Bringing home a new dachshund is very much like bringing home a new family member. He is a new family member, actually! You may not have painted a room especially for your wiener dog; however, there are more considerations and decisions to make prior to bringing him home than you might think.

First, no matter where you get your dachshund, it is critical that you find a veterinarian whom you like and trust. You'll need to set an appointment for your puppy or dog to get a full physical within 72 hours.

Additionally, if your dachshund is coming from a shelter or pound, you'll want to arrange an appointment with the groomer — perhaps even on the ride home — for him to be treated for fleas and ticks and have his toenails trimmed. Depending on the dog's coat and its condition, you might want him shampooed and trimmed or stripped. You don't want to bring home a dachsie that is filthy or infested with bloodsuckers unless you feel confident you can deal with these things on your own.