How to Potty Train Your Dachshund in 5 Easy Steps
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Having a Dachshund in your life is an exciting and rewarding experience. Their small stature and loveable appearance make them one of the most popular dog breeds among owners. However, owning a Dachshund comes with some special responsibilities.
As is common with smaller dog breeds, Dachshunds have smaller bladders and tend to not be able to hold their bladders as long as bigger dogs can, so potty training them as soon as possible is essential to keep in your home smelling it’s best. In this article, we’ll outline everything you need to know about potty training a Dachshund so that you can get started right away.
The 5 Easy Steps to Potty Train Your Dachshund
1. Find Out When Your Dachshund Needs to Go
As mentioned earlier, Dachshunds are notorious for not being able to hold their bladders for very long. You must be able to tell when your dog needs to go to the bathroom so you can take them outside to do their business. The best way to find out when your dog needs to go is by observing their behavior.
Some signs that your dog needs to use the bathroom are fairly obvious, and will include scratching, loud barking, restlessness, sniffing around, squatting, and walking in circles. You may also notice that your dog simply comes up to you whimpering and crying. With puppies, they will only wait so long before they simply go on the floor. Start paying attention to your dog’s signs that it needs to go to the bathroom and be sure to take them outdoors or to their “potty spot” immediately.
When outside, ask them to “Go potty!” Reward them with a treat when they do. Consistency is key. Eventually, your Dachshund should start to let you know that it needs to go outside once it figures out that’s where it’s supposed to go.
2. Introduce Pee Pads Before You Begin Potty Training
Dachshunds are very intelligent and will quickly learn how to go on the pads. However, this process will go much quicker and more smoothly if you introduce the pee pads before you begin potty training. After you have cleaned up any accidents in your home, place a pee pad in the same area. Your dog will quickly learn that this is where they are supposed to go indoors, and they will appreciate not having to navigate around a messy floor.
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3. Start with Shorter Walks While They’re Young
Before you begin potty training your Dachshund, you should walk them shorter distances until they are at a healthy weight and their bladder is fully developed – which is about 16-24 weeks. It’s common for Dachshunds to be underdeveloped at birth and for them to remain small throughout their lives.
On average, your dog may not be able to hold its urine for more than 2 or 3 hours. You should also not walk your dog for long periods of time without a break. It is best to walk your dog for 15-30 minutes and then give them a break before taking them out again.
4. Ensure That the Pee Pads Are Comfortable for Your Dog to Sit On
Your Dachshund will be spending a lot of time on the pee pads while you’re potty training. It’s important that they are comfortable to sit on and that they do not have any foreign smells or debris on them.
You can get a variety of different pee pads depending on your dog’s needs. Some Dachshund owners swear by newspapers while others prefer to go with more eco-friendly options such as pads made from recycled paper or cork. It is not a good idea to use anything that is synthetic or contains substances that can be harmful to your dog.
You also want to make sure that your dog can’t rip the pee pads apart. Some Dachshunds will chew on their pee pads and can tear them apart. Try to select a sturdy option that does not contain any harmful materials.
5. Confine Your Dachshund While You’re Away from Home Until They’ve Mastered Pee Pads
Dachshund pups, like other breeds, will be prone to accidents in the house when their owners are away from home. It is important to confine your Dachshund until you are certain that they have mastered going on the pee pads when they need to go.
But having your dog confined while they are potty training will help them to feel less anxious and will make it less likely that they will have an accident while they are confined. Once your dogs have mastered going on the pad while you’re away, you’ve crossed the golden mark of potty training. So, from here on, you’ll simply need to stay aware of your dog’s excuse that it needs to use the potty and assist it accordingly.
How to Know When Your Dachshund Is Ready for Potty Training
When you first bring your new dog home, there are a lot of adjustments for both of you. It takes time to establish your new routine and trust between the two of you. However, with the right training and approach, housebreaking an adult dog can be easier than you think.
When potty training your dog, it is important to know when he’s ready to learn. The sooner you begin the process, the more likely your dog will catch on quickly and easily. On average, your dog should be ready for potty training anywhere from six to eight weeks after being born. Here are some important tips to remember when potty training your puppy.
Be Patient
Dogs can be like toddlers in that they may have moments where they forget what they’re doing and have accidents. Be patient and remember that it is a learning process for both of you! Set up the right environment. Dogs need a place where they can feel comfortable going potty. You can provide this by creating a designated area outside for your dog to go potty.
Select an area away from your home where there are no people walking by and no noise. Your dog can feel comfortable going pot-free in an area like this. Use the same approach you used with a younger dog. If you were successful with potty training a smaller dog, you can use that same approach with an adult dog. Each dog is different, but many will respond well to clicker training or positive reinforcement.
Reward Good Behavior
You can encourage positive potty training by rewarding your dachshund for going in the right spot. Consider using treats, verbal praise, or anything else that makes your dog feel happy and proud of themselves. If you catch your dog going potty in the right spot, you can also give a small reward.
Giving a treat after your dog goes to the bathroom is a great way to associate pottying in the right places with a pleasant experience. Rewarding good behavior can make a big difference in how quickly your dog learns. Positive reinforcement will make potty training easier and more enjoyable for both of you.
Wrapping Things Up
Potty training a Dachshund can be a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be. Follow these tips and you will be well on your way to successful dog potty training. Remember to be patient and consistent with your approach. With some time, patience, and consistency, you’ll have an adult dog who is housebroken and ready for anything!
See also: How to Crate Train a Dachshund in 9 Simple Steps
Featured Image Credit: Masarik, Shutterstock
