How To Stop Dachshund Behavior Problems
Many dachshund owners would agree that doxies are the most loving family dog, but they can sometimes act out of spite and have choosy listening skills.
It can be very frustrating when experiencing dachshund behavior problems. Luckily, by using some positive training techniques, many behavior challenges can be corrected…even in a Dachshund.
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Common Dachshund Behavior Problems
The most common Dachshund behavior problems include: Separation Anxiety, Excessive Barking, Eliminating Indoors, Digging, Destructive Chewing, and Aggression.
Let’s look at each of these issues and discover some helpful ways to resolve them.
1. Dachshund Separation Anxiety
We all want our dogs to feel calm and comfortable when we have to leave the house. So, it is important to understand what to do when Separation Anxiety strikes.
Separation Anxiety training is needed to help your dog learn that you will be back and they don’t need to panic when you are away.
Training Tip: If your dog has separation anxiety, most of the destruction will occur in the first 30 minutes of your departure.
Tips For Treating Separation Anxiety:
Avoid Triggers
Certain noises, like getting your keys out or saying “Good-bye” can trigger a separation anxiety episode in your Dachshund.
Avoid direct interaction with your pup right before you leave.
Dogs reflect your behavior and will start to get upset if you indicate that you are leaving.
Walking
Taking your pup on a 20-minute walk each day before you leave and when you return will help calm their stress and anxiety.
Hired Help
Don’t let your Dachshund “hold it” for more than 4-5 hours at a time.
This can cause major panic and anxiety in your dachshund and it will cause them to have embarrassing accidents in your home.
If you work full time or are unable to let your doxie out during the day, hire some help or take your pup to a doggie daycare.
Search online for some local dog walkers in your area. I like to use Rover.com for dog walkers and boarding.
Catching Them In The Act
If you catch your Dachshund in the act of destroying something in the home through the window or remotely on a doggie camera, don’t go back inside your house!
This will reinforce the behavior. This will teach them to destroy something to get you to come back home…and you don’t want that.
Modern remote doggie camera systems (From Amazon) allow you to speak through a microphone so you can tell your dog to stop when they are up to no good.
Keeping Your Dog Occupied
Interactive dog toys and puzzles can help your dog stay mentally stimulated so you don’t have to worry about them getting bored while you are away.
Dog IQ Puzzles: I found some great Doggie IQ Puzzles, Boredom Buster Activity Mats, and Interactive Tech Dog Toys worth checking out on my Dog Gift Post.
Food: Give your doxie some dog food before you leave. Make it part of your morning routine to give your dog their breakfast right as you are leaving to keep them focused on food.
Treat Toys: Consider giving your dog a frozen peanut butter Kong toy treat before you leave. This is one of my favorite ways to keep my Dachshunds occupied for hours while I’m away.
Consult A Vet
For more severe cases of separation anxiety, consult your vet for some help.
They may recommend some medications that can help keep your dog feel calm.
Natural Antidotes
You can use natural methods to calm dog separation anxiety too.
Did you know that the use of CBD oil is an effective solution for separation anxiety?
Calming Supplements
Supplements:
We like to recommend Dog Calming Chews from Ready Pet Go!
Ready Pet Go Dog Calming Chews are the bacon and cheese flavored behavior support your dog will love.
They help promote relaxation and helps reduce hyperactivity (Made in the USA).
Calming Scents:
Alpha Paw recommends using their Calming Dog Diffuser that mimics a mother’s natural nursing pheromones. This helps your pup will feel more calm and comfortable.
Sleeping Habits
Make sure your pup is getting enough sleep. Give them a comfortable dog bed and blanket to feel safe and warm at night or during nap time.
2. Excessive Barking
Why Do Dachshunds Bark So Much?
Excessive Barking can occur when your Dachshund is bored, excited, or just wants some extra attention.
Most Dachshunds are territorial and they bark to protect their pack (family members) and their home.
If your dog has separation anxiety, this can also cause excessive barking.
How To Stop Excessive Barking:
Attention:
If your Dachshund’s needs are all met, but they still insist on barking at you…avoid responding verbally or physically.
If you give them attention, they will continue barking to get more attention…creating a bad habit: Constant Dachshund Barking.
Give your dog positive attention and praise when they are showing good behavior (being quiet, not barking).
