Potty training a dachshund can feel like an uphill battle. These wiener dogs are smart, but their stubborn streaks make house training tricky. With the right tools and consistent methods, though, you can help your pup succeed.
Ready to tackle potty time?
Key Takeaways
- Dachshunds can be stubborn, so use patience and positive reinforcement like treats or praise immediately after success.
- Puppies have small bladders, needing potty breaks often—every hour per month of age (e.g., a 2-month-old pup every 2 hours).
- Stick to a set schedule and consistent verbal cues like “go potty” during training for better results.
- Use tools like crates, timers, and training sprays to reinforce good habits while managing accidents calmly with enzyme cleaners.
- Bad weather makes outdoor potty trips hard; create indoor options or covered areas for comfort during rain or cold days.
Common Challenges in Potty Training a Dachshund
Potty training dachshunds can feel like solving a tricky puzzle. Their quirks make teaching them patience and consistency even more crucial!
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Stubbornness and independence
Dachshunds are known for their stubborn streak. Training them can feel like trying to outwit a clever toddler. They enjoy making decisions on their own, which may lead to ignoring your commands.
This independence is charming, but it adds extra challenges during house training.
For example, they may refuse to “go potty” where you want or resist crate training at first. Consistency and positive reinforcement work wonders with this breed. Use treats or praise instantly after successful trips to their designated potty spot.
Small bladder size
A dachshund puppy’s bladder is tiny. Puppies can only hold their urine for about one hour per month of age. For example, a 2-month-old pup may need a potty break every two hours.
This short holding time means frequent trips to the designated potty spot are non-negotiable.
Bladder control improves at around 4–6 months as your dog matures. Until then, use tools like puppy pads or crate training to manage accidents better. Staying consistent with potty breaks prevents your dachshund from feeling frustrated or overwhelmed.
Sensitivity to weather
Small bladders mean frequent potty trips, but bad weather can make things tricky. Dachshunds hate the cold and rain. In winter, they may refuse to go outside. Their short legs and thin coats only add to their discomfort.
Make training easier by using puppy pads indoors during harsh weather. A covered doggy potty area outside also helps in heavy rain or snow. Keep their walks short on freezing days but add extra chances for them to “go potty.”.
Easily distracted
Dachshunds have curious minds. A swaying leaf or passing car can steal their focus during potty time. Outdoor potty breaks should stay calm and boring—no toys, no play.
Keep them on a leash to limit wandering. Pick a quiet, designated potty spot where distractions are minimal. As one trainer says:.
Setting Up for Potty Training Success
Consistency is key—set a routine, pick a potty spot, and make training simple for your dachshund to follow.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=cE4l9QdyMfk&pp=ygURI2RhY2hzaHVuZHN0YXRpb24%3D
Create a consistent schedule
Take your dachshund outside the moment they wake up. Do this again after every meal, play session, and before bed. Young puppies need extra trips—set a timer for every 30 minutes to keep track.
Their small bladders can’t hold much, so frequent breaks are key.
Stick to specific times daily. This builds a routine your pup will learn quickly. Use cues like “go potty” each time you bring them to their designated potty spot. Reward them immediately when they succeed with treats or praise.
Designate a specific potty area
Stick to the same spot for potty time. Pick a quiet outdoor area as your dachshund’s designated potty spot. Use a leash and guide them there every time they need to go. A training spray can help mark this space with a scent dogs recognize.
Add a verbal cue like “go potty” when they sniff or squat. Repeating this builds their habit of using that area. Keep distractions away while training, so your pup stays focused on the task at hand!
Use crate training as a tool
Crate training helps with house training a dachshund puppy. Use a crate that is just big enough for your dog to stand, turn, and lie down comfortably. Too much space can lead to accidents inside.
Dogs avoid soiling where they sleep, making crates an effective potty training tool.
Keep your puppy in the crate when you can’t supervise them closely. Take them outside to their designated potty spot as soon as they are let out. Reward them immediately after they go potty outside.
This teaches them that going outdoors brings positive reinforcement like praise or treats.
