Dachshunds—those irresistible little hounds with big personalities—evolved as den animals. Their ancestors found safety in burrows, and this instinct remains strong in your modern wiener dog. When approached correctly, crate training taps into this natural desire for a secure, personal space while providing numerous benefits for both you and your dachshund puppy. However, these independent-minded dogs require special consideration to embrace their crate as a haven rather than viewing it as confinement. Buy dapple dachshund puppies
Benefits of Crate Training for Dachshunds
For Your Puppy:
- Security during transitions: A consistent “home base” when adjusting to new environments
- Improved sleep quality: A designated quiet space encourages better rest
- Accelerated housetraining: Dogs naturally avoid soiling their sleeping area
- Reduced anxiety: A personal space to retreat when overwhelmed
- Safer alone time: Prevention of destructive behaviors or household accidents
For Dachshund Parents:
- Peace of mind: Knowing your puppy is safe when unsupervised
- Protection for your home: Prevents destructive chewing, especially during teething
- Easier travel: Creates familiar sleeping arrangements when away from home
- Back protection: Prevents jumping on/off furniture when you’re not supervising
- Reduced separation anxiety: Helps teach your dachshund independence
Selecting the Perfect Dachshund Crate
Size Considerations
For standard dachshunds, look for:
- Width: 18-22 inches
- Length: 24-30 inches
- Height: 19-21 inches
For miniature dachshunds:
- Width: 16-18 inches
- Length: 22-24 inches
- Height: 17-19 inches
The ideal crate allows your dachshund to:
- Stand comfortably without crouching
- Turn around completely
- Stretch out when lying down
- Not have excessive empty space (which can undermine housetraining)
Crate Types
Wire Crates:
- Excellent ventilation
- Usually include dividers to adjust size as your puppy grows
- Easy visibility for your puppy to monitor surroundings
- Typically fold flat for storage
- Dachshund Consideration: May need partial covering to create a more den-like feel
Plastic/Flight Crates:
- More enclosed and den-like
- Better insulation from noise and activity
- Sturdier walls prevent puppies from pushing items through
- Useful for travel
- Dachshund Consideration: Great for burrowers who prefer enclosed spaces
Furniture-Style Crates:
- Blend with home décor
- Can double as end tables or other furniture
- Often wooden construction
- Dachshund Consideration: Wood may be vulnerable to teething puppies
Crate Setup for Dachshund Comfort
Location Matters
- Place in a family area where your dachshund won’t feel isolated
- Away from direct heat sources or drafts
- Out of direct sunlight
- In a low-traffic area that still allows visibility of family activities
- Consider multiple crates if your home has multiple levels
Comfortable Furnishings
- Bedding: Choose washable, chew-resistant options (many dachshunds love to nest and burrow)
- Cover: Drape a blanket over portions of wire crates to create a cave-like environment
- Toys: Include a rotating selection of 1-2 safe toys
- Comfort item: A t-shirt with your scent can be comforting
Back-Friendly Considerations
For dachshunds specifically:
- Ensure bedding is plush enough to cushion their distinctive spine
- Flat, supportive bedding rather than extremely fluffy options that might cause twisting
- Wide enough for them to stretch out fully on their side
The Gradual Introduction Process
Dachshunds, with their independent nature, often need more time to accept crate training than eager-to-please breeds. Patience is essential. Buy dapple dachshund puppies
Phase 1: Creating Positive Associations
- Place treats around and just inside the crate entrance
- Feed meals progressively closer to and eventually inside the crate
- Introduce a specific phrase like “crate time” or “den” consistently
- Keep the door open and never force your puppy inside
- Duration: 2-3 days minimum
Phase 2: Brief Door Closures
- When your dachshund enters voluntarily, close the door briefly while feeding a treat
- Start with just 10-15 seconds, then open before any distress
- Gradually increase duration to several minutes
- Always remain visible during this phase
- Duration: 3-5 days
Phase 3: Short Absences
- Close the door and move around the room, returning immediately to praise
- Gradually increase distance, moving out of sight momentarily
- Return before your puppy becomes anxious
- Progress to 5-10 minute absences
- Duration: 3-7 days
Phase 4: Extended Periods
- Begin with 30-minute sessions while you’re home but engaged elsewhere
- Progress to short absences from home (15-30 minutes)
