs, and in more severe cases paralysis and loss of feeling. Maintaining a healthy weight, providing enough exercise to maintain good muscle tone, having your dachshund spayed/neutered at an appropriate age, holding them with two hands to support both the chest and rear, and training your dachshund not to jump up on people or jump from high surfaces such as furniture or beds (or providing ramps and/or stairs) are all ways to reduce the chances that your dachshund will be affected by IVDD.
Despite their ability to make amazing lap dogs, dachshunds are indeed hunting dogs. Standard (full-size) dachshunds were originally bred to hunt badgers, and miniatures for rabbits. They are brave to the point of rashness, so much so that the AKC does not consider scars from honorable hunting wounds as a fault when judging them. For some doxies, barking is their love language and they refuse to be ignored. Sometimes a bit aloof to strangers, this also makes them great watchdogs. If you don't find this spunk adorable or useful, it is nothing that some training and socializing won't remedy. They will typically pick their human and everyone else will fall into ranking order. The lucky chosen ones will have a loyal shadow that will enrich their lives for many years to come.
For the last several weeks, a day in the life of your puppy has looked a lot like this:
Morning/Breakfast: Wake up, go potty outside (or on puppy pads if the weather doesn't permit), eat breakfast, go outside/on puppy pads again, supervised playtime with toys/littermates/mom until tired, moved to pen for a nap
Afternoon/Lunch: Wake up from nap, go outside/on puppy pads, eat lunch, go outside/on puppy pads, supervised playtime until tired, moved to pen for a nap
Evening/Dinner: Wake from nap, eat dinner, go outside/on puppy pads, supervised playtime until tired, moved to pen for a nap
Bedtime/Late night snack:
Wake from nap, eat snack, go outside/on puppy pads, supervised playtime until tired, moved to pen for the night
There are an endless amount of potty training techniques out there. For the first several weeks, the best advice that we were given was to take them outside (or offer puppy pads if the weather doesn't permit) every 1-2 hours while awake, after they eat, and to give them lots of praise at the scene of the crime. Check out this AKC Potty Training webpage for lots of great advice. We have personally trained our dachshunds to go potty both outdoors and indoors on puppy pads. Although it takes longer to train using both methods, it sure is worth it during blizzards and below-zero temperatures here in Michigan. Our dachshunds signal to go outside by ringing a bell (learn more on this AKC webpage).
No. Although socialization is essential, we discourage the use of dog parks due to the high risk of injury or even death. Even dog park sections specifically for small breeds are not advised. Instead, we recommend enrolling your dachshund in a puppy class (as early as 10 weeks of age) where a certified trainer can teach you the safest ways to introduce your new best friend to other dogs. If you choose to register your dog with AKC, your pet will also be eligible to participate in various events which is a great way to socialize them.
No. At the recommendation of our veterinarian, we have chosen not to remove dewclaws from our puppies. Our veterinarian states that there is no medical need to have them removed. In fact, dewclaws serve a purpose, especially for diggers such as dachshunds. They help stabilize the carpal (wrist) joint when a dog puts pressure on the front paws and can also provide extra traction on some surfaces.
Consult with your veterinarian, but we recommend doing so at about 9 months of age. Ovary-sparing spay or Vasectomy are recommended if your licensed veterinarian offers those hormone-preserving options. Hormones assist with proper growth and development, lessening the risk of IVDD, weight gain, and coat changes in dachshunds. Removing the ability to reproduce while preserving the hormones is the most ideal scenario. Once complete, please send proof from your veterinarian within one month of the procedure to vonloosdachshunds@gmail.com, as instructed in the agreed-upon contract. Failure to provide proof within one year of age could result in a fine of $1,000 as a penalty for contract violation.
In all honesty, this isn't a frequently asked question but we want to help spread the word about Xylitol's extreme toxicity to dogs. Xylitol is a sugar substitute that is a common ingredient in some human foods, dental products, and nearly every type of chewing gum. Empty toothpaste tubes in bathroom trash cans, and purses or school bags left on the floor with gum in them are just two scenarios that can be devastating for your dog. Learn more on this FDA Xylitol webpage.
It was because of Greta, our very first dachshund. Read her story here.
In 1654 the bürgermeister (mayor) of Guntersblum, Germany was Johann Valentin Loos, our 11th great grandfather. An original letter from him that was sealed with the Loos family coat of arms (shown below) is currently in an archive in Amorbach, Germany. Our logo design is based on a later rendition of that very seal, with a simple swap of a dachshund for a dove at the top, because everything is better with a dachshund, including life!
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