Train a Dachshund? Many would laugh. Many more would just ask, "Are you training the Dachshund or is the Dachshund training you?"

Dachshunds rightly have the reputation of being self willed and intent on achieving their goals. It is these exact characteristics which made their help so valued by hunters. Independence during the hunt was required by these little dogs and although this leaves many with the opinion that they are difficult to train, regular sessions will be rewarding to both you and your dog.

Admittedly, time, patience and firmness will be needed.
Here's the Top 10 list of things to to do, or not do.
Teach your dog as much as possible while playing with it. A happy active dog will learn faster than an unhappy one.
Dachshunds require and enjoy challenges, but be sure that you don't ask to much from your dog.
Use a friendly voice for praise and a stern tone for scolding. A dog will quickly learn that a firm No! is to be respected.
Praise and reprimands must always immediately follow your dogs actions otherwise your dog will not recognize the link between the events.
Always use the same words, such as Phooey, No, Bed, Basket and so on for the same events or proceedings. Only then will your dog recognize what the sounds mean.
Training will not work without some authority. If you don't set clear limits and insist on them, the dog will not acknowledge you as the pack leader.
Should you have to punish your dog, grasp him at the scruff of the neck and shake it briefly. This is the same technique used by mother dogs with their puppies.
Do not try and train your dog unless it's already house broken. Any other training objectives do not make sense until then.
Start training your dog as soon as it comes home. Assuming the dog is at least 3 months old and then only minimally for the first couple of weeks.
Never hit your dog to punish incorrect behavior.

House training a puppy requires diligence and consistency. You might think it easier to adopt an older dog, but the trauma of relocating may result in accidents none the less.

It's very important to establish an outside bathroom area were you will take your dog on regular outings. You should ensure that someone in your family is available all day for at least the first two weeks to begin house training.

You will also be better off to have a crate or cage to control your dog when you are not outside.

Begin to training your dog as soon as you get it home. Take it out side to your bathroom area and observe that it takes care of its business. Only then permit it into your home. The only alternative you should entertain is to keep your new pet in its crate for several hours, then take it outside to the bathroom area.

The crate will also be used to keep your dog restrained from messing in your home. Your dog considers a crate as personal space and is not likely to soil its home unless under extreme conditions. A regular routine of crate time, outside bathroom time and play time must be established. The dog should be given sufficient time to relief itself. Play should then be used to tire your dog and for rest, place him in his crate.

It should also be considered that you take your dog outside as well right after feeding time. Food eating generally physiologically requires your dog to relive itself, so keep this in mind.

At night, before you lock up your dog, remove water from the feeding area such that your dog will have less of a need to go out at night. 8PM to 9PM is a good time, then ensure puppy gets a chance to go out one last time just prior to sending him off to bed.

I hope this gives you some help. Good luck.

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Here's a response a I gave a lady who had some questions regarding house training. I thought it might be good to post here...


Jeanette,

It has been said many times "Dachshunds are hard to housebreak." Our six year old female occasionally still has accidents, mostly when frightened by noise.

In your case it's very important that you eliminate the odor associated with the places you puppy did its business. Dogs can detect even handful of molecules of urine week later and then think "I went here before, I think I'll go again." So get a product called Natures Miracle. Use it to eliminate the odors.

Then ensure that you start crate training. Have your puppy in the crate after playing with it and tiring it out and take it outside to the same spot every time. Carry it. Don't let it walk. You might leave your puppy in the crate for about an 2 hours at a time (except at night). You will need to make sure though that you puppy is tired before being placed in the crate. This will allow the dog to sleep/rest and as dogs rarely soil their beds, they will "hang on" if possible. So when they get the chance they will "go" outside. Also remember that puppies have poor bladder control which does not develop until they are better than 6 months old.

Also be sure to take your dog out right after she eats. And stay out with her until she is finished her business. Wait if you have to. Only then take her into the house to play. Keeping up the routine will be hard the first few weeks, but you likely see some gains.

Cheers,

Bob.

Here's another e-mail reply I sent concerning accidents when dogs get excited as people come home.


Elisa,

Sorry to have taken so very long to get back to you. Not enough time to handle all the E-mail!

Young dogs often have this problem. They get exited and lose control of their bladder. As the get older this problem often goes away.

To help deal with the problem, you'll need to train your dog that when people come home, or visitors arrive, it's no big deal.

To start off with, never make a big deal about being home and seeing your puppy. Just say Hi Max (insert pet name) in a calm voice to acknowledge him. Don't talk in a high voice or bend over and give a bold greeting like "Hi puppy. How's my puppy. Puppy. Puppy Puppy." It just serves to get them exited and then the lose control.

It will take some time, but go in and out of the house a number of times though out the day. So he gets the sense that you'll always be back. Try 10 minutes, then 15, then 30 a few times, then an hour or so. Always give a simple acknowledgement. You'll may need to do this over several weeks.

Over time he will think someone coming in is not that exiting and your problem will be corrected.


Cheers,

Bob.