- Gradually extend time as your dachshund shows comfort
- Duration: 1-2 weeks
Daily Crate Training Schedule for Puppies
Dachshund puppies shouldn’t spend more than 3-4 hours at a stretch in their crate during the day (overnight is different). A sample schedule might include:
7:00 AM: Wake up, immediate potty break 7:30 AM: Breakfast, playtime, another potty break 8:30 AM: Crate time with a stuffed Kong (2-3 hours max) 11:30 AM: Potty break, exercise, training 1:00 PM: Lunch, potty break, short play session 2:00 PM: Crate nap time (2-3 hours) 5:00 PM: Extended play, training session 6:00 PM: Dinner, evening activities 9:00 PM: Final potty break, quiet play 10:00 PM: Bedtime in crate. Buy dapple dachshund puppies
Troubleshooting Common Dachshund Crate Challenges
The Vocal Protester
Dachshunds are known for expressing their opinions loudly! For excessive vocalization:
- Never release your puppy while actively crying (wait for even a brief pause)
- Try covering more of the crate to create a more secure feeling
- Ensure adequate exercise before crate time
- Place the crate in a quieter location
- Use white noise or soft classical music
The Escape Artist
For the determined digger or door-pusher:
- Ensure the crate is appropriate size and sturdy construction
- Create positive associations with more treats and meals in the crate
- Try a different crate style that might feel more secure
- Provide appropriate chew toys inside
The Reluctant Nester
If your dachshund resists entering:
- Try a different entrance ritual with special high-value treats
- Use a specific toy that only appears in the crate
- Practice brief “in and out” games with immediate rewards
- Consider if the crate location might be causing hesitation
Separation Anxiety Signs
Watch for:
- Excessive drooling
- Frantic digging or chewing at the crate
- Self-injury attempts
- Prolonged vocalization that escalates rather than settles
These symptoms require professional guidance from a veterinarian or certified dog trainer.
Special Dachshund Considerations
Back Protection
- Ensure the crate is large enough for comfortable movement
- Provide supportive bedding
- Place the crate on ground level to prevent jumping in/out
- Never use the crate as punishment that might cause frantic movement
Burrowing Needs
- Provide a small blanket inside for digging and arranging
- Consider a crate cover to enhance the den feeling
- Try a snuggle pocket bed inside larger crates
- A partially covered crate often appeals to the dachshund’s burrowing instinct
Scent Sensitivity
Dachshunds’ sensitive noses mean you should:
- Use unscented detergent for bedding
- Avoid air fresheners near the crate
- Clean accidents thoroughly with enzymatic cleaners
- Rotate toys to maintain interest
Crate Training Do’s and Don’ts
Do:
- Make the crate a consistent part of your daily routine
- Provide appropriate exercise before crate time
- Feed meals in the crate when possible
- Associate the crate with positive experiences
- Remain matter-of-fact about crate time
Don’t:
- Use the crate as punishment
- Crate for extended periods beyond your puppy’s capacity
- Respond to attention-seeking barking or whining
- Rush the training process
- Place water bowls inside that can spill (use bottle attachments instead)
Transitioning to an Adult Crate Schedule
As your dachshund matures:
- Continue using the crate for naps and nighttime
- Consider leaving the door open during the day for optional use
- Maintain the same verbal cues and routine
- Many dachshunds continue preferring crate sleeping throughout adulthood
Beyond the Basics: Advanced Crate Usage
Travel Confidence
- Use the same bedding and toys when traveling
- Bring the crate to pet-friendly accommodations
- Practice short car rides with the crate properly secured
- Consider airline requirements if you’ll be flying with your dachshund
Multiple Household Crates
- Keep consistent rules across all crates
- Use identical bedding and setup when possible
- Gradually introduce secondary locations after mastering the primary crate
Conclusion: A Den for Your Dachshund
A properly introduced crate fulfills your dachshund’s natural denning instincts while keeping them safe and your household peaceful. With patience, consistency, and positive associations, that little wire or plastic box will transform into your dachshund’s favorite retreat—a personal space where they can relax, knowing they’re secure in their very own burrow. The time invested in proper crate training repays itself many times over in a well-adjusted, happier dachshund who has a lifelong safe space to call their own. Buy dapple dachshund puppies. Kellyinthecity