Potty training a Dachshund can be a challenge, but it’s absolutely possible with the right approach.
In this post, I’ll guide you through 9 Easy Steps To Potty Train A Dachshund.
Follow these steps consistently, and you’ll see progress in no time!
1️⃣ 🐾 Establish a Routine
🕒 Stick to Regular Bathroom Times
Consistency is key when potty training your Dachshund.
Make sure to take your puppy out at the same times every day, such as first thing in the morning, after meals, and before bedtime.
⏱️ Keep Track of Potty Breaks
Tracking your puppy’s bathroom habits will help you understand their schedule.
This makes it easier to anticipate when they need to go out, reducing the chances of accidents indoors.
2️⃣ 🏡 Choose a Designated Potty Spot
🏞️ Pick a Spot in Your Yard
Dachshunds are creatures of habit, so having a designated potty spot will make training easier.
Take your puppy to the same spot each time, so they associate that area with going to the bathroom.
This will help reinforce the behavior.
🐕 Add a Command
When your Dachshund is in their potty spot, use a specific command like “go potty.”
Over time, your puppy will learn to associate this command with the action, making it easier to get them to go on command.
Be patient, as this takes practice.
3️⃣ 🎁 Use Positive Reinforcement
🍖 Offer Treats and Praise
Positive reinforcement works wonders with Dachshunds.
Each time your puppy successfully goes potty outside, immediately reward them with a treat and lots of praise.
This reinforces good behavior and motivates your puppy to repeat it.
😊 Be Excited!
Dachshunds thrive on their owner’s energy and enthusiasm.
If you show excitement when they do something right, they’ll be more eager to please you in the future.
4️⃣ 🏠 Supervise Indoors Closely
👀 Watch for Signs
When indoors, keep a close eye on your Dachshund for signs that they need to go.
Sniffing the ground, circling, or pacing can all indicate that your puppy needs a potty break.
Act quickly to prevent accidents.
🏡 Limit Their Freedom
Until your Dachshund is fully potty trained, restrict their access to certain parts of the house.
Use baby gates or closed doors to keep them in one area, making supervision easier.
This will also help prevent accidents in hidden areas.
5️⃣ 🛏️ Crate Training for Success
🏠 Make the Crate a Safe Space
Crate training is an excellent tool for potty training.
Dogs naturally avoid soiling their sleeping area, so a properly-sized crate can encourage your Dachshund to hold it until it’s time to go outside.
Make the crate a comfortable, safe space for them to rest.
⏰ Crate Timing Matters
Be mindful of how long your puppy stays in the crate.
Young puppies can’t hold their bladder for long, so be sure to let them out regularly for potty breaks.
6️⃣ 🚪 Keep a Consistent Potty Door
🚪 Use the Same Exit Door
Consistency even extends to the door you use to take your Dachshund outside.
Always take your puppy through the same door when it’s time for a potty break.
This helps your puppy associate the door with going outside.
🔔 Bell Training
Consider teaching your Dachshund to ring a bell to signal that they need to go outside.
Hang a small bell by the door and ring it each time you take your puppy out.
Eventually, they’ll learn to ring the bell when they need a potty break.
7️⃣ 🕰️ Stay Patient and Consistent
⏳ Don’t Rush the Process
Potty training takes time, especially with Dachshunds, who can be a bit stubborn.
It’s important to stay patient and not get frustrated if your puppy has accidents.
🔄 Keep the Routine
Stick to the routine, and don’t deviate even if it feels like progress is slow.
Consistency is the key to success, and over time, your puppy will learn the right behavior.
8️⃣ 😇 Handle Accidents Calmly
🧼 Clean Up Properly
Accidents will happen, and when they do, it’s important to clean them up properly.
Use an enzymatic cleaner to remove the scent, so your Dachshund doesn’t return to the same spot to go again.
Regular cleaners may not eliminate the smell entirely.
🙅♂️ No Punishment
Never punish your Dachshund for having an accident.
Yelling or scolding can confuse your puppy and make them fearful, which can slow down the potty training process.
Instead, redirect them to the designated potty spot.
9️⃣ 🚪 Gradually Extend Time Between Breaks
⏲️ Build Their Bladder Control
As your Dachshund gets better at potty training, you can start to extend the time between potty breaks.
Gradually increase the time to help your puppy build bladder control.
Just be sure not to extend it too quickly, as this can lead to accidents.
🐕 Keep the Praise Going
Even as your Dachshund improves, continue to praise and reward them for going outside.
Positive reinforcement is just as important later in the process as it is at the beginning.
This helps ensure that good habits stick.
🔚 Conclusion: 9 Easy Steps To Potty Train A Dachshund
Potty training a Dachshund may take some time, but with consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement, it’s entirely possible.
By following these 9 easy steps, you’ll be well on your way to a fully potty-trained Dachshund.
Just remember, staying consistent and keeping a positive attitude will help your puppy succeed!
For further information, you can check out these helpful resources:
- American Kennel Club – Potty Training Tips
- Dachshund Club of America – Training Guide
- The Humane Society – Potty Training Advice
By following these steps, your Dachshund will be potty trained in no time! 🐾