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.
This page contains affiliate links and I earn a commission if you make a purchase through one of the links, at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
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.
My 10 yr. Old male doxie has suddenly become aggressive towards my husband, the person that feeds him, takes him out and, up to now he favored my husband. There are times when he will
Sit with my husband and lick his face but more often he growls when my husband walks by, will not let him be picked up. My husband gives him treats and talks to him. We took him to the vet and had blood and urine tests. He is healthy. He has never been hit and don’t know why he suddenly became aggressive (he does sometimes growl at me) what to do about it. There is no aggression to our other dog, a chi weenie, and is friendly to other people . In bed at night he cuddles with my husband and they take naps together. What can we do.?
Hi there, well, this is interesting. I am glad that you got your doxie checked out by the vet. Often a weird onset of aggression can be caused by pain or changes in their health. Every doxie is different, every situation is different, but I can help give some suggestions.
Your dachshund’s behavior could be related to possession aggression – possibly guarding the place where he is laying, or a specific toy or food?
Here are some videos that focus on this particular issue:
Why is my dog SUDDENLY aggressive towards me?- by Dog Liaison
This video is really helpful and could help with the walking by growling: (Its me or the dog on Youtube – possessive dog behavior)
Hi, in february I rescued a 2 year female daschund that was heading for the pound. She was very aggressive at first and I patiently worked with her to where she does very good with my other rescue dogs and family members. The first couple of months I got bit, but I understood that she was going thru the adaptation period, but today she bit me for no reason. I was cleaning the floor and instructed to stay outside as usual with my other dogs. All of the sudden she jump on me and bit my hand. I don’t know why.
Hi Maria, oh dear! That would be scary. Thank you so much for adopting rescues, God bless you. With your doxie rescue, it is hard to tell what her background was…she may be quick to snap if there was a change of tone, change of environment. Something made her nervous.
It sounds like she will need some extra time and patience to adjust.
I would suggest making some one-on-one time with her. Using some chicken or yummy training treats, teach her some easy training commands. This is a great way bond with her, help her to feel at ease and increase her trust.
I have a mini female wired haired Dauschaund. She is 3 years old. In the last year she has become aggressive with other dogs. Unpredictable. She was fixed. The last 2 incidents she got off leash saw a passing dog & started chasing, barking & snipping the dog. I was able to separate her neither dog hurt & she didn’t snipe at me. I was distraught & feel uncertain what to do. Please advise
Hello Claudine,
So sorry, you must have been so scared when this happened. Many doxies act this way towards other dogs if they haven’t had a lot of experience or
interaction with other dogs from puppyhood until now (dog socialization).
Continue to walk her daily, just walk at a distance from others if you can. Also, make sure your pup is secured with a sturdy leash and harness that she can’t slip out of.
My dachshund, Eko, is a major puller and barker on walks. So, I have to walk at a distance from others as well. As for the pulling, I have him in a sturdy dog harness.
Here are my favorite dachshund harnesses
Here is a video on socializing your dog with other dogs:
The Unpopular Truth About Socializing Your Dog by McCann Dog Training
Teaching Your Dog To Ignore Other Dogs Walking On Leash
Also, consult you vet on your doxie’s change in temperament, just in case her health has changed in any way.
We have a 1 year old male doxie we adopted at 12 weeks old as he was smuggled in to the country abd was rescued. Training is going OK, barking getting less, more quiet times in the day and 2 walks a day. No problems on thr lead or harness, however he bit a male relative after the relative kicked him, and has since nipped our neighbour, also an older gentleman. No other signs of aggression towards anyone else or any other dogs.
Hello, Thank you for rescuing your dachshund, I’m sure he is very happy to have a forever home. I’m sorry to hear about this aggression. If he was kicked on purpose, dogs will defend themselves when they are hurt – just as we do.
Now, as far as nipping at others, it could be his strong male hormones if he isn’t fixed yet. It could be a need for more socialization with other people and dogs. If he isn’t used to being around a lot of people, snapping at others usually means he is scared and not sure how to handle the situation.
When introducing your doxie to others, have the other party offer them a small treat and keep the experience positive. This process is generally needed early on in puppyhood, but can be done with an adult doxie – it just will take some more time and patience.
Check out these videos for help with aggression and info on dog socializing.
The Unpopular Truth About Socializing Your Dog
How to dog snapping and biting
How To Train Your Dog To STOP SNAPPING at People
Also here is my post on socializing a dachshund with others.
The truth is, many dachshunds are very protective towards their owners and can snap at others when they approach if they are unfamiliar with them. Helping your doxie ‘gradually’ get to know your family and friends in a calm and positive way will work, but takes time / several attempts. Good luck to you, I do hope this helps. You can also consult your vet for additional help or have you doxie attend a dog training session – which is a great way to socialize with others.
Hi Ava, great advice thank you. Yes, he’s been doctored. He’s great with groups n all family so far, in laws, kids, other dogs etc, just this instance :/
Hi, you are very welcome. I do hope this helps your doxie. Oh wow, that is pretty good then if he gets along with that many people and dogs.
My 2 year-old male mini long-haired Doxie growled at and bit a smaller child who grabbed his face one night at a ball game. Now he’s snarled at and bitten a male neighbor who approached and just held his hand in front of the dog for sniffing. I’m baffled at this new behavior! He’s always barked and strangers walking up but never shown aggression until now. I don’t know what to do!
Hi Kim, So sorry to hear this. Yes, those Dachshund hormones can sometimes get the best of our doxies around ages 2-3. You are not alone in this, many Dachshunds have a tendency to lash out at others out of fear or lack of socialization and experience with other people and animals.
Many Dachshund parents with this issue discuss options with their vet… Getting a dog fixed can sometimes help with aggressive hormone issues.
If your Dachshund isn’t familiar with smaller kids or didn’t enjoy the feeling of being touched in the face by a child – he was defending himself, but, unfortunately, that isn’t acceptable in the human world. Dogs don’t understand that naturally and need to be trained to understand.
Socializing your doxie through a doggie training class, having small dog play dates (with gradual and safe introductions), taking your pup places with you is all part of your doxie’s socialization training.
Here’s more info on Socializing your Dachshund.
Here is a helpful video for the snapping issue from YouTube (It’s me or the dog). If the dog training classes don’t work, and the snapping continues, you may have to ask your vet for some more options like a walking muzzle for protection and doggie calming supplements.
To ensure no one else gets bit, always keep your doxie secure with a leash or in a fenced in area when around others. Also incorporate daily walks, dachshunds can show more aggression if they don’t have daily exercise.
I hope this helps and good luck to you.