Handling the Housebreaking Challenge: Potty Training Tips for Stubborn Dachshunds.

If you’ve recently welcomed a dachshund into your home, you may have already discovered what many doxie owners learn quickly: these adorable little dogs can be notoriously difficult to potty train. With their independent spirits and stubborn personalities, dachshunds often present unique challenges during the housebreaking process. But don’t worry—with patience, consistency, and these specialized techniques, you can successfully potty train even the most determined dachshund. Buy cream miniature dachshund

Understanding Dachshund Stubbornness

Before diving into training techniques, it’s important to understand why dachshunds can be particularly challenging to housebreak:

• Hunting heritage: Bred to track and pursue prey independently, dachshunds are naturally headstrong and self-directed.
• Intelligence with attitude: These dogs are smart enough to understand what you want, but independent enough to question whether they want to comply.
• Sensitivity to environmental factors: Many dachshunds dislike wet or cold conditions, making outdoor potty breaks challenging in certain weather.
• Small bladder capacity: Their small size means more frequent potty breaks are necessary.

Recognizing these traits isn’t about making excuses—it’s about setting realistic expectations and adjusting your approach to work with your dachshund’s unique personality. Buy cream miniature dachshund

Establishing a Foolproof Routine

The foundation of successful potty training for any dog—especially stubborn dachshunds—is a consistent routine.

The Optimal Potty Schedule

Take your dachshund outside:

• Immediately after waking up
• Within 15 minutes after eating or drinking
• After play sessions
• Before bedtime
• Every 1-2 hours during initial training periods
• When showing signs of needing to go (sniffing, circling, whining)

Creating Potty Cues

Dachshunds respond well to verbal cues. Choose a specific phrase like “go potty” or “do your business” and use it consistently each time you take your dog to their designated potty area. Over time, they’ll associate this phrase with the expected action.

Setting Up for Success

Choosing the Right Confinement Strategy

For dachshunds, confinement during the potty training phase is essential but needs to be implemented carefully:

Crate Training:

• Choose a crate that’s just large enough for your dachshund to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
• Never use the crate as punishment—it should be a safe, positive space.
• Start with short periods and gradually increase time as your dachshund becomes comfortable.
• Cover the crate partially to create a den-like environment that appeals to their burrowing instincts.

Exercise Pen Alternative:

• Some dachshunds do better with slightly more space than a traditional crate provides.
• Set up an exercise pen with a designated sleeping area and a separate potty area (pee pads) for longer confinement periods.

Tethering Method:

• Keep your dachshund tethered to you with a leash when not confined.
• This allows you to monitor them constantly and quickly respond to potty signals.

Choosing the Right Potty Location

Dachshunds often develop strong preferences for where they eliminate. Choose a specific outdoor area and consistently use it. Factors to consider:

• Sheltered from extreme weather when possible
• Away from high-traffic areas that might distract your dog
• Easy to access quickly from your home

Training Techniques Tailored for Stubborn Dachshunds

The Positive Reinforcement Advantage

Dachshunds respond far better to positive reinforcement than punishment or negative reactions:

• Immediate rewards: Carry treats in your pocket during potty breaks to reward successful elimination immediately (within 3 seconds).
• Enthusiastic praise: Dachshunds thrive on your excitement—make a big deal of their success!
• Consistent rewards: Don’t waver once the program is established; be reliable with praise and treats.
• Special treats: Reserve particularly high-value treats exclusively for potty training successes.

The Accident Response Protocol

When accidents happen (and they will):

1. Remain calm—punishing or expressing frustration will only make your dachshund anxious and more likely to hide elimination in the future.
2. If you catch them in the act, calmly interrupt with a short “Oops” and immediately take them to the proper potty area.
3. Clean accidents thoroughly with an enzymatic cleaner specifically designed for pet accidents to remove all odors.
4. Review your routine to identify what might have gone wrong and adjust accordingly.
5. Never punish after the fact—dachshunds won’t make the connection between your reaction and an accident that happened earlier.

Overcoming Common Dachshund-Specific Challenges

Weather Aversion Strategies

Many dachshunds hate going outdoors in wet or cold weather:

• Create a covered potty area in your yard if possible
• Use a raincoat or sweater in inclement weather
• Keep walkways clear of snow in winter
• Train to use indoor options as a contingency for extreme weather

The “Sneaky Eliminator” Solution

Some dachshunds will appear perfectly housetrained until they discover an unmonitored area:

• Temporarily restrict access to rooms where accidents have occurred
• Use baby gates to gradually expand territory as trust is established
• Consider bells on their collar during training to help track their location

The “Revenge Eliminator” Myth

Contrary to popular belief, dachshunds do not urinate or defecate in the house “out of spite” or “revenge.” This is a misinterpretation of normal canine behavior. What appears to be deliberate misbehavior is usually:

• Incomplete training
• Anxiety or stress
• Medical issues
• Marking behavior
• Response to a change in routine

Special Situations and Solutions

Apartment Living Tips

For dachshunds in apartments without quick outdoor access:

• Consider training to a designated indoor potty solution (pee pads, grass patches, or litter boxes)
• Establish a strict schedule to compensate for longer trips outside
• Investigate doggy daycare options for long workdays

Working with Senior Dachshunds

Older dachshunds may need retraining due to:

• Decreased bladder control
• Cognitive changes affecting previously learned behaviors
• Mobility issues making it harder to reach outdoor areas

Solutions include:

• More frequent potty breaks
• Considering indoor options
• Consulting with a veterinarian about possible medical interventions

When to Seek Professional Help

Consider consulting a professional dog trainer or veterinarian if:

• Your dachshund shows no progress after 4-6 weeks of consistent training
• Housetrained behavior suddenly deteriorates
• Signs of anxiety or stress appear during training
• Elimination patterns seem unusual or concerning

Final Thoughts: The Patience Principle

Remember that dachshund housebreaking typically takes longer than with many other breeds—sometimes 6-12 months for complete reliability. Their stubborn streak doesn’t mean they’re untrainable; it just means you need to be more persistent than they are! Buy cream miniature dachshund

The good news is that once properly trained, dachshunds tend to maintain their housetraining well. The strong bond you’ll form through this process—built on patience, understanding, and positive interactions—will strengthen your relationship for years to come. Buy cream miniature dachshund

With consistency, appropriate expectations, and methods tailored to your dachshund’s unique personality, you’ll eventually succeed in this challenging but essential aspect of dachshund ownership. When that breakthrough finally comes, you’ll appreciate it all the more for the effort it required!

Have you successfully housetrained a stubborn dachshund? Share your tips and experiences in the comments below! witzig