Dachshunds also called sausage dogs are quickly becoming popular dogs in America. This is because of their cuteness and loyalty. It is also said that the increasing trend of apartments is also a cause because these sausages are good apartment dogs.
When raising this dog breed, you need to be prepared for him. Knowing that why this dog breed is hard to potty train and how to make it easier can be really beneficial.
Are dachshunds difficult to potty train?
Originally bred for hunting, these small to medium-sized dogs can give a hard time when it comes to their training.
Are dachshunds hard to potty train? Just like other trainings, dachshunds can give a hard time when they are being potty trained. They can be really stubborn and moody. And their small size contributes a major part in making Dachshunds hard to potty train.
Why are dachshunds hard to potty train?
Why are dachshunds hard to potty train? Dachshunds are hard to potty train because of their small size, stubborn behavior. Being hunting dogs, they are easily distracted when they are out for potty. However, they become very loyal to one person and that person can easily potty train them. With the use of the right method, consistency, patience, and knowing the breed deeply, you can make dachshund potty training easy.
1- Small Size:
Small breed dogs are usually hard to potty train because of the
- Small bladder size
- Faster metabolism
- The small body causes the food and water to reach the end quickly.
Dachshund is a small to medium-sized breed so for the above reasons he gives a tough time.
2- Stubborn behavior:
Dachshunds are naturally stubborn and moody. Being independent creatures, if they don’t want to do something, they simply won’t.
Their non-responsiveness can really challenge the trainer’s temperament.
3- Weather Tolerance:
Dachshunds are not capable of tolerating harsh weather, whether it’s cold or hot. This is why they don’t perform well in training to go outside especially when they live in an area where the weather remains harsh.
4- Distraction:
Dachshunds were originally bred as hunting dogs. They are easily distracted by sounds and smells around them.
When they are on their potty spot, they won’t focus on what they are doing. Instead, they would prefer to investigate the area.
This distraction factor makes them one of the hardest dogs to potty train.
How to make it easier to potty train dachshunds?
Potty training a dachshund is hard, it doesn’t mean that they are not trainable at all. The trainer must know the personality traits of this breed deeply and then use his own traits to train him.
Following the right method and the right tools is crucial.
Here are a few tips you can follow to make dachshund potty training easier.
1- Use their “Loyalty”:
Dachshunds usually get emotionally attached to one person, most probably with their primary caretaker.
That person can then take advantage. Only the person to whom a dachshund is attached can easily potty train him because the dog will try to please him.
2: Use their “intelligence”:
Dachshunds are incredibly smart, clever, and intelligent dog breeds. The trainer can take advantage of this trait. By being more consistent, patient and by always showing him the right way, the trainer can make the dachshund understand the process easily and this is the very first progress of potty training.
3- Be firm and consistent:
The trainer needs to be very firm with the puppy. A consistent schedule can do the magic.
Fix a time for the dog to eat and drink and always stick to the schedule, no matter what.
By following a consistent schedule, the trainer will also learn that after how much time of eating, drinking, playing, and waking up, does the dog go to the toilet!
He can then take the dog to the potty spot on time.
(If you don’t know why we are talking about taking him to the potty spot, you must read this full potty training guide.)
4: Prevent mess:
Prevention is better than cure. Here, you need to prevent the dog from peeing in the house or anywhere where you don’t want him to go.
You can do this by setting a schedule and noticing when he has to go. Then take him there every time at the right time.
5: Start earlier:
Start potty training your dachshund earlier.12 weeks is usually the best age to start but this dog breed requires more work, so the best practice is to start potty training earlier. At around 8-10 weeks old.
6: Keep him with a potty trained dog:
Dogs learn from dogs. Puppies follow adult dogs. A potty-trained dog at home can help a lot in training a new puppy.
Make sure that your puppy is comfortable with the other adult dog. Get them toys to play together. Feed them together and play with both of them at the same time so the dog and puppy could create a bonding.
Your little dachshund puppy will most probably start following the trained adult dog.
7- Use puppy pads:
Due to the small body of Dachshunds, they need to go more often. In order to prevent them from having an accident in the wrong place, using puppy pee pads can be a good idea.
The right method of using puppy pads will not mess up with things.
You can also use the original grass pee pad if you plan to shift the puppy to go outside once he is fully potty trained.
You can subscribe for “doggie lawn ‘original grass pads here.
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8- Crate training:
With proper crate training, your dachshund will get comfortable with his “Den”. Then crate training will help a lot with potty training.
Dogs do not like to soil their “den” so if you are successful in making your puppy understand that this crate is his “Den”, he will learn to hold his bladder when he is inside.
Moreover, always choose the right-sized crate. It should be enough for a dog to sit, stand and turn. If you will choose a bigger crate, the dog will fix one corner as his bathroom.
For miniature dachshund puppies, Midwest Home For Pets iCrate – a 24-inch crate should be good. And for a standard dachshund, a crate of 24-inch or 30-inch (depending upon the age) should be good.
9- Learn Before training:
You must always learn before starting potty training. Learning will save you a lot of time and effort while you will be free from the process in a short time.
Otherwise, it may take longer for you to understand and complete your puppy’s potty training.
Read this full puppy potty training guide to learn the process step-by-step.
Conclusion:
Why are dachshunds hard to potty train? Dachshunds are hard to potty train because of their small size, stubborn behavior. Being hunting dogs, they are easily distracted when they are out for potty. However, they become very loyal to one person and that person can easily potty train them. With the use of the right method, consistency, patience, and knowing the breed deeply, you can make dachshund potty training easy.