Exercise:
Dogs that constantly bark in the evening may be doing so out of boredom.
They need to have some playtime and more walks during the day to tire them out and help promote a good night’s sleep.
Distractions:
Dachshunds have “super senses” that help them do what they were born to do…Hunt, Track, and Guard! Their goal in life is to protect you and their home.
When your doxie barks at the door or window at something outside, tell them thank you (for keeping you safe), and lead them away from the area of distraction. This allows them to use their bark alarm a couple of times, but helps stop it from carrying on too long.
When they go potty outside, doxies are easily distracted by all of the sights, sounds, and smells of your yard. Try to find a quiet area of their yard so they can concentrate on the job at hand.
Post You May Like: Are Dachshunds Still Used For Hunting?
3. Eliminating Indoors
Dachshunds can be very temperamental. So, sometimes it can be hard to tell what the true cause of an indoor potty accident is.
Dachshund accidents in the house can be related to separation anxiety, undesirable weather outside, lack of training, Illness, or extra excitement.
It’s not always out of spite or payback.
Weather:
Dachshunds don’t like rainy, cold, or windy weather. They are really close to the ground, so they don’t enjoy being chilly or getting their bellies wet.
Solution: Try using a Dog Umbrella or Dachshund Raincoat (From Amazon) on those rainy days to keep your doxie dry when they go potty. Also give them an extra treat to let them know you appreciate they cooperation (because they really are the Boss).
Poor House Training:
If your dachshund wasn’t properly house trained as a puppy, they will have more accidents in the house as an adult dog.
Solution: Check out some Potty Training Tips to help your dog get back on track.
Illness:
Don’t assume that your dog’s accidents in the house are always behavior related. If they have a UTI, a parasite, or a disease (like Cushing’s disease or kidney disease) they can’t help it!
Sometimes the only way to let you know that they are ill is to have an accident in the house. It may even occur right in front of you.
Solution: Take your dog to the vet to get them checked out. They may need some medication to help resolve the issue.
More Potty Breaks:
Again, don’t let your Dachshund of any age “hold it” for more than 4-5 hours at a time.
Solution: If you are unable to let your doxie out during the day, search online for some local dog walkers in your area. You can also give doggie daycare a try. Not only will they have several potty breaks throughout the day, they will also gain some important doggie social skills.
Excitement:
If your dachshund has an accident when they are excited, try to avoid greeting your dog with too much fuss.
Solution: Wait a couple of minutes before loving them up. Keep your voice calm to keep your dog calm.
Submissiveness:
Your dachshund is being submissive if he shakes and has an accident when someone approaches him.
Solution: To stop this behavior, avoid eye contact and physical contact when approaching the dog. Give him the space he needs to feel safe. Allow your dog to come to you.
4. Digging
Why Do Dachshunds Dig? Dachshunds were bred to hunt badgers.
During the hunt, they had to do a lot of digging to help track down their prey.
Nowadays, doxies may dig out of boredom, hormones, temperature, or protecting their property.
Boredom:
Your dog may be bored and need something more constructive to do. Keep up their daily exercise, walking, or play routine to tire them out.
Hormones:
They may be hormonal or in-heat. Of course, the solution to this would be visiting your vet to get them spayed or neutered.
Temperature:
Your doxie might be too hot on a summer day and wants to dig and lay in the cool dirt. Be careful though, if that cool dirt is moist, it may contain nasty parasites or worms that can burrow into your dog’s skin, eww!!
Help your doxie find some cool shade or air conditioning so they are more comfortable.
Protecting Property:
A Dachshund may want to bury their favorite toy or bone.
My dachshunds love to dig and bury their toys in the couch cushions or cover their food bowls with a towel…it’s just something they do.
5. Chewing
As young puppies, Dachshunds use their mouths to explore their surroundings.
It is important to have lots of chew toys and bones available that your dog is allowed to chew, so he doesn’t go looking for your shoes or furniture.
Excessive Dachshund chewing can also be caused by Separation Anxiety.
6. Aggression:
Dachshund Aggression is the worst! So many doxie owners feel lost and upset when their loving dachshund literally turns into a vicious brat. If your dachshund shows his dominance towards people or dogs, they may have issues with submitting to authority.
Why Is My Dachshund Aggressive?
First, we need to look at some possible reasons for aggressive behavior in your Dachshund. Then, we will review some helpful tips to tame it.
