How to Train a Dachshund to Be Alone: 7 Simple Tips

Updated 11/20/2024 by Ava Jaine

We’ve all felt that twinge of guilt when our Dachshunds just can’t stand to be away from us. It can be a very stressful situation for both them and us.

Don’t worry friends, we have some tried-and-true techniques on How to train a Dachshund to be alone that will help your little long dog feel more secure when you’re not around.

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Understanding Dachshund Separation Anxiety

Can Dachshunds be left alone? Yes, but, first things first, let’s talk about Dachshund separation anxiety. You know those frantic barks and destructive antics your doxie displays when you’re not at home?

This is a common issue among Dachshunds and can show up in a variety of ways, from excessive barking and drooling to destructive chewing.

Follow the tips below to help keep your doxie calm and alleviate these stressful anxiety episodes when you leave your Dachshund home alone.

1. Kennel Time While You’re Home

Providing daily kennel time while you are home is a must! This type of training will help your doxie feel calm in the kennel, gated area, or playpen…which needs to be used when you are away.

Put your Dachshund in the kennel when you:
>Take a shower.
>Walk outside to get the mail.
>Make a meal.
Don’t Forget the Treats! When you place your Dachshund in their gated area, scatter some broken-up soft dog treats around and walk away.

Offering tasty treats or a lick mat smeared with banana and dog-safe peanut butter can effectively divert your doxie’s attention from your departure.
Help your pup associate ‘kennel time’ as a positive experience rather than a scary one.
Next, take them out of the gated area without making it a big deal.
Get them used to you being ‘away’ for a little while and gradually work up to longer periods of time in a calm and positive way.

2. A Tired Dachshund is a Happy Dachshund

I’m not kidding! Before you head out, make sure to tire your doxie out physically with a nice walk. Exercise not only helps keep them healthy but it also helps them relax while you’re away.

3. Create a Safe Space

It’s important to provide a comfortable and secure space for your Dachshund when you’re not at home. This not only prevents destructive behavior but also helps keep them safe from potential hazards like jumping on the furniture or climbing the stairs.

For my doxies, Eko and Gretta, I have an exercise pen for daily use and a puppy playpen in the bedroom for nighttime.

4. Change Your Leaving Routine

A key strategy for leaving a Dachshund home alone is to randomize your leaving routine. Dachshunds will pick up on cues such as putting on your shoes or grabbing your coat, signaling you are on your way out.

Mix things up by avoiding noise cues (ex. jiggling of keys)
Don’t draw attention to your departure with verbal cues like “be good” or “I’ll be back.”
Avoid excessive displays of affection, as your doxie can pick up on your nervous tone and body language, making their anxiety worse when you leave.

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5. More Potty Breaks

Let your Dachshund out to potty regularly. Making them hold it for too long can make their anxiety a whole lot worse.

Give them a potty break every 4-5 hours.

If you can’t get home to let them out within that time limit, hire a dog walker to let them out for you.

Giving them a nice walk and potty break mid-day will help keep your Dachshund calm while you are away.

woman taking a dachshund on a walk for exercise

6. How to Train a Dachshund to Be Alone

Teaching a Dachshund to be alone is all about gradually building up their comfort level, which takes time and patience.

Here are some easy training steps to follow:

Start by leaving them alone for short periods of time and gradually increase the duration as they become more comfortable.
Provide some broken-up soft dog treats in their kennel or gated area a few minutes before you leave to help ease the transition.
Keep the treats random! If you give your dog the same treat only when you leave, they will associate it with you heading out the door. Keep it random, one day cut up pieces of dog treats, next day cut up pieces of cooked chicken (not too much), etc.
Make sure to provide some safe chew toys, their favorite bed, and blanket in their gated area to keep them comfortable.
Reward calm behavior and avoid making a big fuss when you return.
Note: If you plan to leave your Dachshund for an extended period of time, I don’t recommend leaving things they can chew and destroy in their kennel with them.

Things like the lick mat and chew bones should only be in the gated area while you are close by to avoid choking.

Mini dachshund looking at a colorful fleece frisbee dog toy from chelsey's toys.

Eko’s Favorite Fleece Toy

My vet suggested fleece dog toys for my doxies because they are easy on their teeth and don’t fray like rope toys. Our favorite fleece frisbee toy is from Chelsy’s toys.

Before you grab one, make sure to use code: DACHSHUNDSTATION for a discount.

[This is an affiliate link, I do earn a commission if a product is purchased, at no cost to you. Thank you]

7. Brain Games

A Bored Dachshund is a Destructive Dachshund!

In addition to physical exercise, your doxie needs some brain exercises too. This is called mental stimulation, and doxies who get bored easy (all of them) need a lot of it.

A couple times per week, set some time aside for fun doggie IQ games, brain exercises, or command training to keep the anxiety away.

Post You Should Read: 5 Simple Ways to Keep Your Dachshund Busy

Extra Help

Can Dachshunds be left alone? Yes, but if you are struggling to help your dachshund cope with being alone, don’t hesitate to seek out professional dog training help.

Online K9 Dog Training Programs can be a great resource for addressing Dachshund separation anxiety and other behavioral issues right in the comfort of your own home.

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.