Potty training is one of the first barriers first-time dog owners face. How well you pass this test will determine how easy and enjoyable life with your pup is going to be. So, let’s get over potty training a dachshund – all tips, tricks, and know-how. By the end of this article, you should be fully prepared for getting your young pup’s toilet regime well in–line.
How To Approach Potty Training A Dachshund?
Knowing how to potty train a dachshund is one thing but actually doing it is another. Potty training any dog requires a lot of patience and smaller breeds like the dachshund are notorious for being extra annoying in that regard. So, let’s go over the 8-step process first before we go into some more tips and tricks:
1. Keep a close eye on your dachshund
Ideally, you’ll have at least a couple of free weeks the moment you take your Doxie. Or, there should at least always be a family member at home while you’re potty training. That’s because it’s crucial that you observe the dog for any sign it needs to go potty. Then, just pick the dog and go out before an accident has happened on the carpet.
2. You’ll need to go out very often at the beginning
Most grown dogs are fine with two trips outside per day. Young pups, however, need to go out as often as possible until they learn that outside is the only place where wee is done.
3. Don’t hesitate to pick up your dachshund mid-wee
This can sound gross and unproductive both most dogs will start peeing or pooping when they are picked up. So, don’t just pull your hair and yell at the ceiling while your dog is doing its business – pick up the Doxie and run outside.
4. Location, location, location
When getting out with your dachshund to wee, it’s important to always go to the same spot. This will teach your dachshund that this is the place to do the business instead of at home. Otherwise, your Doxie will get confused at all the different locations and may not get the point.
5. Focus on positive reinforcement
Get your pocket full of your pup’s favorite treats and reward the dachshund after every successful outdoor toilet break.
6. Forego negative reinforcement
You may get the urge to punish your dachshund for going potty on the carpet. This is an understandable reaction. However, no form of punishment is going to achieve the desired result. Neither yelling nor hitting or isolating your dachshund will teach the dog that it’s done something wrong. Instead, you’ll just frighten and confuse the dog and it will become even less receptive to future training.
7. Routine is key
Over time you will get the timing of your dog’s toilet breaks. Some dogs go wee immediately after eating or drinking, others do 20-30 minutes later. It’s important that you observe this routine as it will help you catch your dog’s impulses before it’s too late. From there, it’s just a matter of maintaining this routine until your dog gets that outside is the only place to pee or poo.
8. Get ready for some midnight breaks too
Most dogs will get the urge to wee at night less often but it is going to happen at first. So, it’s important to make sure your dog’s within earshot at night and that you’re ready to jump up, grab the dachshund, and run out regardless of the time of night. This is definitely the most annoying part of raising a dog but, fortunately, this period passes quickly.
How To Potty Train A Mini Dachshund – Is There A Difference?
Not really. On one side, mini Doxies wee less so there’s less of a mess to deal with. On the other hand, they are even quieter and sneakier than standard dachshunds so it may be harder to catch them in/before the act.
Read more about Training A Dachshund Not To Bark
Is Dachshund Potty Training Difficult Compared To Other Breeds?
It’s more difficult than most, yes. Dachshunds, Dalmatians, Jack Russel terriers, Afgan hounds, and Bichon Frise are the few breeds most notorious for how annoying their potty training is. This doesn’t mean that you won’t be able to do it, however, nor does it mean that it will take much longer. But it does mean that you’ll need to be extra diligent.
Crate Training And Potty Training A Dachshund – Are The Two Intrinsically Linked?
Very much so. Getting a crate for your dachshund is an amazing tool for the potty training process. That’s because dogs don’t like going toilet in their “den area” which the crate is supposed to be. So, if you get your dachshund used to the crate and you close it in during the night, this will greatly help with containing your dog’s bladder overnight. It will also help your dachshund learn to hold it in and wait to go out first. Just remember to always go out with your dog the moment you open the crate.
How long does potty training a dachshund take?
Anywhere between a couple of weeks and 2-3 months, depending on how well you do. If you skip or neglect any of the steps above your dachshund will take longer to warm up to the idea of waiting to go out before weeing.
What to do if your Doxie just don’t get with the programming?
Persistence is key. There is no reason why a dachshund can’t learn to potty train so just keep at it. If your dachshund is taking longer than average to learn the process this isn’t a sign that the dog is dumb – it just means that there’s a gap somewhere in the potty training process.
Does My Dog Have A UTI?
One possible medical reason why your dog is having trouble holding it in is a UTI or a Urinary tract infection. UTIs are annoying but very treatable, so you don’t need to worry. Just get your dog to the vet and the problem will be quickly resolved.
Guests Are Coming Over – How To Avoid A Disaster?
When dogs are still potty training, guests can often get them overexcited and lead to accidents. That’s why it’s important to get your dog to properly do its business outside right before your guests arrive.
Crating your dog is not necessarily recommended in that instance as the pup will feel isolated and punished. Instead, just warn your guests that you’re still potty training, hide their shoes, and get ready to handle the occasional incident in a calm and composed manner.
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