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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Table Of Contents
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.
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.
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
- Dog Calming Chews from Ready Pet Go help promote relaxation and helps reduce hyperactivity.
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.
Excessive Barking
Why Do Dachshunds Bark So Much?
Dachshunds tend to bark excessively when they’re bored, excited, or simply craving some extra attention. But let’s be honest here, barking is one of the most well-known Dachshund personality traits. Along with their obsession with food, a doxie’s booming bark is practically built into the breed!
Dachshunds are naturally territorial and will bark to protect their pack (family members) and home. If your little long dog struggles with separation anxiety, this can also lead to excessive barking.
How To Stop Excessive Barking:
If your Dachshund’s needs are all met, but they still insist on barking at you…avoid responding verbally or physically.
Attention:
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
What to Do About Dachshund Aggression
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.
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.
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. Dog training programs can be a great resource for addressing Dachshund separation anxiety and other behavioral issues.
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.
Educate Yourself: Become more familiar with canine resource guarding and conditioning techniques. Here is a great post from Dr. Patricia McConnell called The Other End of the Leash.
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.
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.
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.
Hi,
We got a 3 months old dachshund. We are finding it very difficult to train him with his bites and nips Towards all of ya. I have to keep him away from my 5 year old coz he runs after her as if he is going to eat her up.
Everytime she goes close to his play pen he is ready to nip and irony is she is huge dog lover and every dog in our neighbour loves her . Pls help
Hello Nams, often times, dachshund puppies this young have very sharp teeth and are in the teething process. They need lots of stuff to chew to feel better. Make sure your dachshund has plenty of chewy bones and toys to help him out.
If the nipping and bites are aggressive, yes, keep children away and always monitor them when they are together.
In a few months, consider getting your dachshund fixed. This can help reduce aggression.
If your dachshund continues biting, talk to your vet about getting some professional training help. Some dachshunds have trouble trusting other animals and small children because they are nervous or scared. Good luck with your new pup. Also, check out the links in the post, there are some helpful you tube videos from dog trainers that may help you.
In need of advice, I currently have 4 dachshund dogs (1 male and 2 females and a female puppy). They are mostly kept in cages since our house is mostly filled with plants and my dad does not want them to go out. I take them for a walk in the morning but the struggle is that the females tends to get aggressive towards other females to assert dominance and it gets worse. They aren’t trained dogs which explains their current behavior and i can’t handle them for too long because my allergies will start to show up.
Hello Dan,
Wow, 4 dachshunds! That must be a lot to handle in general. Yes, dachshund aggression can get worse if they aren’t able to go for more walks, play, and basically release pent up energy. Any dog in a cage will become bored and unhappy. Try to give your dachshunds more time outside if you can (walks or free play 2-3 times per day for at least 30 minutes each session). Also, do you have a doggie day care near by? That would be a great way to not only socialize your doxies, but help them move around and play for a bit. They usually let you come a couple times per week, it doesn’t have to be a daily ordeal. If the behavior continues, try to consult your vet for some help. Don’t let it continue for long, it can get worse and they could hurt each other. The vet may have some recommendations for your. Also, see if there is a dog walker, friend, or neighbor who would be willing to take them on walks for your since you have allergies. Dachshunds are a cuddly dog breed. They like to sit on your lap, play, and spend time with their owners. If they aren’t handled or are able to release their energy, they become unhappy and unhealthy as well.
Please, it’s so cruel to have them in cages all the time. Must be for breeding. ?
I agree Diane, No one should leave any dog in a cage. They shouldn’t have a dog if they need to be confined all the time.
If you have allergies, the house is full of plants, and your Dad don’t want them out of cages!! So they can spend their lives being denied the exercise, affection, and mental/emotional/physical attention that is MANDATORY for their existence??
The Doxy is one of the most loving/energetic breeds there is and this is the life you can offer them? That s selfish, and flat cruel!! Of course they are having behavior issues and it won’t get better!!
They deserve lives outside of a cage that is nothing more than a torture chamber!
Btw… Neglect is abuse and now a felony. You need to do what is BEST for THEM and re home them ASAP!!
Help!
Our 8 year old Dachshund who had bad and can still have aggression issues. We adopted at 1.5 and was his 3rd home because of behavioral issues. With a lots of love he has become very sweet and much so to strangers.
Dogs, never know if he would like the dog or not. Not, shows his teeth and growl even at a big dog before pull him away in leash. He can even growl at us if he does not like something.
We just brought home a 2.5 month home a Pug puppy. We had both dogs far apart in our large backyard to introduce them. Husbands who is Satchmo’s person, held him and I held the Pug about 10 feet away. Satchmo broke out of my husband’s control lunged and bit the neck of the puppy. Did not break skin but Auggie’s neck was wet. If I did not pull Satchmo off I have a feeling he would have killed him.
Now, we have a house divided, Satchmo and husband on first floor and we are on second. We live in a split level house. His office is on 1st floor so Satchmo does get lots of face time and he sleeps down there too which is not that great for our marriage.
Constant fear 1 of the dogs will get loose and meet.
So, with a first reaction of aggression toward a puppy, anyway thIs instinct to hurt, will go away?
Thanks!
Debbie
Hi Debbie,
Is your dog Satchmo fixed? A lot of dogs that aren’t neutered can have a lot of extra aggression. Also, being his third home, his past may have made him more aggressive towards other people and animals. It would probably be best if Satchmo were kept away from other animals and children.
Generally when dogs meet a new puppy or dog they sniff and then decide if they want to play or walk away uninterested. If the natural reaction is to bite or kill, it is definitely not safe for other animals to be around him.
Keeping them separate in the house should help as long as it is secure when you are not at home.
Other than that, please consult your vet for more suggestions on professional help with behavior training. Good luck with everything.
Hi, my miniature dachshund is 3yrs old last May. He is usually playful & sweet. My husband & kids play a lot with him. But just recently, he suddenly barks at my hubby as if it couldn’t recognized him. Then my hubby will just snob him then the dog will again play with him. But since yesterday, our will not stop barking at my hubby whenever he sees & heard him talking. What do you think is the problem with my dog? Kasper is my dog’s name.
Hi Sheila, If it was my dog, I would call my vet and let them know of his sudden change in behavior. Have Kasper’s hearing and sight checked, just in case something has changed in his health. It may also be “demanding” attention? Try having your husband offer some treats occasionally. He may need some extra bonding time with him.
My dachshund, Reno, started barking “orders” at my husband when he was 10 years old to boss him around if he wasn’t getting enough attention. My husband would tease and play with Reno, which would get him barking as well. I hope this helps. Good luck with Kasper.