Are dachshunds easy to train? These strong-willed wieners are remarkably smart, as a doxie owner, you need a stretch of patience and consistency to achieve successful dachshund training.
They were initially bred to hunt down badgers, rabbits, and others that live in burrows, where their wiener-shaped bodies are at an advantage. Down in the burrows whilst on a hunt, they may face challenges and threats without the aid of their humans. With that said, they are also bred with the streak of independence and tenacity, which may spell out trouble when you are trying to train them.
Why do dachshunds resort to behavioural problems?
These behaviours are usually present amongst dachshund puppies. Whilst they are usually innate behaviour in dogs, they do not do it for no reason. Aside from their puppy-like personality, here are common causes of the undesired behaviours:
- Attention
Dachshunds are very sociable canine breed. They crave for every interaction they can get from their humans. Dachshunds are sensitive pooches when feeling neglected, it may lead to excessive barking in an attempt to catch your attention. - Boredom
Just like any other dog, dachshunds are likely to become upset and restless with their pent-up energy. - Separation anxiety
This is not an ideal pooch for families that are likely to spend most of their time outside the house, leaving your doxies behind. - Territory
The dachshunds are believed to be born with a little jealous nature. Without appropriate training, they can get extremely territorial.
Common dachshund behavioural problems
- Unwanted excessive barking
- Born like a professional digger
- Chews on your hands, furniture, or other belongings
- Housetraining ‘accidents’
- Jumps on people
- Seeks constant attention
- Persistently guards his toys or food
- Pulls on the leash whilst walking
- Aggressive behaviours towards people, other dogs, and animals
Fortunately, there are ways to properly address the above issues. Help him distinguish the difference between what is considered bad or good behaviours. Make him comprehend the word and earn his trust for him to obey your commands when consistent dachshund training is carried out.
How do I get my dachshund to stop barking?
Many owners complain about their doxies barking loudly with such vigour. Considering their history, dachshunds were bred to bark or alert hunters upon spotting their prey.
Indeed, dachshunds are likely to bark, some more than the others. You will find your doxie barking at any animals or strangers outside the door.
A dachshund owner once said that with these wieners, one does not need any doorbell, just earmuffs.
Here are some ways to keep those excessive barks in control:
Introduce training to a dachshund puppy.
How do you train a dachshund puppy? At the age of three to six months, your doxies already have the capability to comprehend basic commands such as “come” and “stay.”
Just keep in mind that as puppies, they normally have a shorter attention span, keep training sessions short at around five to ten minutes. They respond best with positive reinforcement method using treats and verbal praise as soon as they are able to execute commands.
Ignore bad behaviours. Don’t encourage them.
Yelling at your wieners to stop barking without introducing the command can result in the opposite response. Your yell can be perceived by your doxies that you want to join in the barking. Learn to ignore their barking until they have calmed down. This should send the message that they can only get praises through good behaviours.
Click here to learn more strategies to lessen excessive barking.
Housetraining your dachshunds
How long does it take to house-train a dachshund? Give your adult dog enough time to go potty after every one to two hours. Considering that dachshund puppies have small bladders, they usually take short toilet intervals.
Dachshunds are sensitive to the weather.
They generally refuse to go out and ‘go potty’ when the weather is rainy or snowy. It is best to house-train these puppies by introducing crate training first.
A crate is not a prison, nor can it be used for punishment. Instead, it is a den or a quiet space for your doxie when the mood takes him. Therefore, his crate should offer a sense of comfort and safety.
Choose a crate that suits the size of your pooch. It should allow him to stand and lie comfortably. The goal is to establish the difference between their living areas and potty areas. In connection, do not allow ‘potty mistakes’ inside his den. As soon as you let him out of his crate, make sure to go to the same place where his potty area should be.
Make him comprehend the phrase ‘go potty’ or ‘do your business’ whilst on it. Repeat the phrase in a neutral and calm tone as it may distract your pooch.
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Positive reinforcement training and consistency are key.
Are dachshunds easy to house-train? These headstrong little furry friends are at times challenging to train. However, with the help of positive reinforcement method and consistency, you might just have the best buddy by your side.
How do you correct dog digging?
Are your doxies busy digging holes in your garden? Most dachshund owners can relate. Either they simply love digging or they are bored, therefore they are in need of exercise.
Read: Top 6 Reasons for Dog Digging – Plus Effective Solutions
Address anxiety and boredom.
A good rule of thumb is to walk dogs for at least thirty minutes a day. Highly energetic dogs require a longer time for at least an hour a day. Note that a bored dog is not a good choice to leave alone at home. The digging behaviour is one of the signs that he needs to release excess energy.
Further, invest in buying dog toys that will keep your sausage dog preoccupied when you are out. Just make sure that the toys are made of dog-friendly materials.
Choose the ones that will not put him at risk of intestinal blockage if ingested. Toys made of rubber are a good choice, especially the ones with puzzle variety where he is rewarded with treats. This will surely keep your pooch busy for some time.
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In the end, the dachshund makes the perfect choice as pets. Just make sure to help them be the better version of themselves with these tips. Do not forget to share this with other fellow dachshund lovers!
Want to learn more about this wonderful breed, read the Miniature Dachshund breed information.
