Potty training your new dachshund might feel overwhelming at first 😅, but it’s definitely doable with the right approach and a bit of patience 🐾.
You can teach your dachshund where and when to go to the bathroom 🚽 by understanding their behavior and sticking to a clear routine 📅.
With practice and the right tools 🧼, you’ll notice steady improvement—even if there are a few bumps along the way.
This guide breaks down practical steps for house training your dachshund 🏠.
You’ll also find tips for handling accidents 💧 and keeping your training on track 🎯.
If you stay consistent and prepared ✅, potty training your dachshund can go a lot smoother than you might expect.
Key Takeaways📝
- Dachshund potty training takes patience 🐾 and a set schedule ⏰.
- Consistency and clear methods matter most for good results ✅.
- Know when to get help if you have 🆘 if you have ongoing problems.
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Get Your Free Guide 🐶Understanding Dachshund Behavior
Dachshunds are curious, lively dogs 🐶 who can be stubborn about learning new routines like potty training 🚽.
If you know how they think 🤔 and what they need, you’ll have a much easier time preventing mistakes and building good habits from day one 🐾.
Dachshund Temperament 🧠
Dachshunds are smart and independent.
They love to explore 🕵️♂️, but their strong-willed personalities can make training a real challenge sometimes 😅.
These pups are also loyal ❤️ and form close bonds with their families 👨👩👧👦.
They can pick up new things quickly ⚡, but they might ignore you if something else grabs their attention 👀.
You’ll need to stay patient and stick with gentle, consistent training methods 🙌.
Harsh discipline? That usually just makes dachshunds nervous 😟 or even more stubborn 😤, so it’s best to avoid it.
They really respond to positive attention ✨, treats 🍖, and calm praise 😊.
Building trust with your dog makes it so much easier to teach them where and when to go potty 🏡.
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Common Challenges in Potty Training 🚧
Dachshunds are small, so they need more frequent trips outside than bigger breeds 🐕.
Their tiny bladders mean accidents happen if you miss their signals 💧.
They might also avoid wet or cold grass ❄️🌧️, especially on rainy days.
Some common potty training issues include:
- Ignoring commands
- Having accidents indoors 💧
- Difficulty holding it for long hours ⏱️
- Disliking certain outdoor surfaces 🌧️🌿
Watch for signs like sniffing 👃, circling 🔄, or whining 😖—that usually means they need to go out soon ⏳.
Crate training is a lifesaver for many owners 💼, since dachshunds rarely want to soil their sleeping space 🛏️.
Every dog learns at their own pace 🐕, so patience is pretty important here 🕊️.
Building Positive Habits 🌟
Routine is huge for dachshund potty training 📅.
Take your dog outside at the same times each day, like after meals 🍽️, naps 😴, or playtime 🎾.
Always bring them to the same spot so they start connecting that area with going potty 🚽.
As soon as they finish outside, give your dachshund lots of praise 👏.
Treats 🍖 and kind words 💬 help reinforce good behavior—just keep your commands simple, like “go potty” or “outside.”
If there’s an accident inside, just clean it up calmly with an enzyme cleaner 🧴.
Punishing your dog only creates confusion or fear 😟, so skip that step ❌.
A potty schedule can be a big help. For example:
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| First thing in AM | Go outside 🚪 |
| After meals | Go outside 🚪 |
| After naps | Go outside 🚪 |
| Before bedtime | Go outside 🚪 |
Preparing for Potty Training Success
Getting ready for potty training can make a huge difference in how quickly your dachshund catches on 🐾.
Start with the right tools 🧰, a set routine 📅, and a safe space for your puppy 🏠.
Pick supplies that fit your dachshund’s size and age 🐶.
Use puppy pads for very young or tiny dogs, but switch to outdoor pottying as soon as you can 🚽🌿.
A crate will help teach your puppy to hold it, since dogs don’t usually want to mess up their sleeping area 🛏️.
If you use pads, grab a waterproof holder to keep your floors clean 🧼.
Keep some enzyme cleaner on hand for accidents—it removes smells so your pup won’t keep going in the same spot 👃.
Small training treats work wonders 🍖; reward your doxie right after they go in the right spot ✅.
Don’t forget a harness and leash for outdoor trips 🦮.
Cleanup bags and paper towels are always handy for quick cleanups, both inside and out 🧻.
Here’s a quick supply checklist:
| Supply | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Crate | Safe sleeping space 🛏️ |
| Puppy pads | Indoor potty spot 🩲 |
| Pad holder | Protects floors 🧽 |
| Enzyme cleaner | Removes odor 🧴 |
| Training treats | Positive reinforcement 🍬 |
| Harness & leash | Outdoor potty trips 🚶♂️ |
| Cleanup bags | Waste removal 🗑️ |
Establishing a Dedicated Potty Area 📍
Pick one spot for your dachshund to use every time 🚪.
