How We Raise Our Puppies

At Oconee River Dachshunds, puppies are raised with intention, structure, and care—not guesswork. We follow a consistent, hands-on approach designed to support healthy development, confident temperaments, and a smooth transition into family life.

While every puppy is an individual, our process follows a clear framework from birth through go-home day.

At a Glance

At a glance, our puppies are raised with daily handling and observation, age-appropriate socialization,

structured routines, ongoing health monitoring, & thoughtful placement into homes.

Weeks 0–2: Early Care & Stability

The first weeks of life are focused on safety, warmth, and close monitoring.

During this stage, puppies:

  • Are monitored daily for growth and overall well-being

  • Receive gentle, age-appropriate handling

  • Are kept in a clean, calm, temperature-controlled environment

  • Are supported through routine health checks and observation

Our priority during this phase is stability and early bonding.

Weeks 2–4: Awareness & Gentle Exposure

As puppies begin to become more aware of their surroundings, we slowly introduce gentle stimulation and interaction.

This stage includes:

  • Increased handling and human interaction

  • Exposure to normal household sounds and activity

  • Continued health monitoring and routine care

Everything is introduced thoughtfully and at the puppy’s pace.

Weeks 4–6: Socialization & Structure

This is a critical developmental window, and we are very intentional during this stage.

Puppies are introduced to:

  • New textures and surfaces

  • Age-appropriate play and exploration

  • Continued interaction with people

  • Gentle exposure to everyday sights, sounds, and movement

Our goal is to build confidence without overwhelm.

Weeks 6–8: Confidence & Preparation

As puppies approach go-home age, we focus on preparing them for life beyond our home.

During this time, we:

  • Continue social exposure and routine handling

  • Observe individual personalities, energy levels, and temperaments

  • Support confidence-building through positive experiences

  • Begin preparing puppies for transition into their new homes

We pay close attention to how each puppy responds to new situations and environments.

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Additional Info

Health Care & Records

Puppies receive age-appropriate veterinary care, which may include:

  • Routine health checks

  • Vaccinations and deworming appropriate for age

  • Ongoing monitoring throughout development

Each puppy goes home with clear records and information so families know exactly what has been done.

Thoughtful Puppy Matching

We believe placement matters.

Puppies are observed throughout development, and we consider temperament, confidence, and energy level when helping match puppies to homes. While families are welcome to share preferences, our goal is always to support the best long-term fit for both the puppy and the family.

Go-Home Day & Ongoing Support

When puppies go home, families receive:

  • Clear care information and guidance

  • Honest communication about their puppy

  • Continued support as questions arise

We don’t disappear after pickup—we value long-term relationships with the families who welcome our puppies.

Our Philosophy

We don’t believe in rushing development or making promises we can’t keep. We believe in:

  • Structure over shortcuts

  • Observation over assumptions

  • Preparation over pressure

This approach allows us to raise dachshunds that are healthy, confident, and ready to become cherished family companions.