Where should we begin with our puppy's training?

We’ve had our 11-week-old dachshund puppy for just over a week now, and I’m feeling quite stressed about how to train her. I’ve done a lot of research, but the information often contradicts itself, leaving me confused and unsure where to start. We’ve made some progress with basics like her name, toilet training, signaling when she needs to go out, and almost mastering ‘sit.’ Crate training has been a challenge because she’s used to sleeping in bed with her breeders, but she’s slowly getting comfortable entering the crate on her own.

However, I’m struggling with what steps to take next. I’m not getting enough sleep, and her boundless energy is exhausting. I know more training could help curb her boredom and destructive behavior, but I’m overwhelmed by what to prioritize and when.

Can anyone offer tips on what we should focus on training at this age and how to approach it? How frequently should we practice? What are the most crucial things to teach her? How can we improve her responsiveness to commands? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

@Lucas
Thank you so much, that’s really helpful!

@Lucas
Appreciate the mention. A tired puppy is definitely a less bitey puppy.

You’ll start noticing the difference soon. You’ll see a change in behavior when nap time approaches.

It really saved my sanity. Now at 11 months, he still sleeps about 15 hours a day (12 overnight, plus a 2-3 hour nap daily—all in the crate). Today was actually the first time ever that he went into the crate on his own and napped for a bit. I didn’t have to coax him in. He knows when he’s tired now. He sits at the bottom of the stairs when he’s ready for bed and waits for someone to move the gate.

He truly is the best boy now that we have everything under control.

Firstly, take a breath and relax. Remember, this is a day-by-day process. Some days may feel like you’re taking one step forward and two steps back, but there’s usually something you can look back on and say, ‘today was better in this aspect.’ I’ve experienced frustration myself, especially with biting, but it does get better over time.

Be cautious about information overload. When I got my Golden, I was constantly googling and reading posts here. As helpful as these resources are, they’re full of varying opinions. What works for one dog—or even twenty—might not work for yours. Take advice with a grain of salt and validate it where possible.

Consult your vet. If you don’t have one yet, seek recommendations from friends and family. A vet can provide peace of mind and address health, behavior, and dietary questions. It was reassuring for me to get professional insights.

Consider enrolling in puppy classes. Not only do they provide mental stimulation for your puppy, but they also familiarize her with different environments, dogs, and people. My puppy used to crash hard after class.

Remember, she’s only 12 weeks old and adjusting to a new home with unfamiliar people. She hasn’t seen anyone lick their own butt, so she may be questioning your authority. Spend time playing with her and watch her personality develop.

One of the best pieces of advice I received from u/EamusAndy:

‘Sleep is your friend. Puppies need 18-20 hours of sleep per day. Without it, they can become unruly. Enforce those naps!’

Best of luck!

@DANIELS
Thank you for the detailed advice!

I recommend checking out Susan Garrett on YouTube. She explains puppy and dog training clearly and emphasizes teaching dogs to figure out the correct actions rather than constant human intervention. Her ‘It’s Yer Choice’ game is particularly effective!

If there are any puppy classes available nearby, I highly recommend enrolling. I found a great facility with excellent trainers, and being in a class setting with other puppy owners made a significant difference. It’s invaluable to have a trainer to consult for advice.

It sounds like you’re off to a good start. At this young age, puppies have short attention spans for training, so short sessions (around 5 minutes each) are sufficient. In my dog’s puppy school, most puppies already knew their name and grasped basic concepts like ‘sit’ and ‘lie down’ (though not perfectly). I suggest starting with these basics. YouTube videos can be helpful for guidance. After these, you can progress to recall, stay, leave it, and drop it commands. Keep it basic initially, and build upon it as she grows older!

I also recommend starting with a puppy class. It’s beneficial to have a trainer guide you through training and help your puppy get accustomed to different environments and listening to commands around other dogs.

But remember to take it easy :slight_smile:

You can’t solve everything immediately; small steps are key.