Perfect. Writing it now.
Our Favorites
Supplies and Resources for Your New Companion
Bringing home a RockinDachs prospect means you have already done the hard part of finding the right match. Now let’s make sure you have everything in place to set them up for success from day one.
A quick note: some links and recommendations on this page are affiliate partnerships. Where that is the case we say so clearly. Every product listed here is something we have used, tested, and trust.
Creating a Safe Environment
Wire Crate
Crates are one of the most valuable tools you will own. Done right, a crate is not a punishment — it is your prospect’s personal space. A place to decompress, rest, and feel secure when the world is a lot. We use wire crates because they allow the dog to see their environment and know they are not alone. Wire is also easy to clean and more durable than plastic or fabric alternatives. Avoid wire-bottom crates — they are hard on small paws.
If your prospect prefers more privacy, drape a blanket over the crate or look for a cover. Covers come in everything from furniture-style enclosures to simple fabric panels in just about any color you can imagine. Our prospects leave the Homestead already comfortable in a crate — your job is to maintain that foundation, not build it from scratch.
Playpen
A playpen is essential for unsupervised time, especially in the early weeks. Size it to fit the crate, a potty area, and a feeding station — your prospect needs room to move, not just survive. Playpens travel well too, making them useful for camping, visiting friends, or anywhere life takes you. Keep the setup away from electrical outlets, cords, curtains, and anything else a curious nose could get into.
Crash-Rated Travel Crate
We know how tempting it is to let a tiny Dachshund ride in your lap. We have been guilty of it on short drives too. But for anything beyond a quick errand, your prospect needs to be properly secured. In any accident of any severity, a loose dog becomes a projectile — and a dog in a substandard crate is not much better.
Do your research on crash-rated crates before you buy. Not all crates perform equally in impact testing and the difference matters. We are happy to help you find the right option for your vehicle and your dog’s size — just reach out.
Food
High-quality nutrition is foundational to everything we care about: coat health, gut health, spinal health, and longevity. We are selective at the Homestead and we encourage every Companion Parent to be equally selective.
Wholesomes Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon
This is our current Homestead food and our primary recommendation. The salmon-based formula is well-tolerated by dogs with sensitivities, supports coat and skin condition, and includes prebiotics and probiotics for gut health. It is a quality food at a price point that is realistic for long-term feeding. Look for it at your local farm supply or feed store, or online through major pet retailers.
When shopping for alternatives, look for a named animal protein as the first ingredient, a formula that includes gut-supporting prebiotics or probiotics, and a life-stage appropriate blend — small breed puppy formula until your vet advises transitioning to adult.
Supplements
Even on a strong diet, targeted supplementation can make a meaningful difference — especially for a long-backed breed where joint health is a lifelong consideration.
NuVet Plus — Total Body Support
We give our dogs NuVet Plus daily. It supports immune function, digestion, cardiovascular health, and nervous system function, and contributes to healthy skin, coat, and bones. It comes in wafer and powder form. Our dogs treat the wafers like a daily snack — including our longest-standing pack member Quake, who has been on them for years and remains one of the healthiest dogs on the property.
NuJoint Plus — Bone and Joint Support
For a long-backed breed, joint support is not something we wait on. NuJoint Plus is part of our preventative care routine, not a response to a problem. Starting early matters.
Both are available at nuvet.com. Use order code 498021 at checkout for a discount. Purchases through this code support the RockinDachs program.
Treats
Treats are training currency. Use them intentionally, keep calories in mind, and choose quality ingredients.
Bully Sticks
A long-lasting chew that keeps a prospect focused and calm when you need hands-free time. Source from a reputable supplier — processing methods matter and not all bully sticks are made equally.
Freeze-Dried Turkey Hearts
High-value, single-ingredient, and available in both snack and training sizes. These are a staple in our treat rotation.
Milk-Bone Trail Mix
A practical everyday option. The mix gives you small training-sized bites alongside higher-value beef and sweet potato chunks — useful for varying reward levels during a training session.
Raw baby carrots and green beans make excellent low-calorie snacks and are safe for Dachshunds at any age. Raw carrots in particular are a helpful teething aid.
We generally avoid pork-based treats — that is a personal preference, not a medical recommendation.
Hygiene
Skin and Coat
All three coat types benefit from regular brushing. It distributes natural oils, supports skin health, and gives you a regular opportunity to check for anything unusual.
Mane and Tail Original Formula
One of the few shampoo lines formulated to be safe for both animals and humans. The original formula includes a conditioner option for extra moisture — useful for longhair and wirehair coats especially. Available at most general retail stores. Make sure you are purchasing the original formula as some of their lines are human-specific.
Soft Bristle Brush
Appropriate for all three coat types as a daily maintenance tool. You do not need anything fancy — a basic soft bristle brush from the hair care aisle works perfectly well.
Deshedding Comb or Brush
Choose one that will not irritate the skin or cut the hair. Our current favorite is the Hartz Fur Fetcher — effective without being harsh. Wirehair coats require additional attention as they do not shed dead hair naturally and need regular hand-stripping or plucking to stay healthy.
Have questions about any of these recommendations or need help finding the right product for your specific prospect? Reach out through the Legacy Lounge or directly at puppy@rockindachs.com.
🌻🦡💎