Essential Potty Training Tips
Training your dachshund takes patience, quick rewards, and focus. Stick to a routine, and you’ll notice progress sooner than you think.
Learn your dachshund’s potty signals
Dachshunds have clear potty signals if you pay attention. Signs include sniffing the floor, circling, or suddenly getting restless. Whining or sitting near the door can mean they need to go outside.
Some might give you an anxious stare or pace back and forth.
Teach your dachshund to ring a bell by the door for simpler communication. Hang a small bell low enough for them to tap with their nose or paw. Each time before going out, guide them to ring it first.
Over time, they’ll connect ringing the bell with potty breaks and use it themselves!
Reward successful signals right away so they understand what works best.
Reward successful potty trips immediately
Pay close attention after your dachshund shows potty signals and goes outside. The moment they finish their business in the designated potty spot, praise them like a star! Use an enthusiastic voice to let them know they’ve done well.
Follow this with a small treat immediately—don’t wait even a few minutes, or they might not connect the reward to the action.
A quick belly rub or cheerful pets can boost their excitement too. Consistent positive reinforcement helps create strong habits. Pair praises with simple words like “go potty” every time for faster learning.
Keep treats handy by the door or on walks to avoid missed opportunities during house training!
Stay patient and avoid harsh corrections
Rushing your dachshund’s potty training can backfire. Dogs respond best to calm, consistent teaching. Yelling or using harsh language confuses them and may create fear. Instead, speak softly and guide with patience.
For example, if an accident happens indoors, clean the area with a pet-safe cleaner to remove any odor. Then calmly redirect your pup outdoors.
Punishments harm trust and slow progress. Positive reinforcement like treats or praise is more effective than frustration. Your dachshund will learn faster in a stress-free environment where they feel safe trying again.
Patience isn’t just kind—it’s key for long-term success!
Use a cue word consistently
Consistency makes training smoother. Pick one cue word like “go potty” and stick to it every time. Use this word right before your dachshund uses the designated potty spot. Over time, they’ll connect the command with the action.
Avoid changing phrases or tone—it can confuse them. Stay firm but encouraging in your voice. For example, say “go potty” in a calm tone as you approach their outdoor spot. Pair this with positive reinforcement, such as treats or praise, immediately after success!
Avoid distractions during potty breaks
Keep the focus on potty training. Outdoor time for dachshunds should not feel like playtime. No toys, no chasing squirrels, no games during this period. Hold their leash to guide them to the designated potty spot.
Stand still and avoid interacting too much.
If your dachshund doesn’t go within 5-10 minutes, bring them back inside calmly. Try again after 20 minutes instead of letting distractions waste more time. Stick with these steps to create a solid house training routine and reduce setbacks effectively.
Managing Accidents and Setbacks
Accidents happen, and that’s okay. Stay calm, take action quickly, and keep encouraging your dachshund to do better next time.
Clean up accidents thoroughly to remove odor
Use an enzymatic cleaner to tackle potty accidents. These cleaners break down the smell at its core, not just mask it. Regular household cleaners won’t cut it—they leave traces your dachshund can sniff out.
If they catch even a faint whiff, they might think it’s okay to go potty there again.
Act fast after any accident. Blot the mess with paper towels first, then apply the enzymatic cleaner as directed on the bottle. For stains on carpets or upholstery, let it soak in for a few minutes before wiping it away.
Amazon.com has plenty of enzyme-based options made for this job!
Calmly redirect your dachshund after accidents
Accidents happen, and that’s okay. If your dachshund has one indoors, avoid yelling or punishing them. Instead, interrupt gently with a calm “no” or clap to get their attention.
Lead them to the designated potty spot right after. This teaches where they should go without creating fear.
Clean the accident area thoroughly with an enzymatic pet cleaner. Dogs rely on scent; leaving odor behind can confuse them and lead to repeat mistakes. Stay consistent in calmly guiding your pup—they’ll catch on faster than you think!
