Real Reasons Why Dachshunds Bark All the Time and How to Stop It
Dachshunds are high alert, anxious little dogs who love the sound of their own bark. Their bark can represent a feeling of excitement, playfulness, being territorial, feeling nervous, or even a sign of doggie boredom.
It helps to understand the Reasons Why Dachshunds Bark All the Time in order to help stop this unwanted behavior.
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My Dachshund, Eko, is the sweetest, most loving family dog, but his piercing loud bark was too much to handle on our daily walks. It needed to stop!
I did some research and found some ways to stop the bark. These methods are really easy and they do actually work.
Too Much Barking Can Be Harmful
Dachshunds don’t give up easy, they could bark for hours without stopping. Unfortunately, letting your doxie constantly bark can actually cause their larynx to swell. So, it’s not only an annoying sound, it can also be harmful.
If your Dachshund’s bark becomes hoarse, they will need to visit the vet. Their booming voice box may be inflamed or have an infection.
Too much barking can lead to laryngitis, which can cause coughing, difficulty breathing, and swallowing issues.
Why Do Dachshunds Bark All the Time?
Now, don’t get me wrong, I appreciate my Dachshund letting me know that someone is outside my home.
Dogs bark to communicate. It’s the constant excessive barking at everyone and everything that needs to change.
First, we need to understand what is triggering your doxie to bark. From there, we can work on correcting the behavior in a positive way.
Dachshund Origin
Understanding your doxie’s origin can explain a ton about your little long dog’s natural behavior. Dachshunds are hunting dogs, so they tend to bark a bit more than other dog breeds.
They were bred to chase, dig, and bark super loud…and they are still experts to this day!
While hunting, the Dachshund used their “super senses” to track down their prey and bark very loudly to let the hunter know their location.
So, you see, barking is your Dachshund’s natural instinct. They want to alert you when something is going on…sometimes a little too much.
Learn More: Are Dachshunds Still Used For Hunting Today?
Territorial Behavior
Dachshunds are very protective of their home, family, food, and toys. When another person or animal approaches you or your dog, they are considered a threat and ‘guard dog’ mode tends to kick in automatically.
My Dachshund, Eko, is very territorial when it comes to his toys, and he is super protective of my kids as well.
This particular barking trigger can be considered more aggressive and may need some extra Training Help to resolve.
Always on High Alert
Your Dachshund is on duty all the time. Those natural hunting “super senses” allow them to hear everything! Even the snack wrapper you attempt to open quietly on the other side of your home.
Sudden noises or movements will always sound the Dachshund alarm.
Boredom is Bad
If your Dachshund doesn’t get enough mental stimulation and physical exercise every day, they will get bored. When they get bored, they will bark on repeat, and they are more likely to become destructive around your home.
Mental Stimulation: Brain exercises, like doggie IQ puzzles, playing fetch, or learning a new training command is something your doxie needs on a daily basis to keep the boredom away.
Exercise: Walking your Dachshund at least 2x per day for a good 20-minute jaunt around the block is the best way to keep them happy and healthy.
Post You May Like: 5 Simple Ways to Keep Your Dachshund Busy
Excitement
Your Dachshund will bark when they are excited, and it may take a little while for them to calm down. A good example would be having friends or family over to visit that your doxie doesn’t see every day. It’s exciting, and they want to shout it out.
Let’s Play! Barking during playtime is the way Dachshunds communicate that they are having fun or feeling excited.
When my kids run around the backyard, little Eko wants to join in too. He runs and barks very loudly. My husband believes that Eko thinks he is one of the kids and doesn’t want to be left out.
Seeking Attention
Dachshunds often bark for more attention, and it may come across as a bit demanding. They love to be loved by you, and they aren’t quiet about it.
Dachshunds want to be held and cuddled and need special time set aside each day to be in your arms or on your lap.
If they catch you sitting at a computer desk without them, they may bark to be lifted onto your lap.
