Long Haired Doxie Puppy Care: Milestones, Feeding & Training Guide

Bringing Home Your Long Haired Doxie Puppy: What to Expect

Long haired Dachshund puppies combine the bold, curious personality of the breed with a silky, feathered coat that sets them apart from their smooth and wirehaired cousins. But beneath that elegant exterior lies a puppy with specific developmental needs — a long spine prone to injury, a strong prey drive, and an independent streak that makes early training essential.

This guide walks you through every critical stage of your long haired doxie puppy's first year, from the moment you bring them home through adolescence. We'll cover exact feeding portions, vaccination timelines, potty training expectations, and the breed-specific challenges that catch many first-time Dachshund owners off guard.

When Should I Bring My Long Haired Doxie Puppy Home?

The ideal age to bring a long haired Dachshund puppy home is 8 to 10 weeks. While some breeders may offer puppies at 8 weeks, many reputable long haired Dachshund breeders prefer to hold puppies until 10 or even 12 weeks. Here's why that extra time matters:

• Weeks 8-10 with littermates: Puppies learn bite inhibition, social cues, and canine communication from their mother and siblings during this period
• First vaccination window: Most puppies receive their first DHPP vaccine at 6-8 weeks before going home
• Coat development: Long haired Dachshund puppies begin showing their characteristic feathering around the ears, chest, and legs between 8-12 weeks, helping breeders assess coat quality

If you're adopting from a rescue, your puppy may come home at varying ages. Adjust the milestones below based on your puppy's actual age rather than the "expected" timeline.

Long Haired Doxie Puppy Milestones: Week by Week

Understanding developmental stages helps you set realistic expectations and provide the right stimulation at the right time.

Weeks 4-8: The Litter Stage (Before They Come Home)

During this period, your puppy is still with the breeder. Key developments include:

• Transition from mother's milk to gruel/softened puppy food (weeks 4-5)
• Introduction to solid kibble (weeks 6-7)
• First deworming treatments (typically at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks)
• Early neurological stimulation and handling by the breeder
• First socialization sounds and surfaces

Weeks 8-12: The Adjustment Period

This is your puppy's primary bonding window with you. Expect:

• Sleep: 18-20 hours per day is normal — puppies need extensive rest for growth
• Bladder control: Approximately 1 hour per month of age (so a 2-month-old puppy can hold it roughly 2 hours maximum)
• Fear imprinting: Weeks 8-11 are a sensitive fear period — avoid traumatic experiences like harsh punishment or overwhelming environments
• Weight: Long haired miniature Dachshund puppies typically weigh 2-4 lb (0.9-1.8 kg) at 8 weeks; standard Dachshund puppies weigh 4-6 lb (1.8-2.7 kg)
• Teething begins: Deciduous (baby) teeth are fully in by 8 weeks; expect mouthing and chewing

Weeks 12-16: Growing Confidence

• Energy bursts: Short, intense play sessions followed by deep naps
• Testing boundaries: Your puppy begins to understand house rules and may test them
• Bladder control improves: 3-4 hours maximum during the day
• Weight: Miniatures reach 5-7 lb (2.3-3.2 kg); standards reach 8-12 lb (3.6-5.4 kg)
• Second fear period: Some puppies show increased caution around new stimuli — respond with patience and positive reinforcement, never force interactions

Weeks 16-24: The Adolescent Transition

• Teething peak: Adult teeth erupt, baby teeth fall out (more on this below)
• Increased independence: Recall may temporarily worsen as prey drive strengthens
• Coat changes: The long haired coat begins developing its characteristic silky texture and feathering; puppy fluff sheds
• Spay/neuter window: Most veterinarians recommend between 4-6 months for small breeds, though some prefer waiting until 6-9 months — discuss timing with your vet

Months 6-12: Adolescence

• Near-adult size: Miniatures approach their 11 lb (5 kg) or under adult weight; standards reach 16-32 lb (7-14.5 kg)
• Behavioral regression: Previously learned commands may seem "forgotten" — maintain consistent training
• Full coat development: Long feathering on ears, chest, legs, and tail becomes prominent by 9-12 months
• Energy stabilization: Exercise needs settle into a more predictable pattern

Feeding Schedule: Exact Portions by Age and Weight

Long haired Dachshund puppies need a diet formulated for small or toy breeds — these kibble sizes are easier for their small mouths, and the calorie density matches their metabolic needs. Look for an AAFCO statement confirming the food is complete and balanced for growth.

