Building a Well-Behaved, Happy Dachshund
Dachshunds are intelligent, curious, and full of personality — but they can also be wonderfully stubborn. Positive, consistent training from an early age is the key to raising a confident, well-mannered companion. Our training resources are designed specifically for the dachshund breed to help you and your puppy build a lifelong bond based on trust and clear communication.
Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS)
We perform ENS exercises with every puppy born at Doxie Pups Creek from day 3 through day 16 of life. These brief, gentle exercises give puppies a neurological head start that lasts a lifetime.
Tactile Stimulation
A cotton swab is gently held between the puppy's toes for 3–5 seconds, stimulating the neurological system through touch.
Head Held Up
The puppy is held securely with its head directly above its tail in an upright position for 3–5 seconds.
Head Pointed Down
The puppy is held securely with its head pointed downward toward the ground for 3–5 seconds.
Supine Position
The puppy is held on its back (belly up) in the palm of both hands for 3–5 seconds.
Thermal Stimulation
The puppy is placed paws-down on a cool, damp cloth for 3–5 seconds, introducing a mild thermal challenge.
Proven Benefits of ENS
- Improved cardiovascular performance
- Stronger adrenal glands
- Greater tolerance to stress
- Greater resistance to disease
The Rule of 7
By 7 weeks of age, every puppy at Doxie Pups Creek should have experienced each of the following at least 7 times. This socialization framework builds confidence and adaptability in your dachshund from the very start.
Different Surfaces
Grass, tile, carpet, wood, gravel, concrete, fabric
Different Objects
Balls, soft toys, crinkle toys, paper, cardboard, metal bowls, plastic bottles
Different Locations
Kitchen, living room, backyard, garage, bathroom, porch, laundry room
Different People
Men, women, children, people with hats, glasses, beards, different voices
Different Challenges
Climbing over obstacles, tunnels, different elevations, gentle sounds, new textures
Different Containers
Metal bowls, ceramic dishes, plastic plates, muffin tins, flat surfaces, puzzle feeders
Different Eating Locations
Kitchen, living room, crate, outdoors, bathroom, different rooms, varied surfaces
Explore Our Training Resources
Dive into our breed-specific training guides designed to help you and your dachshund build great habits from day one.
Potty Training
House training your dachshund puppy step by step
Read guide →Quick Training Tips
Simple techniques you can practice in seconds
Read guide →Essential Lessons
Three foundational lessons every dachshund needs
Read guide →Nail Trimming
Keeping your dachshund's nails healthy and short
Read guide →Sit & Stay
Teaching your dachshund patience and focus
Read guide →