Fear:
At times, your Dachshund may act aggressive if they feel threatened. It is their way of protecting themselves.
If children or other pets are playing too rough around the dog, allow him to retreat to a safe place.
If your dog is afraid of you (owner), make an effort to give them more space.
Act calm around your dog and offer some yummy dog treats to help them feel safe.
Pain:
If your Dachshund lashes out when you pick them up or go near them, they may have an injury.
Back injuries, like IVDD, can be very painful for Dachshunds.
Your dog may have an illness that makes them feel terrible. Take them to the vet if you notice a change in their behavior.
Socializing:
Your Dog may be lacking Socialization Training. Having your dog around other animals and people at an early age can help them adjust better to others as an adult dog.
Post You May Like: How To Socialize Your Dachshund
Hormones:
Aggressive behavior is most commonly caused by their doxie hormones. If your Dachshund is asserting their dominance because of strong hormones, get them fixed.
Age:
As Dachshunds grow older, they may develop hearing or vision issues. Make sure to approach your senior dachshund in a calm manner and allow them to know you are present using his other senses (touch, smell, etc..).
How To Resolve Aggressive Behavior Issues:
1. More Exercise:
Adding some more exercise to your Dachshund’s daily routine will help reduce stress and anxiety.
By walking, you are meeting your dog’s physical and mental needs. If your dog is cooped up all day, they may become more aggressive, bored, or depressed.
They need to get outside and move, just as much as you do.
2. Training:
Your dog loves spending time with you and earning yummy treats. So set aside some special training time each day for your dog. Here is a YouTube video by Zak George’s Dog Training Revolution on How to Stop Food Aggression/ Resource Guarding in Dogs.
3. Get Help:
If adding more exercise and revisiting command training still isn’t working for your dog, seek professional help. Ask your vet to recommend a specialized dog behavior trainer in your area or you can do it right online.
I recommend checking out the online dog training program: K9 Training Institute. They have awesome reviews and offer free training sessions that you can watch right at home with your pup.
To avoid any legal ramifications, get some help for your dog to cover yourself before your doxie is the cause of any injury.
Cover Yourself: If your dachshund is known for Biting, consult your vet and keep them away from children. Post signs on your property to warn visitors about any potential dangers when they enter your home or yard.
You are not alone, there are many dog owners and veterinarians out there who can share tips with you and help you through aggressive behavior in dachshunds.
Bonus Tip: Get Them Fixed!
Many of the unwanted behaviors listed above are caused by doxie hormones and can be reduced or even eliminated by getting your Dachshund dog spayed or neutered. But, it is recommended to wait until a certain age to prevent serious health risks and developmental issues.
Read More: 5 Reasons Why You Should Wait To Fix Your Dachshund
When Do Dachshunds Calm Down?
In my experience, Dachshunds start to calm down around 1 year of age. As with most small breed puppies, that 1 year mark can be a game changer for many.
I get it! Dachshund puppies are so darn cute, but that first year takes a lot of patience to survive puppy training.
Dog Breed Comparison:
When I was first married, my husband and I had a mini dachshund, a dachshund-beagle mix, and a German Shepherd. We went a little overboard on the doggie family.
My mini dachshund had less puppy energy, less chewing and less potty training issues when he turned one.
My German Shepherd’s energy didn’t really calm down until he was 4 years of age. Everything else was tamed by 9 months.
My beagle-dachshund mix adapted to his brothers potty time routines and learned everything super quick by 9 months.
Disclaimer:
This post allows people to ask for and discuss dog health-related and behavioral advice in hopes of connecting with other dog parents who may have dealt with similar situations.
Our position is that the readers of this post fully understand Dachshund Station does not believe any advice given or received should be taken over that of a veterinarian or a certified dog trainer.
Dachshund Station (Ava Jaine) is not responsible for what happens when someone chooses to put into practice any advice received.
Are you struggling with Dachshund Behavior Problems? Please let us know in the comments below.
References:
- Schweitzer, Karen. 2010. Our Best Friends The Dachshund. Pittsburg, PA : Eldorado Ink.
- Pinney, Chris. 2010, 2000. Dachshunds. Hauppauge, NY: Barron’s Educatinal Series, Inc.