Monitor for potential health issues
Unusual potty habits might signal health problems. If your dachshund pees too often, struggles to go potty, or avoids their designated spot, talk to a vet. Persistent accidents could mean infections or bladder issues.
Small breeds like dachshunds are prone to urinary tract infections and stones.
Watch for whining during potty time or changes in stool color and texture. These can hint at hidden problems needing attention. Quick action keeps house training on track and your pup happy.
Keep reading for essential tools that make potty training smoother!
Tools to Aid Potty Training
Having the right tools can make potty training smoother and less stressful. Simple items like barriers or sprays may save you time and frustration.
Puppy pads and sprays
Puppy pads can confuse your dachshund. They might teach them to potty indoors instead of using a designated potty spot outside. If you use them, avoid long-term reliance. Instead, focus on outdoor house training for better results.
Training sprays are more helpful. These sprays attract dogs to specific areas for potty time. Spray it on the chosen spot in the yard and guide your canine there regularly. This builds a clear routine and reinforces good habits.
Use these tools wisely as you transition to leash training or crate training methods!
Puppy playpens and gates
Playpens and gates help keep your dachshund puppy safe during potty training. They create a confined space, reducing accidents indoors. Use them to block off areas you don’t want the puppy exploring.
This limits distractions and keeps focus on house training.
Set up the playpen near their designated potty spot or doggy door for easier access. Gates are handy in open spaces like kitchens or hallways. Both tools let you supervise without needing constant attention, making potty supervision simpler and less stressful!
Timers to maintain a schedule
Timers can be a lifesaver during house training. Set one to go off every 30 minutes for young dachshunds. This keeps potty breaks on track and avoids accidents. Puppies often get distracted, so a timer serves as your trusty reminder.
Use the timer after meals, playtime, or naps too. These are key moments for “go potty” opportunities. Consistency helps create reliable habits in your puppy’s routine faster.
Seasonal Potty Training Tips
Cold snaps or heavy rain can test your pup’s patience, so be ready to tweak your routine and keep them cozy outside.
Adjust training during bad weather
Rain and snow can make potty training tricky. Dachshunds often dislike getting wet or cold. Use puppy pads indoors during storms or extreme weather. Keep their designated potty spot close to a door for quick trips.
If outside, consider a covered area to shield them from rain.
In colder months, plan more frequent breaks since small dogs like dachshunds have tiny bladders. Add a doggy sweater for warmth if the temperature drops too low. Positive reinforcement, such as treats or praise, works wonders even in tough conditions!
Plan extra breaks in colder months
Cold months make potty training harder. Dachshunds dislike the chill, which may lead to accidents indoors. Take your dachshund out more often during these times. Smaller dogs like dachshunds have tiny bladders that fill up quickly, so frequent breaks help avoid messes.
Keep trips short and sweet. Use a designated potty spot close to home for fast results. Encourage them with positive reinforcement once they go potty outside. Puppy pads can also be handy inside just in case bad weather delays outdoor breaks.
Conclusion
Potty training a dachshund takes patience, love, and lots of treats. Stick to a routine, reward good behavior quickly, and stay consistent. Accidents happen—clean up and move on.
Celebrate the small wins because they add up! With time and effort, your pup will get it.
FAQs
1. How do I start potty training my dachshund puppy?
Begin by choosing a designated potty spot outside. Use positive reinforcement, like treats or praise, every time your puppy goes potty in the right place.
2. Should I use crate training for house training my dachshund?
Yes, crate training works well for house training. Dachshunds usually avoid soiling their sleeping area, making crates helpful during potty breaks.
3. What are some common potty training challenges with dachshunds?
Dachshunds can be stubborn and easily distracted. Consistent supervision and leash training help prevent accidents inside the home.
4. Are puppy pads a good option for indoor accidents?
Puppy pads can work as a backup but shouldn’t replace outdoor trips to the designated spot. Overreliance on them might slow down progress.
5. Can dog doors make potty time easier for dachshunds?
Doggy doors can help if your yard is safe and secure, allowing independent access when it’s time to go outside without constant supervision!