Potty training your new dachshund might feel challenging, but it is possible with the right methods and 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 will see steady improvement.
This guide will help you learn practical steps for house training your dachshund. You will also find tips for handling accidents and keeping your training on track. If you are consistent and prepared, potty training your dachshund can go smoothly.
Key Takeaways
- Dachshund potty training needs patience and a set schedule.
- Consistency and clear methods are key for good results.
- Know when to get help if you have ongoing problems.
Understanding Dachshund Behavior
Dachshunds are curious, lively dogs who can be stubborn when learning new routines like potty training. By knowing how they act and what they need, you can help prevent mistakes and encourage good habits from the start.
Dachshund Temperament
Dachshunds are smart and independent. They enjoy exploring their surroundings, but their strong-willed nature can make training a challenge. These dogs are also loyal and form close bonds with their families.
While they can learn quickly, they sometimes ignore commands, especially when distracted. This means you must be patient and use consistent, gentle training methods. Avoid harsh discipline, as dachshunds may become anxious or even more stubborn.
Dachshunds respond well to positive attention, treats, and calm praise. Creating a trusting relationship with your dog makes it easier to teach them where and when to go potty.
Common Challenges in Potty Training
Dachshunds are small, so they need to go outside more often than some larger breeds. Their small bladders make accidents common if you miss their signals. They may also be sensitive to weather, avoiding wet or cold grass during bathroom trips.
Some common potty training issues include:
- Ignoring commands
- Having accidents indoors
- Disliking certain outdoor surfaces
- Difficulty holding it for long hours
Paying close attention to signs like sniffing, circling, or whining can help you prevent accidents. Many owners find crate training useful, as dachshunds rarely soil their sleeping area.
Consistency and supervision are key. Every dog learns at a different pace, so patience is important.
Building Positive Habits
Routine is important for dachshund potty training. Take your dog outside at the same times each day, such as after eating, napping, or playing. Always bring them to the same spot to help them associate the area with going potty.
Praise your dachshund as soon as they finish going outside. Use treats and kind words to reward good behavior right away. Be clear and simple with commands like “go potty” or “outside.”
If there is an accident inside, calmly clean the area with an enzyme cleaner. Do not punish your dog, as this can create fear and confusion.
A potty schedule can help. For example:
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| First thing in AM | Go outside |
| After meals | Go outside |
| After naps | Go outside |
| Before bedtime | Go outside |
Clear routines and gentle rewards encourage your dachshund to learn quickly and build strong potty habits.
Preparing for Potty Training Success
Getting ready for potty training makes a big difference in how fast your Dachshund learns. Start with the right tools, a set routine, and a safe space for your puppy.
Choosing Potty Training Supplies
Choose supplies that fit your Dachshund’s size and age. Use puppy pads for very young or small dogs, but plan to move to outdoor pottying as soon as possible. A crate helps teach your puppy to hold their bladder, since dogs do not like to soil their sleeping area.
Pick a waterproof pee pad holder if you use pads, since this keeps messes off your floor. Have enzyme cleaner ready to clean any accidents and remove smells. Small training treats will encourage good behavior—reward your doxie right after they go potty in the correct spot.
Include a harness and leash so you can control your puppy during outdoor trips. Keep cleanup bags and paper towels handy for quick cleanups, both inside and outside. Below is a simple 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 where to go and reduces confusion. If you use puppy pads indoors, keep them in the same place. For outdoor training, take your dog to the same patch of grass or area every time.
A quiet, low-traffic spot helps your puppy focus, especially during early training. Avoid places near busy sidewalks or playgrounds that could distract your dog. Change the potty site only if truly needed, as frequent moves can slow house training a doxie puppy.
Use a command like “Go potty” right when you reach the spot. Repeat this each trip so your puppy connects the cue with what you want them to do. Always give praise or a small treat as soon as your puppy finishes.
Puppy-Proofing Your Home
Prepare your home to prevent accidents or chewed items. Block off rooms where you do not want your Dachshund to go. Use gates or closed doors for this purpose. This limits where your puppy can have accidents and makes supervision easier.
Pick up any rugs temporarily, as puppies may confuse soft surfaces with a potty spot. Remove shoes, laundry, and small items from the floor to stop chewing and exploring in unwanted places. Store cleaning supplies and trash cans out of reach.
Check for small spaces where a curious puppy might hide. Dachshunds love to squeeze into tight spots. Cover gaps behind furniture and always check these areas if you lose sight of your puppy. Making these changes helps keep your home safe and reduces the chance of mistakes during house training.
Creating a Dachshund Bathroom Schedule
A dachshund bathroom schedule helps prevent accidents, teaches good habits, and keeps your home clean. Consistency, timing, and close attention are key to success when house training your dog.
