Establishing a Routine
When it comes to dachshund house training, establishing a consistent routine is key. These adorable little sausage dogs can be notoriously stubborn, but with patience and persistence, you can successfully potty train your dachshund.
Consistent and Frequent Potty Breaks
In the early stages of training, your dachshund puppy will need to go out frequently. Aim for every 20 to 30 minutes when they’re very young. As one experienced dachshund owner shared, "I can recall times standing outside in the rain for 15 mins with an umbrella trying to shelter puppy while I waited to see if he would go!"
Remember, consistency is crucial. Even if your pup doesn’t go every time, maintaining a regular schedule helps them learn what’s expected.
Predictable Potty Times
Dachshunds, like most dogs, tend to need potty breaks at predictable times. These typically include:
- First thing in the morning
- After meals
- After playtime or exercise
- Before bedtime
By anticipating these times and taking your dachshund out proactively, you can prevent many accidents and reinforce good habits.
Using Cues and Praise
Positive reinforcement is a powerful tool in dachshund house training. Use a consistent cue word or phrase like "go potty" when you take your pup outside. When they successfully do their business, shower them with praise and maybe even a small treat. This helps them associate going potty outside with positive experiences.
Crate Training and Confinement
Benefits of Crate Training
Crate training can be an excellent aid in house training your dachshund. Dogs naturally avoid soiling their sleeping area, so a properly sized crate can help prevent accidents when you can’t supervise your pup directly.
Choosing the Right Crate Size
When selecting a crate for your dachshund, size matters. It should be just large enough for them to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. If it’s too big, they might use one end as a bathroom and the other as a bedroom.
Introducing the Crate
Make the crate a positive space for your dachshund. Place treats inside to encourage them to enter, and never use it as punishment. Gradually increase the time they spend in the crate, always ensuring it’s associated with comfort and safety.
Using Playpens and House Lines
For some dachshunds, a playpen might be a better option than a crate. One owner found success with this approach: "The puppy playpen was the perfect solution for Eko! It is open on top and can be resized…which in my opinion, is better than a kennel or dog crate."
A house line (a lightweight leash your dachshund wears indoors) can also be helpful for keeping your pup close and catching potential accidents before they happen.
Potty Training Techniques
Watching for Signs and Signals
Learn to recognize your dachshund’s potty signals. These might include:
- Sniffing the floor intently
- Circling
- Whining or scratching at the door
- Suddenly losing interest in play
When you spot these signs, immediately take your dachshund to their designated potty area.
Designating a Potty Area
Choose a specific spot in your yard for potty breaks. Consistently taking your dachshund to this area helps them understand where they should do their business. Some owners even use a special spray to make the area more appealing for potty purposes.
Rewarding Success
Positive reinforcement is crucial in dachshund house training. When your pup successfully goes potty outside, praise them enthusiastically and offer a small treat. This positive association will encourage them to repeat the behavior.
Dealing with Accidents
Accidents will happen, especially in the early stages of training. When they do, avoid punishment. Instead, calmly clean the area with an enzymatic cleaner to remove the scent, which might otherwise attract your dachshund back to the same spot.
Special Considerations
Nighttime Potty Training
Nighttime can be challenging for dachshund house training. Young puppies often can’t hold it through the night. One creative solution from an experienced owner: "I put my puppy’s bed and blanket in my bed. It helped him calm down, we were both able to sleep, and he let me know when he needed to go potty."
Apartment Living
House training a dachshund in an apartment presents unique challenges. You might need to use puppy pads initially, but aim to transition to outdoor potty breaks as soon as possible to avoid confusion.
Potty Training Regression
Don’t be discouraged if your dachshund seems to regress in their training, especially around 4-5 months old. This is common in the breed. Stay consistent with your routine and you’ll get through this phase.
Troubleshooting and Prevention
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid common pitfalls like inconsistency in your routine, using punishment, or relying too heavily on puppy pads. Remember, patience and persistence are key in dachshund house training.
When to Seek Professional Help
If you’re struggling with house training your dachshund despite consistent efforts, don’t hesitate to seek help from a professional dog trainer or behaviorist. They can provide personalized strategies to address your specific challenges.
FAQs
How long does it typically take to house train a dachshund?
Every dog is different, but many dachshunds can be reliably house trained within 4-6 months. Some may take longer, especially if training starts later in life.
Are male or female dachshunds easier to house train?
There’s no significant difference in house training difficulty between male and female dachshunds. Individual personality and consistency in training matter more than gender.
Can adult dachshunds be house trained?
Yes, adult dachshunds can be house trained, though it may take more time and patience than training a puppy. The principles remain the same: consistency, positive reinforcement, and establishing a routine.
Should I use puppy pads for my dachshund?
While puppy pads can be useful in certain situations (like apartment living), it’s generally best to train your dachshund to go outside from the start to avoid confusion.
Why does my dachshund refuse to go potty outside when it’s raining?
Many dachshunds dislike getting wet. You might need to use an umbrella or invest in a doggy raincoat to make outdoor potty breaks more comfortable in wet weather.
How often should I take my adult dachshund out for potty breaks?
Adult dachshunds typically need to go out every 4-6 hours, though this can vary based on individual needs, diet, and health conditions.