Consistency helps your puppy learn faster and reduces confusion 💡.
If you’re using puppy pads indoors, keep them in the same place 📌.
For outdoor training, take your dog to the same patch of grass or corner each time 🌿.
A quiet, low-traffic spot makes it easier for your puppy to focus—especially when they’re just starting out 🤫.
Skip busy sidewalks or playgrounds that might distract your dog 🛑.
Only change the potty site if you really have to, since moving it around can slow things down ⌛.
Say a command like “Go potty” right when you reach the spot 🗣️.
Repeat it every trip so your puppy starts connecting the cue with what you want 🔁.
Give praise or a treat as soon as your puppy finishes up 🎉.
Puppy-Proofing Your Home 🏡
Get your home ready to avoid accidents or chewed-up stuff 🧦.
Block off rooms where you don’t want your dachshund to wander 🚫.
Use gates or closed doors to keep things simple 🚪.
This limits where your puppy can go and makes it easier for you to keep an eye on them 👀.
Pick up rugs for now—puppies sometimes confuse soft surfaces for potty spots 🧼.
Move shoes 👟, laundry 🧺, and random items off the floor to stop chewing and exploring in the wrong places 🧸.
Keep cleaning supplies and trash cans out of reach 🧴🗑️.
Check for small spaces where a curious puppy might squeeze in 🔎.
Dachshunds love tight spots, so cover gaps behind furniture and always check these areas if your pup disappears 🛋️.
Making these changes keeps your home safer 🏠 and lowers the chances of mistakes during house training 🐾.
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Creating a Dachshund Bathroom Schedule
A dachshund bathroom schedule helps prevent accidents 🚫 and teaches good habits 🐾.
Consistency, timing ⏰, and close attention 👀 are the real keys when house training your dog.
Optimal Times for Potty Breaks ⌛
Taking your dachshund outside at the right moments makes bathroom training way easier 🚪.
Some typical times include:
- First thing in the morning 🌅
- After each meal 🍽️
- After naps or play sessions 😴🎾
- Right before bedtime 🌙
Young dachshunds have pretty small bladders 💧, so puppies might need to go out every 1–2 hours during the day 🕒.
Adults can usually wait 4–6 hours between breaks ⏳.
Watch for signs like sniffing 👃, circling 🔄, or whining 😖—they might need to go out right away 🚶♀️.
A sample schedule might look like this:
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 7:00 AM | First potty break 🌅 |
| 8:00 AM | After breakfast 🍽️ |
| 12:00 PM | Midday outing ☀️ |
| 5:00 PM | After dinner 🍽️ |
| 9:00 PM | Last break 🌙 |
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Adapting the Schedule for Puppies and Adults 🐶➡️🐕
Puppies and adults have different potty needs 🧻.
Puppies need to pee more often because their bladders are tiny 🍼 and they’re still figuring things out 🤔.
For puppies under 6 months, plan to go outside every 1–2 hours when they’re awake 🕑.
Take them out after eating, drinking, napping, or playing—basically, any change in activity 🔄.
Adult dachshunds don’t need as many breaks but still do best with a regular routine 📅.
Most adults can hold it for 4–6 hours during the day, but always give both puppies and adults a final trip outside before bedtime 🌛.
Adjust times as your dog grows and their needs change 📈.
Tracking Progress Over Time 📓
Tracking potty times helps you spot patterns 📊 and tweak your schedule 🛠️.
Use a notebook or an app 📱 to jot down when your dachshund goes out and if they pee or poop 💩.
Logging accidents shows if your schedule needs work 📝.
If accidents keep happening at the same time, try adding another break ➕.
Keep notes on what works and make changes as you go 🔁.
Over time, you’ll see progress ✅ and find the routine that fits your dog best 🐕.
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Effective House Training Techniques
Dachshund potty training really comes down to clear routines 📅 and patience 🧘.
You’ll need the right tools 🧰 and some solid methods to help your doxie puppy learn where and when to go to the bathroom 🚽.
Crate Training Strategies 🛏️
Crate training is a great way to house train a doxie puppy 🐶. Dachshunds really don’t like to soil the spot where they sleep 😴.
Pick a crate that gives your puppy just enough room to stand, turn, and lie down—no extra space for roaming 📏.
Always take your puppy outside right after letting them out of the crate 🚪.
Keep the crate in a quiet spot 🤫, but still close to where you hang out. This helps your dachshund feel safe and a little less alone ❤️.
If your puppy whines, pause for a moment to figure out if they actually need to go or if they’re just bored 🤔.