Whenever my husband walks into a room, my Dachshund, Eko immediately wants to be picked up and help for a few minutes. My husband is clearly Eko’s favorite human, so he gets this cuddle request often.
Learn more: How Do Dachshunds Choose Their Favorite Person?
Separation Anxiety
Dachshunds don’t like to be left home alone and will often bark incessantly out of fear and anxiety.
Compulsive barking that goes on for a long time and is coupled with destructive behavior is referred to as Separation Anxiety.
Learn more: Separation Anxiety Solutions for Your Dog
Health Issues
Your Dachshund may be barking because of a medical or health related issue. If they have a brain disease, this may cause excessive barking. Have your Dachshund routinely checked by the vet to see if a disease or illness could be causing your dog to bark constantly.
Pain
If your poor doxie has an injury or was stung by a bee, they may be barking because they are in pain.
Age
If you have an older, senior-aged Dachshund who barks for no reason, they could be developing canine dementia. Read more on Dementia in Dogs by Spruce Pets.
Lack of Socialization
Dachshunds that haven’t had enough exposure to the outside world will bark at everything that moves. Not having enough experience with other people or animals will make your doxie act more anxious around strangers.
How To Stop Your Dachshund from Barking
Dachshunds are easily distracted by the sights, sounds, and smells of the world. In order to stop the excessive barking, we must divert their attention away from the distractions and refocus it on us.
Reward When Quiet
Your Dachshund’s #1 favorite thing in the world is…FOOD! Yummy dog treats are a positive incentive that will give your doxie a reason to focus on you instead of the barking distraction.
Get their attention and only give treats and praise when they are quiet and focused on you.
Don’t give positive attention or treats to your dog if they are barking.
Create Distance
Canine behaviorists recommend taking your doxie to a big wide-open park so they can see other dogs from a distance, but not close enough that it triggers the bark.
When your doxie sees another dog without barking, get their attention on you and give them a treat – reward the quiet!
The idea is that they will start to look at you as soon as they see another dog and then you reward that quiet behavior.
Overtime, as you see improvement, you can slowly reduce the distance between the other dogs.
Exercise
Dachshunds who have had a good amount of exercise during the day tend to bark a lot less. Daily walks and playtime prevent boredom barking and helps lower your dog’s anxiety and stress levels.
Take your Dachshund on a 20-minute walk 2 times per day to keep the barking at bay.
Hired Help
If you work long hours and just don’t have time to take your Dachshund for a daily walk, get some help. You can search online for some local dog walkers or doggie day cares in your area. Hiring some extra help while you are away can help lower your dog’s anxiety and reduce the barking.
Keep Them Busy
Keeping your Dachshund occupied with interactive dog toys and puzzles can help them stay mentally stimulated. Dachshunds are hunting hounds, so love to use their brains to search for hidden items.
Post You May Like: 7 Signs Your Dachshund is Bored (How to Fix It)
Positive Socialization
Establishing positive interactions between your Dachshund and other people can be highly beneficial in reducing that booming doxie bark.
When you have a friend over to visit, have them greet and treat your Dachshund.
People who give dog treats and positive praise will let your Dachshund know that they don’t need to set off the panic alarm.
Expose your Dachshund to a variety of sounds outside and inside your home. This will help them get used to changes in their environment, so they don’t freak out and bark.
Make Sure to Read: 7 Easy Ways to Socialize Your Dachshund
Cool Down
If your Dachshund doesn’t stop barking, then they need to take a cool down break.
When my Dachshund, Eko, gets out of hand with his barking, I put him in his doggie playpen. He has a cozy dog bed and some chew toys to keep him occupied.
His playpen serves as a secure sanctuary rather than a place of punishment. It provides him with peace away from distractions, offering a calming environment to relax and settle down.
Stop the Bark Before It Happens
Most Dachshunds will have a known trigger that makes them bark on cue.
When you notice your Dachshund start to perk up, redirect their attention on you and give them a reward for their obedience.
