[MyPemCharlie]

It sounds like the mini-Dachshund you babysat did not have any training. Puppies are either high-energy or asleep, like little lightswitches....ON/OFF.

Charlie has been fabulous, but I work from home so I'm with him all day. When he gets restless, whiney, or hyper, I've always taken him out in the backyard and worked on obedience skills, playing soccer, or throwing smaller toys for him to chase. When he's pooped out, we come back inside. He's perfectly content to hang out in my office recliner while I work...until our next backyard break.

Lots of outdoor exercise and working basic obedience will tire out the puppy and give him lots of opportunity to potty outside. Even if you're in a apartment without a yard, a specific exercise area is a great idea to tire out the pup. Also...someone already mentioned crate training...worth its weight in gold!