Dachshund Training Housetraining Your Dog

Bringing home a new dachshund puppy is much like bringing home a new baby. It’s exciting and fun, and you’re anxious to get to know your new friend. As with a baby, there is the problem of elimination. Unlike a human baby, the dachshund puppy, being able to walk when he or she first comes home, is already capable of learning where to eliminate. This is the aspect of dog training that is the first thing you will want to work on. The first step in your dachshund training should take place when you first bring home your new friend, and before you set foot in the door. Take your puppy to a good place to eliminate, set him or her down, and wait. Puppies are naturally curious and like to explore, but eventually your dachshund will naturally eliminate, at which time he or she should hear the phrase you will be using for your dachshund training. Say, “Do your business,” or whatever phrase you would like to use, but be consistent about using that phrase every time your dachshund does the appropriate thing in the appropriate place. If the words and deeds always go together, your pup will learn the connection, which is essential to dachshund training.

When you are indoors with your dachshund, watch him or her for squatting. When this takes place, quickly up your pup and take him or her to the designated spot outside, saying the magic phrase as soon as the puppy is in place. Don’t be surprised if he or she seems to forget what to do. Puppies are easily distracted and have short memories. Dachshund training requires some patience, so let the puppy walk around, sniff around, play in the grass for awhile and finally get around to elimination before you go inside.

Take your puppy outside every two hours even if squatting is not seen. Again, take your dog to the correct spot and say the magic words. Sometime playing can help with the dog training, because puppies frequently feel the urge after running around and playing.

Another good time for dachshund training is after meals. After your puppy has had dinner, go for a walk. Remember to take plastic bags along to stay friends with your neighbors.

Some dog owners prefer the convenience of pet doors to having to let the dog in and out manually. If you decide to use a pet door, keep its location in mind during your dachshund training. When you take your puppy outside, make a point of going through the door that has a pet door or where you intend to put a pet door. That will get your dog into the habit of going outside through that particular door.

When you are not at home, put your dachshund puppy into a crate. When you come home, take the puppy outside immediately. Dogs will not eliminate where they sleep, so the puppy will learn to hold it while in the house unsupervised.

Some owners like to spread newspapers onto the floor for dog training, gradually removing the newspapers as the dog becomes trained. The only problem with this solution is that your dog might someday find a newspaper or book on the floor where it has accidentally fallen, and you cannot blame the dachshund for doing what it has been trained to do.

If dachshund training becomes to difficult or frustrating, by all means see a veterinarian or dog trainer for further assistance. Enjoy your new pal.