If your pup continues to get excited or protective when they spot someone on a walk, turn them around and go the other way.
Take them away from the barking trigger and getting them focused on something else.
Bonus Tip
CBD oil for dogs can help with that obsessive barking as well. Make sure it is high quality and check with your vet before trying it out.
How To Teach a Dachshund Not to Bark
Barking At People Outside
When your dog is barking at someone outside your home, you can let them bark a couple of times. Approach the situation, say “Quiet,” then lead your dog away from the window or door where they see the distraction.
You are allowing them to bark a couple of times to acknowledge their alarm, then leading them away to stop the bark from continuing.
Here is a nice visual demonstration of this training on YouTube from Nigel Reed: How to Stop Your Dog Barking at Visitors.
Barking On Walks
If your Dachshund barks at people while you are on a walk, bring along some dog treats to redirect their attention on you. When you notice your dog start to perk up, put that treat by their nose and say “Quiet.”
Overtime, your dog will see the people coming, and look at you for their treat.
Some dogs prefer to sit and have their treat in “Quiet” mode, while others prefer to keep walking and eat on the go. Either way works fine. Praise and treat your dog for not barking when people pass by.
Summary
- Correct the barking behavior before it occurs by re-directing your doxie’s attention on you.
- Reward them for Quiet Behavior only.
- Keep Practicing and be patient. Your dog needs some time to learn this new behavior.
What You Shouldn’t Do
Anti-Bark Products: Avoid using shock or citronella spray collars on your Dachshund. These methods are a punishment towards bad behavior, and often times can cause more anxiety and won’t actually stop them from barking.
Yelling: Loudly scolding your pup won’t help either. Raising your voice at your dog gives them the attention that they want and they will bark even more.
Stick with positive reward and praise methods for training. They are much more effective.
Training Help
How do you quiet your Dachshund’s Bark? Let us know in the comments below.
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.
My 10 month old pup has started really barking at other dogs since having her first season. She is snapping at them if they come too near, so I now have to put her on a lead when we go past other dogs in case she bites. She not aggressive but seems nervous and doesn’t want to be friends with most of the dogs we meet.
The barking has got much worse even though I am doing what you recommend , she doesn’t stop?
Hi Susan, thanks for writing in. It’s all about Redirection & Treats: Bring a handful of soft training dog treats with you on your walk.
While on your walks, when another dog approaches, turn around and go the other direction if she acts nervous. You change your doxie’s focus, taking them away from the distraction that gets them all upset. If you aren’t able to just turn around, distance yourself when another dog approaches, go across the street. This is something that I still do with my dachshund, Eko. I just go across the street when I see other dogs on a walk coming towards us.
Once you have created distance, call her name or say “here” to get the attention on you. If she looks at you and not the distraction, give them a small treat. Positive Reward for the refocus on you and away from the other dog. This does take some time. Continue to do these steps every walk.
I like this video about barking and lunging on walks, it’s only 10 minutes. It will help walk you through all of the steps / more of a visual help guide from It’s Me or the Dog, YouTube
I have just lost my doxie. I would give any thing to hear him bark.
Hi Linda, My heart goes out to you. I’m very sorry for your loss. *hugs and prayers for you during this time*
I live next door to a young girl with two Doxie’s. One suffers serious separation anxiety so that when she leaves the house, it spends hours barking at the gate. This drives us up the wall! Not only do I feel sorry for the poor dog but also for my family as we are unable to enjoy our outdoor area due to the incessant barking. The worst part is I finally discussed it with the owner who said she thought having the other dog would prevent the barking. Not once did she apologise and weeks later it’s still ongoing. Can’t believe the inconsiderate and rude nature of some people.
Hi Kaye, so sorry to hear this. That poor doxie must be so upset to constantly bark like that. Here are some suggestions on what to do if your neighbor’s dog won’t stop barking:
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/neighbors-dog-barks-constantly/
And here is another article…
https://www.dogingtonpost.com/neighbors-dog-wont-stop-barking/