So, she made the big decision and brought a dachshund puppy into her family. You just brought your puppy home and he is playful and active, full of energy and gives hugs and kisses freely. After an active day, you think there’s no way you and your pup can’t sleep through the night. At 2:00 am you hear a little whimper from your pup and you think he’ll just go back to sleep; you will give him a little to calm down. At 2:15 he has woken up the whole family with his howling and you can’t put him back to sleep. To do?
While there is no single method that works perfectly for all dogs, there are things you can do to help your dachshund puppy sleep through the night. The first thing to decide is where your puppy will sleep. One option is to have your dachshund sleep in bed with you. Some people think this is crazy, some think it’s for the best. If you make this decision, keep in mind that you will never be able to get your dachshund to sleep anywhere else without retribution. Once in bed, always in bed. I wouldn’t recommend this option if you move when you’re sleeping. Your pup may get trapped under you and become startled or unable to breathe. Puppies are small and could wake up and roll out of bed and hurt themselves or make a mess.
A great option for your dachshund puppy to sleep is in a crate. Some people think this is like putting them in a dog jail, but it can actually be comforting to your dog. Don’t forget that dachshunds are hunters and have been bred to go to the ground. They love to sleep in burrows and can often be found in the laundry basket or buried under a blanket. Your dog crate should never be used for punishment or “time out.” If used correctly, your dachshund will find his crate to be his safe place where he can go to relax and get away from household activity.
No matter where you choose to have your dachshund puppy sleep, there are things you can do to get him to sleep longer at night. A puppy that is less than 3 months old cannot be expected to “hold” more than six hours overnight. During the day, when he is active, this is reduced to about an hour. So plan to take your pup out just before bed at night and again first thing in the morning. When you take him out for the last time at night, don’t make this a fun, playful time. Don’t give him a toy or a treat, just tell him to go to the bathroom, talk to him in a low, gentle voice, and let him do his thing. When he’s done, you can pick him up, pet him, and quietly tell him it’s time to go to sleep. Put him in his cage, turn off the lights and try to make as little noise as possible.
If your dachshund puppy wakes up in the middle of the night, again, don’t turn it into fun playtime. He opens the door, pet him a little, close the door and quietly tell him to go back to sleep. You can also cover the cage with a light and dark sheet or blanket to darken its cage. If he still wants to cry, you can move the box slightly or touch it just enough to interrupt his crying, but not enough to scare him more. Eventually he’ll get the idea that you’re not going to get him out and he’ll go back to sleep.
There are a few more things you can do to ensure your dachshund puppy is relaxed and ready for bed at night. Make sure he doesn’t go to bed hungry. I recommend feeding him at the same time as dinner, or right after. That way you have something in your belly, but there’s enough time to process everything one last time outside before bed. Make sure he plays a lot during the day and especially in the evening. Let him play outside with the kids weather permitting, sun and exercise always help wear him down. Don’t irritate him and play with him for at least an hour before going to bed. It will take longer to settle.
One more thing you can try is called SnugglePuppy. It is a plush toy that has a warming pack and a heartbeat. This is especially good for puppies who have just come home and are away from their littermates for the first time in their lives. We’ve heard great things about these stuffed animals, but plan ahead so you’ll already have them when you bring your dachshund puppy home.
Over time, your puppy will sleep through the night so you and your family can get back to your normal sleeping patterns. It may take your puppy a few nights to get used to his new life and his new schedule, but it will happen. We hope you find these tips helpful and that life with your new dachshund puppy is everything he dreamed of.