Important feeding notes:

• Cup measurements are based on a standard 8 oz measuring cup of dry kibble with approximately 400 kcal/cup (typical for small-breed puppy formulas like Royal Canin Dachshund Puppy or Hill's Science Diet Small Puppy)
• Adjust portions based on your puppy's body condition score (BCS) — you should be able to feel ribs without pressing hard, and see a visible waist from above
• Obesity is a major risk factor for IVDD (intervertebral disc disease) in Dachshunds — never free-feed
• Fresh water must be available at all times
• Treats should not exceed 10% of daily caloric intake

Vaccination Schedule for Your Long Haired Doxie Puppy

Dachshund puppies follow the standard core vaccination protocol recommended by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Your vet may adjust timing based on local disease prevalence and your puppy's health status.

When can my puppy go outside and meet other dogs? Until your puppy has completed their full DHPP series (final dose at 14-16 weeks), avoid high-traffic dog areas like dog parks, pet stores, and unvaccinated dog environments. You CAN carry your puppy in public spaces, visit friends' homes with fully vaccinated dogs, and explore outdoor surfaces in low-risk areas. Early socialization is critical — don't wait until all vaccines are done to begin exposing your puppy to the world. The American Kennel Club (AKC) emphasizes that the socialization window closes around 14-16 weeks, so safe, controlled exposure is essential.

Socialization Window: Weeks 3-14 Checklist

The primary socialization period for puppies closes between 12-14 weeks, though some behavioral researchers extend this to 16 weeks. For long haired Dachshunds — a breed prone to wariness of strangers and reactivity if under-socialized — this window is especially important.

People Exposure Checklist

• Men with beards, hats, and deep voices
• Children of various ages (supervised, calm interactions)
• People wearing sunglasses, hoodies, or carrying umbrellas
• People in wheelchairs or using mobility aids
• Delivery workers and people approaching your front door

Environmental Exposure Checklist

• Different floor surfaces: tile, carpet, gravel, grass, metal grates
• Car rides (short, positive trips that don't always end at the vet)
• Vacuum cleaner and household appliance sounds (start at low volume)
• Thunderstorms and fireworks recordings (played softly during meals or play)
• Elevator rides, automatic doors, and sliding gates
• Grooming tools: introduce brushing, nail clippers, and ear cleaning early — the long coat requires regular maintenance

Animal Exposure Checklist

• Fully vaccinated, friendly adult dogs of various sizes
• Cats (if household includes them, supervise closely given the Dachshund prey drive)
• Puppy socialization classes (after second DHPP at 10-12 weeks)

Rule of thumb: Every new experience should be paired with high-value treats (small bits of boiled chicken, cheese, or commercial training treats). If your puppy shows fear, increase distance from the stimulus and let them approach at their own pace. Never force an interaction.

Potty Training Timeline and Realistic Expectations

Dachshunds are notoriously challenging to house train — this isn't a reflection of intelligence but rather a combination of small bladder capacity, stubbornness, and sensitivity to cold/wet weather (which makes outdoor trips less appealing for a long haired doxie puppy with a coat that drags on wet grass).