Use a simple crate schedule like this:
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| Morning | Take puppy outside 🌅 |
| After meals | Take puppy outside 🍽️ |
| After play/sleep | Take puppy outside 🎾😴 |
| Every 2–3 hours | Take puppy outside ⏳ |
Clean up accidents right away with an enzyme cleaner 🧴. This helps stop repeat mistakes 🧼.
Don’t punish your puppy for accidents ❌, or you’ll just confuse them 😟.
Leash and Outdoor Routine 🦮
Always use a leash when you take your dachshund outside, even if you’ve got a fenced yard 🏡. Find a quiet spot for bathroom breaks 🤫 and walk the same path each time 🚶♂️.
This builds a routine 📍 and helps your puppy figure out what you want 🎯.
Pick a simple phrase like “Go potty” 🗣️ and use it every time. Stay calm and patient—wait five or ten minutes for your doxie to go ⏱️.
If nothing happens, head back inside and try again soon 🔁.
Give treats 🍖 and lots of praise 👏 right after your puppy goes potty outside. Dachshunds really do better with clear schedules, so keep your routine consistent ✅.
Feed them at the same times each day 🕖 to make bathroom needs more predictable.
Indoor Training Methods 🧻
If you can’t always get outside, try indoor potty options like puppy pads 🩲 or real grass mats 🌿. Place pads somewhere quiet and easy to reach, far from food and bedding 🍲🛏️.
After naps, play, or meals, show your dachshund where the pad is 🔄. Bring your puppy to the pad whenever they look like they need to go 🚶♀️.
Use the same command as you do outside 🗣️. Reward your doxie immediately after a successful potty on the pad so the lesson sticks 🎉.
Change pads often to keep things clean and odor-free 🧼. If your dachshund misses, just clean up quietly and try again 🔁.
Many owners move the pad closer to the door over time to help 🚪.
Addressing Setbacks and Accidents
Setbacks happen with dachshund potty training, especially if routines change 🔄 or something new pops up at home 🏠.
Identifying Causes of Accidents ⚠️
Accidents happen for all sorts of reasons 🤷. Sometimes your dachshund doesn’t know where to go, or you miss their potty signals 🐾.
Puppies have tiny bladders—they just can’t hold it long 💧.
Other causes might be a new schedule 📅, too much excitement 🎉, or even health problems 🩺. Illnesses like urinary tract infections can make dogs lose control.
Stress 😟, new visitors 🚪, or a new pet 🐕🦺 can also throw off potty habits.
Try tracking when and where accidents happen 🕵️. Look for patterns—time of day, certain rooms, that sort of thing 🔍.
This helps you tweak your schedule or routine to better fit your dog’s needs ✅.
Cleaning and Neutralizing Odors 🧽
When your dachshund has an accident inside, clean it up right away 🧼. Any leftover odor can draw them back to the same spot 👃.
First, blot up as much as you can with paper towels or a clean cloth 🧻. Stay away from ammonia-based cleaners—they smell like urine to dogs and can make things worse 🚫.
Use an enzymatic cleaner to break down the urine and get rid of the smell 🧴.
Here’s a quick cleanup process:
- Remove solids or soak up liquids.
- Blot the area dry—don’t rub, or you’ll just spread the mess.
- Apply the enzymatic cleaner and follow the label instructions.
- Let the spot dry fully before letting your dog back in.
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Reinforcing Good Potty Behavior 🎯
Don’t scold or punish your dachshund after an accident ❌. They don’t connect punishment with what happened, and it just causes fear or confusion 😔.
Instead, focus on rewarding good behavior 🌟. When your dachshund goes outside, use praise 👏, treats 🍖, or a favorite toy 🧸.
Give the reward right away so your dog makes the connection 🔁. Stick to a regular potty break schedule, especially after eating 🍽️, drinking 🥤, or waking up 😴.
Take your dachshund to the same spot every time to help build a routine 📍.
Long-Term Maintenance and Consistency
Keeping up good potty habits takes patience 🧘 and sticking with routines 📅. Dachshunds do best when things are regular and clear ✅, especially as they get older 🐾.
Avoiding Relapses 🔁
Even if your dachshund is fully potty trained, accidents can still happen if routines slip or things change at home 🏡.
Watch for signals like sniffing 👃 or circling 🔄, and take your dog outside right away 🚪. A consistent bathroom schedule helps keep things clear 🕰️.
Keep a bathroom log 📓 if you want to spot new patterns or problems. If your dachshund has an accident, clean the area well with an enzymatic cleaner 🧴 so the smell doesn’t invite repeat mistakes 👃.
Give treats 🍖 and praise 👏 every time your dog goes in the right spot. If you travel ✈️ or have guests 👥, try to stick to your usual feeding and walk times—it really helps cut down on stress 😟 and accidents 💧.
