Dachshund Puppy Overview
Despite their small size, dachshunds have big personalities that endear them to many admirers. Some owners describe their dachshunds as “velcro dogs.” Naturally curious and affectionate, they want to know what you’re doing and be a part of it if they can.
Pennsylvania is a great state that experiences four seasons and has everything from major cities to remote rural farmsteads. It’s also a state full of dog lovers. Many Pennsylvania families enjoy adding a dachshund to their household.
If you’ve been considering buying a dachshund puppy, there are a few things you need to know. To have the best experience for you and your new pup, it’s important to understand the breed, make proper preparations, and choose a reputable breeder or rescue.
Dachshund Puppies for Sale: How Do You Buy a Dachshund Puppy in Pennsylvania?
Buying a dachshund puppy usually involves working with a breeder. Purebreds, especially in desirable colors and sizes can sometimes have long waitlists, so you may need to be patient waiting for your ideal dachshund. The application process also ensures that you’re prepared to give a new pet everything they need.
Finding a reputable breeder can be a challenge. You might look for a recommendation or choose one with a large number of positive online reviews. It’s important to visit any breeder in person to ensure that the facility is safe and hygienic. If a breeder won’t let you come in person, it can be a major red flag.
If you’re more flexible on the age and marking of your dachshund, you can also look into rescues. Rescues like Pennsylvania Dachshund Rescue help match dachshunds who need homes with loving owners.
How Much Does It Cost to Buy a Dachshund Puppy in Pennsylvania?
Purebred puppies straight from a breeder can be pricey. Some breeders also guarantee that their puppies come from AKC champion bloodlines, which can increase the price. You can expect to pay anywhere from $1500 to $3500 for a dachshund puppy.
Miniature dachshunds are particularly desirable and can even cost up to $5000.
Adopting from a rescue still comes with fees, but is considerably more affordable. You can expect adoption fees (which cover medical care such as vaccinations and spay/neuter services) to range from $100 to $500.
Dachshunds For Sale in Pennsylvania
How Should I Train a Dachshund Puppy?
One of the biggest challenges that dachshund owners face is housebreaking their puppy. This breed can be stubborn and resist going outside or alerting you to their bathroom cues.
Some of the keys to success in training a dachshund are consistency, rewards, and developing a structured schedule. Using a specialized puppy training course that covers potty training can also be a useful tool.
How Should I Puppy Proof My Home for a Dachshund Puppy?
With a dachshund, you don’t have to worry as much about what’s up on your counters, but rather, what’s down on the ground. Thanks to their natural instinct to burrow, your dachshund puppy may hide itself away in any nook it finds, such as under furniture or in a crawlspace. Make sure these are blocked off before you bring your puppy home.
Provide them an alternative option, such as a crate that’s in a quiet part of the house and has some comfortable blankets inside for them. Crate training can be a helpful technique in housebreaking your dachshund, and it can also help them if they are feeling anxious in their new environment.
Making sure they’re warm enough during the winter is also important. You will want to prepare a cozy space for them to sleep and you may need to invest in a jacket or boots for them. Outdoor walks can be challenging if the snow piles up, so make sure you can clear a path for them in snowy weather.
You may also want to invest in some baby gates to block off stairs in your house to prevent your dachshund from attempting them alone. Small dog ramps can be placed next to sofas or chairs that you want to give your dog access to so they have the freedom to come up and down as they wish.
Buy the Right Dachshund Puppy in Pennsylvania for You
Picking the right dog starts with being prepared for the unique needs of each breed. Of course, individual dogs have their own quirks and personalities that will come to light as you live together. Overall, dachshunds can be great family dogs whether you live in a house in the countryside or an apartment in the city.
Choose a dog from a reputable breeder to ensure that they have the best chance at a healthy and happy life or select one from a rescue if you want an older dog. By preparing your home and planning ahead about how you’ll approach training, you can build a strong relationship with your new dachshund from day one.