Optimal Times for Potty Breaks
Taking your dachshund outside at the right times makes bathroom training much easier. Typical times include:
- First thing in the morning
- After each meal
- After naps or play sessions
- Right before bedtime
Young dachshunds have small bladders. Puppies may need to go out every 1-2 hours during the day. Adults can usually wait 4-6 hours between breaks. Always watch for signs like sniffing, circling, or whining, as they may need to go out urgently.
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 |
Adapting the Schedule for Puppies and Adults
Puppies and adults have different potty needs. Puppies need to pee more often because their bladders are small and they are still learning control.
For puppies under 6 months, plan to go outside every 1-2 hours when awake. Take them out after eating, drinking, napping, or playing.
Adult dachshunds need breaks less often but still benefit from a regular routine. Most can hold it for 4-6 hours during the day. At night, both puppies and adults may be able to last longer but should always go outside before bedtime. Adjust times as your dog grows.
Tracking Progress Over Time
Keeping track of potty times helps you spot patterns and adjust your schedule. Use a notebook or a tracking app to write down when your dachshund goes outside and if they pee or poop.
Noting accidents tells you if the schedule needs to change. Look for improvement as your dog learns to wait for outings. If accidents keep happening at the same time, try adding another break to your schedule.
Log what works and make changes as needed. Over time, you’ll see clear progress and know what routine fits your dog best.
Effective House Training Techniques
Dachshund potty training requires clear routines and patience. You need the right tools and methods to help your doxie puppy learn where and when to go to the bathroom.
Crate Training Strategies
Crate training is one of the best ways to house train a doxie puppy. Dachshunds do not like to soil their sleeping area. Choose a crate that allows your puppy to stand, turn, and lie down, but not roam.
Always take your puppy outside right after letting them out of the crate. Keep the crate in a quiet spot but close to where you spend time. This helps your dachshund feel safe. If your puppy whines, wait a moment to see if it is a bathroom need or just boredom.
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 accidents right away with an enzyme cleaner to stop repeat mistakes. Avoid punishment, as it will only confuse your puppy.
Leash and Outdoor Routine
Always use a leash when taking your dachshund outside, even in a fenced yard. Pick a quiet area as a bathroom spot and use the same path every time. This builds a clear routine and helps your puppy know what is expected.
Pick a simple phrase like “Go potty” and use it each time. Stay calm and patient. Wait 5-10 minutes for your doxie to go. If nothing happens, return inside and try again in a little bit.
Reward your puppy with treats and praise right after successful potty trips. Keep your routine consistent, as dachshunds thrive on clear schedules. Stick to the same feeding times to make bathroom needs more predictable.
Indoor Training Methods
If you can’t always get outside, use indoor potty solutions like puppy pads or real grass mats. Place pads in a quiet, easy-to-reach spot, away from food and bedding. Show your dachshund where the pad is after naps, play, or meals.
Always bring your puppy to the pad when it looks like they need to go. Use the same command as you would outside. Reward your doxie immediately after a successful potty on the pad, so they learn faster.
Change pads often to keep the area clean and odor-free. If your dachshund misses the pad, quietly clean up and try again. Over time, many owners move the pad closer to the door to help with outdoor training later.
Addressing Setbacks and Accidents
Setbacks during dachshund potty training are common, especially if there are changes at home or in your dog’s routine. Knowing why accidents happen, cleaning up correctly, and reinforcing good habits will help your dachshund learn faster.
Identifying Causes of Accidents
Accidents can occur for several reasons. Your dachshund may not understand where to go, or you may have missed important potty signals. Puppies, in particular, have small bladders and can’t hold it for very long.
Other causes might include changes in schedule, too much excitement, or even health problems. Illnesses like urinary tract infections can cause dogs to lose control. Stress, unfamiliar visitors, or new pets might also impact potty habits.
To help prevent future accidents, track when and where your dachshund has accidents. Look for patterns like the time of day or specific locations. This information can help you adjust your schedule or routine to better meet your dog’s needs.
Cleaning and Neutralizing Odors
When your dachshund has an accident indoors, it is important to clean up right away. Leaving any odor behind can encourage them to use that spot again.
First, blot up as much of the mess as possible using paper towels or a clean cloth. Avoid using cleaners with ammonia, as this can smell like urine to your dog and attract them back to the same spot. Instead, use an enzymatic cleaner. These break down the urine completely and help remove all odors.
Here’s a quick cleanup process:
- Remove solids or absorb liquids.
- Blot the area dry—don’t rub, as this spreads the mess.
- Apply the enzymatic cleaner and follow the instructions on the label.
- Let the area dry fully before allowing your dog back in.
