Bringing Your Sausage Puppy Home
Everything you need to know to give your new sausage puppy the best possible start in their forever home â from their first 72 hours to feeding, grooming, and beyond.
The First 72 Hours
The first few days set the tone for your puppy's adjustment. Take it slow and let them settle in at their own pace.
Keep Things Calm
Keep the environment calm and quiet for the first few days. Loud noises and chaos can easily overwhelm a new puppy.
Explore at Their Pace
Let your puppy explore their new surroundings on their own terms. Don't force interactions or rush introductions.
Establish a Potty Area
Designate a specific potty spot right away and take your puppy there often to build good habits from day one.
Start Crate Training
Begin crate training immediately. The crate becomes their safe space â keep it positive and never use it as punishment.
Limit Visitors
Don't overwhelm your puppy with visitors at first. There will be plenty of time for introductions later on.
Feeding Schedule
Proper nutrition is essential for your growing sausage dog. Follow this age-based feeding guide.
Potty, Crate & Sleep Basics
Potty & Crate Training
Choose a wire crate sized for your dog â around 24 inches for Miniatures and 30â36 inches for Standards. Use a divider so the crate grows with your puppy; too much space and they may use one end as a bathroom.
Young puppies can't hold it more than 2â3 hours during the day. Take them out often â after meals, naps, and play â and praise every successful outdoor trip. Sausage dogs are clever but famously stubborn, so consistency is everything.
Sleep
Puppies sleep 16â20 hours per day â this is completely normal and essential for healthy development. Don't worry if your new puppy seems to sleep all the time.
Place the crate in your bedroom initially. Being near you helps your puppy feel secure and makes nighttime potty trips much easier during those first few weeks.
Sausage Dog Safety
These active, intelligent dogs have a few specific safety needs. A little care goes a long way toward keeping them healthy.
Protect the Back (IVDD)
Their long spine makes them prone to Intervertebral Disc Disease. Block access to high furniture, use ramps to couches and beds, and always support the chest and hindquarters when lifting.
Secure Fencing
Bred to dig and track scents, they'll happily tunnel under a fence following a smell. Make sure your yard has secure fencing with no gaps at the bottom, and supervise outdoor time.
Ear Care Awareness
Their long, low-set ears trap moisture and debris, making them prone to infections. Check and clean ears weekly and keep them dry after baths.
Stair & Jumping Limits
Repeated jumping off furniture and running up and down stairs stresses their spine. Carry puppies up stairs, use ramps, and discourage launching off couches and beds.
Mental Stimulation
Clever scent hounds can get bored and destructive without a job. Provide puzzle toys, snuffle mats, training sessions, and short scent-based games to keep their minds busy.
Grooming
Grooming needs vary by coat type, but a simple routine keeps every sausage dog looking and feeling great.
Brushing by Coat
Smooth coats need a weekly brush with a rubber curry or hound mitt. Longhaireds need brushing 2â3 times a week to prevent tangles. Wirehaireds need periodic hand-stripping to keep their rough texture.
Bathing
Bathe every 4â6 weeks, or as needed when dirty. Use a gentle dog shampoo, dry the ears and armpits thoroughly, and brush the coat out fully before and after.
Ear Cleaning
Clean ears weekly with a vet-approved cleaner. Their long ears restrict airflow, so they're especially prone to infections â staying on top of ear care makes a real difference.
Dental & Nail Care
Brush teeth several times a week and trim nails every 2â3 weeks. Small breeds are prone to dental disease, so regular tooth brushing is essential.
Exercise
Sausage dogs love steady, spine-friendly activity paired with plenty of mental stimulation.
Physical Exercise
Puppies need short, spine-friendly exercise â about 5 minutes per month of age, a few times a day. As they mature, keep it low-impact: easy walks, flat-ground fetch, and gentle play rather than jumping or rough stairs.
They can excel at nose work, tracking, and earthdog trials â sports that tap into their scent-hound heritage. Start basic training early and consider a puppy class.
Mental Stimulation
Supplement physical exercise with puzzle toys, snuffle mats, and short training sessions. Sausage dogs are clever problem-solvers, and a mentally engaged dog is a happy, well-behaved one.
Give them a "job" to do. Rotating toys, scent games, and simple trick training keep that bright, curious mind satisfied.
When to Contact Your Vet
Reach out to your veterinarian promptly if you notice any of these signs.
Puppy Supply Checklist
Tap each item as you gather it. Make sure you have these essentials before bringing your puppy home.
Have Questions About Puppy Care?
We're always here to help our puppy families. Don't hesitate to reach out with any questions â before or after your puppy comes home.