Realistic Potty Training Timeline

• 8-12 weeks: Accidents every day are normal. Take puppy out every 1-2 hours, after every meal, nap, and play session. Expect 3-5 accidents per week minimum.
• 12-16 weeks: Accidents decrease to 1-3 per week if you maintain a consistent schedule. Puppy begins to signal (sniffing, circling, heading to the door).
• 4-6 months: Most long haired doxie puppies are "mostly" trained with 0-2 accidents per week. Bladder control extends to 4-5 hours during the day.
• 6-9 months: Reliable daytime control for most puppies. Nighttime control (7-8 hours) typically solidifies.
• 9-12 months: Fully house trained, with rare exceptions during illness, stress, or schedule disruptions.

When will my puppy be fully potty trained? Expect 4-6 months for reliable daytime habits and up to 9 months for full consistency. Some Dachshunds take longer — this is breed-typical, not a training failure on your part.

Potty Training Troubleshooting for Dachshunds

Crate Training Progression and Time Limits

Crate training is especially valuable for Dachshund puppies because it supports potty training, prevents destructive chewing, and protects their spine by limiting unsupervised jumping from furniture. Choose a crate sized for your puppy's expected adult dimensions with a divider panel — too much space allows them to eliminate in one corner and sleep in another.

Crate training tips for long haired doxie puppies:

• Feed meals inside the crate with the door open to build positive association
• Use a soft, washable bed — but remove it if your puppy chews and ingests fabric (switch to a vetbed or towel)
• Never use the crate as punishment
• Cover the crate with a light blanket to reduce visual stimulation if your puppy has trouble settling
• Provide a frozen Kong stuffed with puppy-safe peanut butter or plain yogurt for longer crating sessions

Teething Timeline: Relief Strategies and Safe Chews

Your long haired doxie puppy will go through two teething phases:

• Deciduous teeth (baby teeth): Erupt between 3-6 weeks, fully in by 8 weeks (28 teeth)
• Adult teeth: Begin erupting around 12-16 weeks, with the process completing by 6-7 months (42 teeth)

The most intense chewing phase occurs between 3-6 months as adult teeth push out baby teeth. You may find tiny teeth on the floor or notice your puppy's gums are slightly bloody — this is normal. However, retained baby teeth (where the adult tooth erupts alongside the baby tooth without pushing it out) is common in small breeds including Dachshunds. If you see a double row of teeth after 6 months, your vet may need to extract the retained baby tooth during spay/neuter surgery.

Safe Teething Relief Options

• Frozen wet washcloth: Wet a clean washcloth, twist into a rope, freeze for 2 hours, and supervise your puppy while they chew
• Rubber teething toys: Kong Puppy (pink or blue, sized XS or S for miniatures), Nylabone Puppy Chew
• Chilled carrots: Full-sized raw carrots (too large to choke on) provide a cold, crunchy surface — supervise and discard when small enough to swallow
• Benebone Puppy: The bacon-flavored puppy-specific version is softer than adult Benebones

Avoid: Rawhide (choking and blockage risk), cooked bones (splintering), antlers (tooth fracture risk in young puppies), and any toy small enough to swallow whole.

Common Long Haired Doxie Puppy Problems and Solutions

Puppy Biting and Nipping

How do I stop puppy biting/nipping? Dachshund puppies were bred to hunt badgers — they have strong jaws and a tenacious bite. Mouthing is normal, but you must teach bite inhibition early.

1. Redirect: When teeth touch skin, say "oops" calmly and offer a chew toy instead
2. Withdraw attention: If biting continues, stand up and leave the play area for 10-15 seconds — this teaches that biting ends fun
3. Provide appropriate outlets: Tug toys (with rules — "drop it" on cue), stuffed Kongs, and chew toys satisfy the urge to bite
4. Never punish physically: Alpha rolls, muzzle grabbing, or hitting damage trust and can trigger fear-based aggression in this sensitive breed

Bite inhibition typically improves significantly by 5-6 months as adult teeth come in and you consistently reinforce the rules. If biting intensifies or seems aggressive (accompanied by stiff body posture, growling over resources), consult a certified positive-reinforcement trainer or veterinary behaviorist.