Hi,
We have two male Dachshund one 20 months and one 8 months. everything has been ok but lately my wife is getting growled at when she goes up close. This culminated in the older one biting my wife on the nose when she got close, he had growled prior to biting but as she didn`t leave him he bit her. This is the first time and not making any excuses for that behavior I am just wandering what the cause could be? In this instance he had been playing (and at times very roughly) with my sons puppy who is 8 months but a lot bigger. and he was so tired and I think a little bruised, the wife went to give him a kiss and it happened. The following day back to his self loving and gentle although he growls when taking him off the bed which is now out of bounds. Any consideration would be great.
Thanks
Hello, Getting an aggressive nip or noticing a change in behavior can be scary. Yes, it is possible he was a little hurt from the rough play and when she came in for a kiss he showed a negative reaction.
Dachshunds around 2-3 years of age sometimes display a different behavior because of hormone changes. Some doxie parents will get their pups fixed to help with this, most of the time this can help lower aggression issues.
Please take a look at this YouTube video. It’s all about possessive behavior in dogs, I believe it can help: Dog Possessive Aggression.
I have a 10 year old and a 10 month old dachshunds. They are both female and spayed. The older doxie doesn’t want to have anything to do with the puppy. When the puppy comes near the older she barks and growls. She has not hurt her. I thought by now they would’ve been best friends. Is there anything I can do to help them be close?
Hello Linda,
I too have introduced a new puppy to a much older Dachshund and understand the situation. I actually wrote a post about it:
How To Introduce A New Puppy To An Older Dog
Hi, I’ve only had olly since before first lock down, he’s coming up 6 and is castrated… he he barks aggressively in the garden at my naibours.. when when outside on walks ignores them.. its a really bad situation as one if my naibours is now not on speaking terms with me about this… any noise and he is straight out there running up and down aggressively barking, even waiting for them… please please help
Ahh yes.. The Barking! Most Dachshund parents are dealing with this issue as well. It is one of the doxie’s favorite things to do. Here are some helpful tips throughout and some videos at the end as well.
10 Reasons Why Dachshunds Bark All The Time [How to Stop It]
Here are some more helpful videos to watch as well:
How to Stop Barking From Zak George’s Dog Training Revolution.
How To STOP A Dog From Barking So Much!! from Fenrir Canine Training.
My little mini is 19months old and seems to require lots of play time walks ect. When I sit he begs for me to get up. He is extremely intelligent. He know what he want and isn’t happy until I deliver. He has b3n deduced before I got him 2 weeks ago. I luv him and hope to make this his forever home.
Hi Rosemary, playtime and daily walks (sometimes 2 walks if they are up for it) should help satisfy your dachshund’s physical / exercising needs. He will also need some mental stimulation to work that super smart doxie brain of his. Here are some more detailed ways to help your dachshund when they are bored – and how to fix it.
Male dachshunds do tend to be more dependent on their owners vs the female doxies. Dachshunds in general are a bit more on the “demanding” side of things compared to other dogs. They love being busy and plenty of cuddle time with their owners. Making time to just sit with him can help them understand when it’s time to relax and spend special one on one time together. I usually do this at the end of the day for tv time with my pup. Give it some more time, if he just came to you a couple of weeks ago, things will take time and lots of patience. Thanks for writing and good luck with your dachshund.
I have a 1 Year old male long hair mini, he is fine about 80% of time but first he does bark a lot and second he could be very dominant towards other dogs he could just go fine at first have a sniff and lash out for no reason I haven’t spayed him yet as he was too young but would it actually help if I do!? I try training him all the time reinforce good behaviour but its so hard to go out with friends or family that have and not be-able to leave them by themselves
Hello, After talking with my dachshund’s vet, yes, I believe that getting them fixed after they turn 1 years old does help with the snappy attitude / aggression levels. Please note, getting them fixed doesn’t resolve all the issues, it helps though. I noticed a change in my doxie’s attitude about 1-2 months after he was fixed.
Having some more social time with other dogs at a smaller, more gradual pace can sometimes help with the barking and snapping issues. Getting your doxie used to having other dogs over to visit or having some puppy playdates and keeping them separate until they are used to each other takes time, but will help your dog feel more comfortable being around other dogs.
Here is a video on some socializing suggestions:
How To Train Your Dog To STOP SNAPPING at People (Stop Aggressive/Reactive Behavior)
The Unpopular Truth About Socializing Your Dog