Adjusting Routines with Age ⌛
Dachshund needs change as they grow 📈. Puppies need to go out a lot—every couple hours ⏱️, after eating 🍽️, and after naps 😴.
Adult dachshunds usually need breaks every 4–6 hours ⌚. Seniors may need more frequent trips again as bladder control gets weaker 💧.
Watch for signs your dog is struggling, like whining at the door 🚪 or sudden accidents ❗. Here’s a quick chart you can use:
| Age | Bathroom Breaks |
|---|---|
| Puppy | Every 2–3 hours 🍼 |
| Adult | Every 4–6 hours 🐕 |
| Senior | Every 2–4 hours 👴🐾 |
Adjust your dachshund’s bathroom schedule as needed 🔧. Stay flexible, but don’t get too random 🔄.
Changes in diet 🥗, meds 💊, or health 🩺 can mean more trips outside. Always check with your vet if new potty issues pop up 🐶. more trips outside. Always check with your vet if new potty issues pop up.
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✨ These tools and essentials support daily training and unexpected moments.
When to Seek Professional Help
Sometimes, even when you’re doing everything right ✅, your Dachshund still has accidents 💧 or refuses the potty spot 🚫. Stress 😟, medical issues 🩺, or weeks of slow progress 🐢 might mean you need some expert advice 📞.
Recognizing Persistent Problems 🚨
If your Dachshund is older than six months and still not house-trained, something’s probably off ⚠️. Accidents every day 💩, soiling the crate 🛏️, or showing anxiety at potty time 😰 are all red flags 🚩.
Watch for these signs:
- Frequent indoor accidents, even after months of training
- Sudden changes in behavior or potty habits
- Signs of stress, like whining or hiding
- Health changes—diarrhea, lots of thirst, or no control
A vet can rule out medical problems like urinary infections or stomach issues 🧬. If health checks out ✅, consider getting professional training help 🧠.
Working with a Certified Trainer 🎓
A certified dog trainer brings experience with tough potty training cases 🐾. Trainers use a mix of positive reinforcement ✨, scheduled breaks ⏰, and structured routines 📋 tailored to your Dachshund.
Look for trainers certified by groups like the Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT) or International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) 🏅. Ask about their experience with small breeds 🐕 and house-training problems.
You might get a step-by-step plan 📖 or go to group or private sessions 👥. Trainers can suggest changes in your setup, schedule, or rewards 🎁 to help things click faster ⚡.
Working with a pro gives you guidance and support 🧩, which honestly can make all the difference 🌟.
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Get Your Free Guide 🐶Frequently Asked Questions
Dachshunds have quirks that make potty training a little different from other breeds 🐶. Sometimes you have to tweak your routine 🔁 or try extra tricks 🧠, whether you’ve got a puppy or an older dog 🐕🦺.
Why do Dachshunds seem to struggle with housebreaking? 🤔
Dachshunds are stubborn 😤 and pretty independent 💭. Their small bladders mean they need to go out more often than big dogs 💧.
They’re sensitive to changes in routine or environment 🔄, which can lead to accidents indoors 🧼.
What are the steps to potty training a Dachshund in an apartment setting? 🏢
Set a consistent schedule 📅 for feeding and bathroom breaks. Take your Dachshund out first thing in the morning 🌅, after meals 🍽️, and before bed 🌙.
If you can’t get outside right away, use puppy pads 🩲 or a set indoor spot 🧻. Praise your dog every time they go in the right place 👏.
What is the typical duration for potty training a Dachshund puppy? ⏳
Most Dachshund puppies need three to six months 📆 to pick up good potty habits. Some take longer 🐢, especially if you miss their signals 🔍.
Accidents are normal during this time, so patience is key 🧘.
Which strategies work best to discourage a Dachshund from indoor urination? 🚫💧
Clean up accidents with an enzyme cleaner 🧴 to get rid of any scent 👃. Don’t punish your Dachshund—it just makes them anxious 😟.
Give lots of praise 👏 and small treats 🍖 when your dog goes outside 🚪. Stick to a regular schedule 🕒 to cut down on mistakes.
Can older Dachshunds still learn proper potty habits, and how? 🐾
Older Dachshunds can still learn with clear routines 📋 and positive reinforcement 🎉. It might take longer if they’ve got old habits 🔁.
Be patient 🧘, take them out for short and frequent trips ⏱️, and reward them for doing the right thing ✅.
What techniques are effective for training a Dachshund puppy to do its business outside? 🌿
Keep your puppy on a leash 🦮 and head to the same spot each time 📍. Try using a cue word like “go potty” 🗣️.
When your pup finishes, give them a treat 🍬 right away and plenty of praise 👏. That little celebration really helps 🎊.
Watch your puppy closely indoors 🔎. At first, take them out every hour or two—even if it feels excessive ⏰.
