Dachshund Behavior Problems

How To Stop Dachshund Behavior Problems

Updated 02/20/2024 by Ava Jaine

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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 Table Of Contents

dachshund behavior problems
 

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.

dachshund behavior problems
 

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.

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.

Calming Supplements:

dachshund behavior problems
 

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?

dachshund behavior problems
 

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.

dachshund behavior problems
 

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.

dachshund behavior problems
 

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 their 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 them 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 your Dachshund’s natural hormones. Talk to your vet for more info on what you can do about hormonal changes in your doxie.

  • Age: As Dachshunds grow older, they may develop hearing or vision issues.  Make sure to approach your senior aged Dachshund in a calm manner and allow them to know you are present using their other senses (smell and touch).
 

What You Can Do:

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. One-on-One Training:

Your Dachshund loves spending time with you and earning yummy treats.  So set aside some special training time each day for some one on one with your dog.

dachshund behavior problems

3. Professional Help:

If adding more exercise and revisiting command training still isn’t working for your dog, it’s time to 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 the online dog training program from the K9 Training Institute.  They have awesome reviews and offer free training sessions that you can watch right at home with your pup.

The K9 Training Institute link is an affiliate link and I will receive a commission if you click through and make a purchase, at no cost to you.

To avoid any legal ramifications, get some help to cover yourself before your dog 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.

Dachshund Possession Aggression:

Friends, if you notice your Dachshund getting a bit possessive over their food or toys, check out my post called “The Dark Side of the Dachshund in Your Bed.”

In this article, I explain why it’s essential to address signs of possession aggression (aka resource guarding) early on. I share insights on how this behavior can escalate to other belongings, like your furniture and explain what steps to take to handle this type of behavior.

Dark Side of the Dachshund in Your Bed
 

Bonus Tip:

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 enables people to ask for and discuss dog health-related and behavioral advice, with the aim of connecting with other dog parents who may have faced similar situations. Our position is that the readers of this post fully understand that Dachshund Station does not endorse taking any advice given or received over that of a veterinarian or a certified dog trainer. Dachshund Station (Ava Jaine) is not responsible for the consequences of anyone choosing to implement any advice they receive.

The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding dogs.  For an accurate diagnosis of your dog’s condition, please make an appointment with your vet.

 

Are you struggling with Dachshund Behavior Problems?  Please let us know in the comments below.

dachshund behavior problems

Up Next: 5 SIMPLE Ways To Keep Your Dachshund Busy

Simple Ways to Keep Your Dachshund Busy

How to Introduce a Dachshund to Other Dogs: Step by Step Guide

How to Introduce a Dachshund to Other Dogs
 

Best Method for Trimming A Dachshund’s Nails At Home

Best Method for Trimming a Dachshund's Nails at Home

Helpful Links:

References:

  • Schweitzer, Karen. 2010. Our Best Friends The Dachshund. Pittsburg, PA: Eldorado Ink.
  • Pinney, Chris. 2010, 2000. Dachshunds. Hauppauge, NY: Barron’s Educational Series, Inc.