Selecting your den
You can purchase a crate or kennel for your Dachshund at most pet stores or even at discount-type department stores. You can also find a huge variety of pet housing on the Internet, ranging in price from $15.00 or $20.00 to almost $100.00, depending on the brand, the design, and the store.
When purchasing a Dachshund den, look for a sturdy, well-ventilated plastic or metal crate with an easy-open door (easy for you to open, not your Dachshund). You want to find a size just big enough that your Dachshund can stand, sit, lie down, and turn around comfortably, but you don't want one so huge that she can relieve herself in one corner and sleep in another.
Because Dachshunds never get too big, get a crate that's big enough to house her as an adult. If it looks like too much space for your puppy, you can put a small box or toy or pillow in the den to fill up the extra space. Some crates come with dividers so you can "grow" the den as your puppy grows.
When you have a den picked out, fold up a blanket or buy a nice, soft cushion or pad for the bottom, and your Dachsie paradise is all set.
Plastic dens may not be particularly lovely pieces of furniture (although some brands look attractive), but to most Dachshunds, plastic dens feel more secure and safe on the inside than open-wire kennels, which don't resemble dens very closely. But wire kennels can work just fine if you drape a blanket over the top and three sides to give your pet a better sense of security. Also, avoid making your dog stand on a wire grate; the surface is uncomfortable, and puppies can snag their toes. Cover the bottom of the den with something soft — a cushion, pad, pillow, or folded blanket — and wash the material often.
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