If you just brought home a miniature Dachshund, welcome to a world of big personality in a small body. This 7-day beginner plan gives you a simple, realistic routine to build confidence, prevent back strain, and set healthy habits from day one. The goal isn’t perfection; it’s calm repetition that helps your pup understand what “normal” looks like.
Day 1: Setup and bonding. Choose a quiet rest zone with a supportive bed and a low entrance crate. Keep stairs blocked. Introduce a potty area and give frequent, short trips after naps and meals. Your only training today is name recognition and reward timing — say the name once, mark with praise, and pay with a tiny treat. End the day with gentle stroking along the back, never lifting by the front legs.
Day 2: Micro-walks and handling. Two five-minute walks are enough. Practice wearing a harness that sits low on the chest, not on the neck. Touch paws and ears briefly and reward. Handling now pays off at the vet and groomer later.
Day 3: Crate as a safe den. Feed a portion of meals in the crate with the door open, then closed for 2–3 minutes. Add a slow-feeder or lick mat to reduce gulping and encourage calm. Keep play sessions on the floor; jumping on furniture is a no-go for long backs.
Day 4: Simple cues. Teach “sit”, “down”, and “wait” at the door. One-minute training bursts, three times daily, beat long sessions. Swap tug for food puzzles to prevent overstimulation and protect the spine.
Day 5: Social sights, not strangers. Carry your Doxie near bus stops or a park bench and let them observe the world at a distance. Reward calm. This builds neutrality and reduces future reactivity without flooding.
Day 6: Alone-time reps. Practice two to four short departures. Leave a safe chew and white-noise machine running. Return while the dog is calm, not during whining, to avoid reinforcing anxiety.
Day 7: Health checklist. Confirm weight trend, stool quality, nail length, and ear cleanliness. Schedule a vet intro visit. Keep a weekly log: meals, potty successes, training cues, and any back-sensitivity. Tiny, consistent improvements add up to a confident miniature Dachshund who trusts you and loves the routine.