How to Teach Your Bossy Dachshund Who’s Leader of the Pack
Whether you’ve just brought home a new Dachshund puppy, or you have an adult Dachshund with authority issues, it’s crucial to establish your role as leader of the pack before your doxie does.
Believe it or not, your Dachshund would like YOU to be the leader. But, if your little long dog is calling all the shots at home, it’s their natural instinct to fill the position of alpha.
In this post, we will help you learn How to Teach Your Bossy Dachshund Who’s Leader of the Pack.
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What Doesn’t Work for Dachshunds:
Some folks might throw around the idea of using dominant or aggressive training methods when a Dachshund is acting out or doesn’t listen. But trust me, from my own experience, I’ve learned that Dachshunds don’t respond well to that approach.
For example, the whole sticking their nose in it after an indoor potty accident or any type of physical punishment when something gets shredded.
It won’t work!
They won’t understand why they are being punished and therefore won’t understand not to do it again.
Don’t Give In: Dachshunds have a knack for turning on the sweet puppy-eyed charm when they’re up to no good. Many owners jokingly say, “You don’t train a Dachshund, they train you.”
Unfortunately, that way of thinking can lead to Dachshund Behavior Problems in your home. It’s best to set the tone as the pack leader or alpha before your pup decides to take charge.
What Does Work for Dachshunds:
I believe in positive reinforcement when it comes to the Dachshund dog breed. It’s important to help them grasp the ground rules in a gentle, caring way, while firmly standing strong in the alpha role.
Being a good pack leader for your doxie is to set them up for success instead of failure.
Instead of always playing the “No” card every time your little long dog slips up, it’s your job to guide them towards what they are allowed to do.
Chewing For Example: Your pup probably doesn’t realize that they’re not supposed to chew your shoes or the legs of your furniture when they explore your home.
They need to be shown the right things to chew and to be in a puppy playpen or gated area where you can keep an eye on them while they learn.
There’s no need for constant scolding, it’s all about teaching with patience and love.
Freedom to Free Roam:
It’s a common tale among so many frustrated Dachshund parents, dealing with two or three-year-old adult Dachshunds who still have their indoor potty accidents or go on a household chewing spree with those super sharp teeth.
You’re the captain of your ship! It’s up to you to decide when your Dachshund is ready for that free-roaming privilege in your home.
Your doxie is looking to you to set the house rules, from which rooms are off limits to when they can have a bit more independence without as much supervision.
Laying the Ground Rules Early (for the puppies):
Allowing your Dachshund puppy to wander freely around your home before they’re completely potty trained and out of their chewing phase is setting them up for failure.
They’re NOT ready for that much freedom!
Here’s What to Do:
Grant your Dachshund access to different rooms, one at a time.
This isn’t just about exploring spaces, it’s about creating a respectful bond, building trust, and figuring out what freedoms your Dachshund can handle at this time.
Keep in mind, every dog will arrive at this golden stage of more freedoms at their own pace. Their unique personality and how they respond to training will be your guide to when they’re ready for more free roaming in your home.
Access to the rooms beyond those puppy gates and playpens is a privilege they’ve got to earn.
That privilege is achieved once they’re fully house trained and no longer chewing everything in sight.
If Your Dachshund is Already the Boss (for the adult doxies):
If you’ve got an older Dachshund who hasn’t quite caught on or needs a refresher on the house rules, don’t worry. It’s perfectly okay to start at square one, just like you would with a new puppy.
They need a fresh start to understand the ground rules and your expectations.
Tools to Ensure Success: Puppy playpens and puppy gates are game changers when it comes to training at every age and stage.
They are my secret weapons to keeping a Dachshund’s behavior in check.
Here’s What I Do:
When I head out the door for most of the day, my Dachshunds, Gretta and Eko, have their own cozy hangout in a spacious puppy playpen.
I learned a while back that if I’m just stepping out for a short while or I’m home with the pups, they can wander and explore the house just fine, but if I’m away for a longer period of time, they need to hang out in the playpen while I’m gone.
Though they are potty trained super stars and aren’t chewing on my furniture like mini beavers anymore, they still have a habit of searching the house for kids’ toys to shred.
Take This with You:
Your Dachshund wants to hear from you. They want to know what type of behavior makes you happy. So, help them to understand, they’re all ears!
Hey friend, if you’re a fellow Dachshund parent currently dealing with any of these common Dachshund behavior issues: Separation Anxiety, Excessive Barking, Digging, or Aggression – we’ve got your back. Here are some helpful solutions to help your Dachshund be their best self.
How to Stop Dachshund Behavior Problems
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