Welcome Home! Let’s Get Bonding

Bringing home a new dachshund puppy? First off—congrats! Whether you’re picking up your pup here in California or getting one delivered across the country, I can tell you one thing for sure: those first few days together are pure gold for bonding.

As a breeder who’s helped families all over the U.S. welcome mini dachshunds into their homes, I’ve seen just how powerful a structured bonding routine can be. It helps your puppy feel safe, learn faster, and grow into the loyal, loving companion you’re dreaming of.

Why a Bonding Schedule for Your New Dachshund Puppy Is So Important

H3: Puppies Crave Routine

Dachshund puppies thrive when they know what to expect. A bonding schedule isn’t about control—it’s about comfort. Your pup will feel less anxious, more confident, and much more open to building a strong connection with you.

H3: Bonding Shapes Behavior Early

The behaviors you reinforce in the first week—calmness, curiosity, focus—will stick. When you bond through consistency, you’re also training your dachshund to trust you and respond to your voice and presence.

Before Pickup or Delivery – Get Ready to Bond

H3: Create a Puppy Zone

Before your dachshund arrives, set up a calm, safe area just for them. I recommend:

  • A crate with soft bedding
  • The scent blanket I send home with every puppy (it smells like their mom and littermates!)
  • A few safe chew toys
  • A water bowl and a potty pad area nearby

H3: Pick a Routine You Can Actually Stick To

Plan a schedule that mirrors your real lifestyle. Puppies are smart—they know when you start changing things. So if your mornings are slow, build in cuddles. If you’re a 6am riser, make potty time part of that.

Day One to Three – Build Trust Without Overwhelming

i : Morning

  • Potty break first thing (outdoors or potty pad)
  • Hand-feed a small breakfast while speaking gently
  • Sit quietly near the crate for a few minutes with soft petting if they’re open to it

ii : Afternoon

  • Supervised play with a toy
  • 10-minute walk in the yard or short leash intro
  • Nap time with crate door open if they’re nearby

iii : Evening

  • Calm snuggle or crate time while you read or relax
  • Gentle music or TV playing low for familiar noise
  • Final potty break, then crate sleep in your room

Don’t expect perfection here. The first three days are about security, not structure. Be nearby, be calm, and let them come to you on their terms.

Day Four to Seven – Add Gentle Structure

H3: Start Light Training and Exploration

Introduce basic commands like “sit,” “come,” and “place.” Use:

  • High-value treats
  • Short 3- to 5-minute sessions
  • Tons of praise

Also, expand their world slowly—let them explore one new room per day or meet a calm family member.

H3: Walk and Play = Bonding Gold

Use mini adventures to connect:

  • A sniff-walk around the block
  • Fetch in a hallway or safe yard
  • “Find the treat” games indoors

At this point, your puppy is learning that you = fun and safety.

Weeks Two to Four – Build Your Rhythm

H3: Layer in More Routine Activities

Now you can create a predictable schedule that your puppy will love:

  • 7:00 AM: Wake up + potty
  • 7:30 AM: Breakfast + sit training
  • 9:00 AM: Short walk
  • 12:00 PM: Crate rest
  • 3:00 PM: Playtime or training
  • 6:00 PM: Dinner
  • 8:30 PM: Calm cuddles or brushing
  • 10:00 PM: Final potty + sleep

Feel free to adjust based on your day—but stick to the sequence. It helps your dachshund feel grounded and bonded.

What If You Work Full-Time?

Totally doable! Try:

  • Morning: 15 minutes of potty + play
  • Lunch Break (or dog walker): Potty + touch and treat
  • Evening: Walk, meal, play, and crate snuggles
  • Night: Calm bedtime routine

Even 10 focused minutes a few times a day will create an amazing connection. I always say—quality over quantity.

Tools I Provide to Help You Bond

Every puppy I place goes home with tools to make bonding easier:

  • ✅ Scented blanket from the litter
  • ✅ Crate-training foundation started
  • ✅ Exposure to home sounds (TV, vacuum, voices)
  • ✅ Gentle handling from day one
  • ✅ Local California delivery or out-of-state shipping (I only use USDA-compliant, pet-safe shipping methods with tracking and updates.)
  • ✅ Lifetime breeder support

Need help adjusting your schedule? I’m just a message away!

Final Thoughts: Bonding Is a Journey, Not a Race

Don’t worry if your puppy doesn’t act glued to your side on day one. Bonding takes time, trust, and consistency—but once you’ve got it, your dachshund will be the most loyal sidekick you could imagine.

Start slow, stay consistent, and enjoy the process. These little dogs have big hearts—and once they choose you, they’re yours forever.

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