Reinforcing Good Potty Behavior
After an accident, avoid scolding or punishing your dachshund. Dogs do not connect punishment with accidents, and this can cause fear or confusion.
Focus on rewarding good behavior. When your dachshund potties outside, use praise, treats, or even a favorite toy. Give the reward immediately so your dog makes the connection.
Stay on a consistent schedule for potty breaks, especially after eating, drinking, or waking up. Take your dachshund to the same spot each time to build a routine. Consistency, patience, and positive support are key during potty training.
Long-Term Maintenance and Consistency
Maintaining good potty habits requires patience and sticking to routines. Dachshunds respond best to regular schedules and clear training, especially as they age.
Avoiding Relapses
Even after your dachshund is fully potty trained, it’s possible for them to have accidents if routines slip or changes happen at home. Be alert to signals like sniffing or circling, and take your dog outside right away. Using a consistent bathroom schedule helps prevent confusion.
Keep a log of bathroom times to spot any new patterns or problems. If your dachshund does have an accident, clean the area well with an enzymatic cleaner so odors do not attract repeat behavior. Reward your dog with treats and praise when they go in the right spot.
If you travel or have guests, stick to your usual feeding and walk times as much as possible. This stability reduces stress and mistakes.
Adjusting Routines with Age
As dachshunds grow older, their needs may change. Puppies need to go out often—every 2-3 hours, after eating, and after waking up. Adult dachshunds usually need breaks every 4-6 hours. Seniors may need more frequent trips again as bladder control weakens.
Watch for signs that your dog struggles to hold it, such as whining by the door or sudden accidents. You can use a simple chart to track this:
| Age | Bathroom Breaks |
|---|---|
| Puppy | Every 2-3 hours |
| Adult | Every 4-6 hours |
| Senior | Every 2-4 hours |
Adjust your dachshund bathroom schedule as needed. Stay flexible but consistent. Changes in diet, medication, or health might require more trips outside. Always consult your vet if new issues start.
When to Seek Professional Help
Sometimes, even when you’re consistent and patient, your Dachshund may still have accidents indoors or refuse to use the designated potty spot. Stress, medical conditions, or lack of progress for weeks may indicate a need for expert help.
Recognizing Persistent Problems
If your Dachshund is older than six months and still not reliably house-trained, this is a sign something may be wrong. Accidents almost every day, frequent soiling in crates, or showing anxiety around potty time point to a deeper issue.
Watch for these signs:
- Frequent indoor accidents, even after months of training
- Sudden changes in behavior or potty habits
- Signs of stress, such as whining or hiding
- Health changes like diarrhea, excessive thirst, or lack of control
A veterinarian can help rule out medical problems, such as urinary tract infections or digestive troubles. If health isn’t the issue, it’s time to think about professional training support.
Working with a Certified Trainer
A certified dog trainer brings experience with stubborn potty training challenges. Trainers use a mix of methods tailored to your Dachshund’s needs, such as positive reinforcement, scheduled potty breaks, and structured routines.
Look for trainers certified by organizations 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 issues.
You may be given a step-by-step plan or asked to attend group or private sessions. Trainers can also recommend changes in your home setup, schedule, or rewards to speed up progress. Working with a professional gives you guidance and support every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dachshunds have some unique traits that can make potty training a little different than for other breeds. You may need to adjust your routine or use special techniques, whether you’re working with a puppy or an older dog.
Why do Dachshunds seem to struggle with housebreaking?
Dachshunds are stubborn and independent. Their small bladders also mean they need to go outside more often than larger dogs.
They can be sensitive to changes in routine or their environment, which sometimes leads 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 eating, and before bedtime.
If you can’t go outside right away, use puppy pads or a designated area indoors. Praise your dog when it goes in the right spot.
What is the typical duration for potty training a Dachshund puppy?
Most Dachshund puppies take three to six months to learn good potty habits. Some may take longer, especially if you miss signs they need to go out.
Accidents are normal during this period, so patience is important.
Which strategies work best to discourage a Dachshund from indoor urination?
Clean up accidents with an enzyme cleaner to remove scents. Don’t punish your Dachshund, as this can make them anxious.
Give lots of praise and small treats when your dog urinates outside. Keep a regular schedule to help prevent mistakes.
Can older Dachshunds still learn proper potty habits, and how?
Older Dachshunds are still able to learn with clear routines and positive reinforcement. It may take more time if they have old habits.
Be patient, use short and frequent trips outside, and reward your dog for good behavior.
What techniques are effective for training a Dachshund puppy to do its business outside?
Keep your puppy on a leash and lead them to the same spot each time. Use a cue word like “go potty” and give immediate praise and a treat when they finish.
Supervise closely indoors and take your puppy out every one to two hours at first.
