So, you now have a 5-month-old Dachshund puppy that is all puppy filled with energy that needs to be burned and can easily turn into a total terror. Your puppy may look like a full-grown Doxie, but they are still all puppies and will find anything they can to get into trouble.
Being a puppy, they will play hard and then nap just as hard. Therefore, a 5-month-old puppy still needs high-quality food to keep up with their active lifestyle. Simply running and playing in the yard or house is not going to be enough to wear them out, they will require more structured play and exercise.
Anytime you are working with your Dachshund puppy, no matter the age, consistency and positive reinforcement will be the key or you run the risk of your pup shutting down emotionally and losing their willingness to want to please you.
What to Expect from a 5-Month-Old Dachshund Puppy?
Expecting too much from your 5-month-old Dachshund puppy is one of the biggest mistakes Dachshund owners make. Your 5-month-old does have a longer attention span than an 8-week-old puppy or even a 4-month-old puppy, but they will still need shorter training sessions and lots of downtime.
You will also notice that they are eating a lot more. Puppies that are higher energy need more food to keep them going and at their ideal weight. Puppies that are a little more laid back and need some prodding to get out and move will not need as much kibble.
Your pup will still take naps throughout the day and setting a realistic schedule for your Doxie puppy is the best way to ensure they are getting enough sleep. If you work full-time away from the home, set up an indoor playpen so your pup is not cooped up in a crate all day and provide plenty of toys.
Spending lots of time with your puppy is obviously the best thing as long as you are providing a happy, safe, structured environment for them. Keep them on a schedule and make sure they do not overdo things. Just like a child, your Dachshund puppy needs structure to mature into a well-behaved adult.
What Does a 5-Month-Old Dachshund Look Like?
Your 5-month-old Dachshund puppy will start to lean out and lose a lot of that baby pudge that makes a Doxie puppy so adorable. Their ears will lengthen as will their head and they will start to look like an adult Dachshund.
A 5-month-old is starting through that gawky phase where their feet look bigger and they seem to trip over everything. This is one of my favorite phases because you begin to really see what your Dachshund puppy will look like when they fully matures.
For a breeder who also does confirmation shows, it is generally around 5 to 6 months of age when you really have an understanding of the quality of a puppy. You may notice some breeders not offering puppies for sale or adoption until after 5 months old, this is simply because they have been evaluating them as potential keepers.
How Much to Feed a 5-Month-Old Dachshund Puppy?
I know many breeders who start limiting food intake once a puppy reaches 5 months old. I only do this if the puppy is kind of a slug and does not get out and run and play to burn calories. Puppies that lean toward obesity will need lower fat food and be limited.
Puppies that are higher energy or a typical puppy should be given free choice a higher fat food. You obviously do not want your puppy to eat and eat until they make themselves sick. But they do need access to their food to refuel.
If you notice that your 5-month-old Dachshund puppy is eating a lot of food but still looking very lean or noticeably losing weight, you will want to make an appointment with your veterinarian to ensure there is no a problem such as internal parasites.
Talk with your breeder about what food your puppy is currently eating and about proper nutrition for your Dachshund puppy. You will want to feed a high-quality puppy food that gives your puppy all the nutrients they need to be healthy. All of my Dachshund puppies are fed Fromm Family Gold puppy food and I do have a clause in my contract stating the puppy must be maintained on that food for a full year.
How Much Does a Dachshund Puppy Sleep?
Sleeping puppies are one of the most adorable things, especially when your puppy is a more active puppy. A 5-month-old Dachshund will be able to sleep through the night without having to get up to go potty. Make sure you have a set bedtime for your pup, mine all go to bed between 10:30 and 11:00 p.m. and they wake up between 6:00 and 6:30 a.m.
Puppies, even 5-month-old pups, still need naps throughout the day. I set specific times throughout the day for puppies to go into their playpens for naps. Naps usually last anywhere from one to two hours, sometimes longer if I have errands to run.
How Much Exercise Does Your 5-Month-Old Dachshund Puppy Need?
You will want to start setting up a structured exercise routine for your 5-month-old Dachshund puppy. Play a rousing game of fetch for 10 minutes and then go for a brisk walk around the block. Maybe install a tether ball to encourage your pup to move more.
A basic agility course, minus any of the larger jumps, is another great way to ensure your Doxie pup is getting enough exercise. I have a friend who installed small mounds or hills in their yard and sent their Dachshunds out to race up and down the hills, working their muscles and wearing them out.
How to Train a 5-Month-Old Dachshund Puppy
I cannot stress enough; consistency and patience are the keys to a successful working relationship with your Doxie. Positive reinforcement, including special treats, will win your puppy’s heart and make them want to work for you.
Now that your puppy is older, they do have a longer attention span so you can stretch out training sessions. Intense obedience sessions can last for 15 to 20 minutes with a break and then another 15 to 20 minutes. You can also do shorter training sessions spread throughout the day if you have the time to work with them.
How to Deal with Bad Behaviors
A well-trained Dachshund will still try your patience from time to time. When you see them start to develop a bad behavior, quickly address it and encourage positive behaviors. For example, if you see them chewing on your shoe, yelling at them does not work. Instead, firmly tell them no and remove the shoe but then give them an acceptable toy.
If your puppy becomes snappy when given treats or food, address that with a firm hand and practice giving them small treats and praising them when they take them gently. It is the same with their food dish, put them in a sit or down before you place the dish before them.
Final Thoughts
You are in for a wild ride with your 5-month-old Dachshund. They are learning to navigate their world, becoming confident within their family, and expecting all the love and commitment they deserve from their people.
The most important thing to remember, especially if you have had your puppy since they were 8 weeks old, is that they are still all puppies full of mischief and energy. Stay consistent and keep them on a schedule. Their training should not be harsh but firm and filled with positive reinforcements.
If you’ve missed our other posts about the development of Dachshund puppies, you can check them out here:
- 8-Week-Old Dachshund: Growing and Exploring Their Surroundings
- 3-Month-Old Dachshund: Growth and Training Tips
- 4-Month-Old Dachshund Puppy: Training, Socialization, and Growth
- 6-Month-Old Dachshund Puppy: Expectations, Training, and Socialization
- Senior Dachshunds
Dachshund Resources and Tips
If you want to learn more about the Dachshund breed, check out these articles:
- The Dachshund Breed Profile: A Curious, Energetic, Mischievous, Stubborn, Yet Loveable Dog
- Miniature Vs. Standard Dachshund Comparison
- Dachshund Colors – Patterns and Markings Explained [With Pictures]
- Short Haired Dachshund: All You Need to Know About The Original Wiener Dog
- Long-Haired Dachshunds: Health, Temperament, and Grooming
- Wire-haired Dachshunds: History, Health, Temperament, and Fun Facts
- Male or Female Dachshund: Which sex is best for you?
- Blue Dachshund: Breed Info, Temperament, Health, and Costs
- Piebald Dachshund – Temperament, Health, Costs and Pictures
- Dapple Dachshunds – Temperament, Health, Costs and Pictures
- English Cream Dachshunds: Temperament, Types, Health and Care
- What Factors Determine The Lifespan of a Dachshund?
- Top 20 Essential Accessories for A New Dachshund Puppy
- How to Train Your Dachshund Puppy: From Basic Tips to Advanced Methods
- How Much Does a Dachshund Cost? (Full Breakdown of Initial Price and Yearly Costs)