Whining and Crying (Especially at Night)

New puppies whine for several reasons: loneliness, need to eliminate, discomfort, or overstimulation. For nighttime crate whining:

• Ensure a potty break right before bed
• Place the crate near your bed initially — your scent and breathing sounds are reassuring
• Use a Snuggle Puppy (a plush toy with a heartbeat simulator and heat pack) to mimic littermate comfort
• If you're confident the puppy doesn't need to eliminate, wait out the whining — responding teaches that crying opens the crate

Destructive Chewing

Long haired Dachshund puppies chew for the same reasons all puppies do, but their low-to-the-ground stature means they can access baseboards, shoes, and low shelves that taller breeds can't reach. Puppy-proof at their eye level:

• Block access to electrical cords with cord covers
• Move shoes, remotes, and children's toys to high shelves
• Use bitter apple spray on furniture legs (test on a hidden area first for fabric safety)
• Rotate chew toys every few days to maintain novelty

Spine Protection (Breed-Critical)

IVDD (intervertebral disc disease) affects up to 25% of Dachshunds during their lifetime, according to the Merck Veterinary Manual. Prevention starts in puppyhood:

• Discourage jumping on and off furniture — use ramps or steps from day one
• Avoid letting your puppy climb full flights of stairs repeatedly until 12+ months (carry them up/down when young)
• Maintain lean body condition — excess weight multiplies spinal stress
• Never allow "begging" posture (sitting up on hind legs) as it compresses the lumbar spine

First-Year Cost Breakdown for a Long Haired Doxie Puppy

Budgeting realistically prevents surprises. These estimates reflect 2026 US pricing ranges and assume a generally healthy puppy with no major emergencies.

Where to save money wisely: Grooming at home (invest in a slicker brush, metal comb, and thinning shears — brush daily to prevent mats). Where not to cut corners: Pet insurance and a quality harness (never use a collar-only leash setup, which puts pressure on the neck and spine — use a front-clip or back-clip harness designed for long-bodied breeds).

Long Haired Doxie Puppy FAQ

How often should I feed my 10-week-old long haired doxie puppy?

At 10 weeks, feed 3-4 meals per day. For a miniature Dachshund puppy, offer approximately ¼ to ⅓ cup of small-breed puppy kibble per meal. For a standard Dachshund, offer ⅓ to ½ cup per meal. Adjust based on body condition — your puppy should have a visible waist and easily palpable ribs.

How do I care for the long haired Dachshund puppy coat?

Start brushing daily from week one, even when the coat is still short puppy fluff. Use a slicker brush and metal comb to prevent tangles behind the ears, under the legs, and around the hindquarters. This builds a positive grooming habit before the adult coat — which mats easily — comes in around 6-12 months. Bathe every 3-4 weeks or as needed using a puppy-specific shampoo.

When should I start formal training classes?

Enroll in a puppy socialization class after your puppy's second DHPP vaccine (around 10-12 weeks). Look for classes that require proof of vaccination and use positive reinforcement methods. Basic obedience classes can begin at 4-6 months. Dachshunds respond well to food motivation and short (5-10 minute) training sessions — long drills lead to disengagement.

Are long haired Dachshunds harder to potty train than smooth Dachshunds?

The coat type doesn't directly affect potty trainability, but long haired Dachshunds may be more reluctant to go outside in wet weather because moisture clings to their feathered coat. This can slow progress slightly in rainy climates. Consistency and positive reinforcement work equally well across all three coat types.

Should I get pet insurance for my long haired doxie puppy?

Yes, strongly recommended. Dachshunds have one of the highest rates of IVDD among all breeds, and surgical treatment for a single disc herniation typically costs $3,000-$8,000. Enroll while your puppy is young and healthy — pre-existing conditions are excluded by all major pet insurance providers. Companies like Trupanion, Healthy Paws, and Lemonade offer breed-appropriate plans starting around $30-60/month for puppies.