How to Potty Train a Dachshund in 7 Days: The Ultimate Guide
Learning how to potty train a Dachshund is widely considered one of the toughest challenges for any dog owner. If you have ever stood in the rain while your stubborn pup refuses to go, only to have an accident on the rug five minutes later, you are not alone.
Dachshunds are famous for being intelligent but notoriously independent thinkers who hate getting their paws wet. However, housebreaking them doesn’t have to be a nightmare. In this guide, we will share a proven “No-Fail” 7-day routine to get your home clean again.
(Caption: Stubbornness is part of the charm, but it makes training a challenge!)
1. Why Is It So Hard to Potty Train a Dachshund?
Before you get frustrated, it helps to understand why your Doxie is behaving this way. It is not because they are “bad dogs”; it is simple biology and instinct.
- Small Bladders: They physically need to empty their bladder more often than a Labrador.
- The “Badger” Mindset: They were bred to hunt independently. They don’t always look to humans for permission to act.
- Comfort Seekers: A Dachshund will hold it for hours just to avoid cold wind or rain.
To successfully potty train a Dachshund, you need to be more stubborn than they are!
2. The Golden Rule: The Strict Schedule
Consistency is your best friend. For the next 7 days, you must follow a rigid timer. Do not wait for them to “ask” to go out—by then, it is usually too late.
The Routine:
- Puppies (8 weeks – 6 months): Out every 1 hour.
- Adults: Out every 2 to 3 hours.
Crucial Moments to Go Outside:
- Immediately after waking up (morning and naps).
- 15-20 minutes after eating or drinking.
- After a vigorous play session.
- Right before bed.
Pro Tip: Managing their meal times is key. Consistent input means consistent output! Check our guide on the Best Dog Food for Dachshunds to ensure their digestion is regular.
3. The “Party” Method (Positive Reinforcement)
When you start to potty train a Dachshund, remember that they are sensitive. If you yell at them for an accident, they won’t learn not to pee inside; they will just learn to hide it behind the sofa.
Instead, use the “Party” method:
- Take them to the same spot outside every time (the scent triggers the urge).
- Use a cue word like “Go Potty.”
- The second they finish, throw a party! Say “YES! Good Dog!” in a happy voice and give them a high-value treat immediately.
What is a high-value treat? Think tiny pieces of boiled chicken or cheese, not their regular kibble.
(Caption: Rewards work 100x better than punishment for this breed.)
4. Crate Training: Your Secret Weapon
You cannot watch your dog 24/7, but constant supervision is required to potty train a Dachshund effectively. When you are cooking, showering, or working, your dog should be in a crate or a safe playpen.
- Dogs have a natural instinct not to soil their sleeping area.
- The crate teaches them to physically “hold it” until you let them out.
- Important: Never use the crate as punishment. It should be their safe den.
Worried about their back in the crate? Read our full Dachshund Care Guide for tips on protecting their spine and choosing the right gear.
5. How to Handle Accidents (Because They Will Happen)
Here is how to handle them without ruining your progress as you potty train a Dachshund:
- Interrupt, Don’t Scold: If you catch them mid-act, clap your hands loudly to startle them, say “NO,” and immediately carry them outside to finish.
- Silence is Golden: If you find a mess later, do not scold them. They have already forgotten what they did. Rubbing their nose in it is an old myth and does not work.
- The Enzyme Cleaner: You must clean the spot with an Enzymatic Cleaner. Regular soap cleans the stain, but enzymes remove the pheromones. If the scent remains, your Doxie will mark that spot again.
6. The “Rain” Factor: The Final Boss
This is the hardest part. If it rains, a Dachshund acts like the water is acid.
- Create Shelter: Use a large umbrella or set up a tarp in a corner of the yard.
- Get Them Gear: A raincoat can help keep them warm and willing to step out.
- Be Patient: You might have to stand in the rain for 10 minutes. Wait them out. If you go back inside before they go, they win.
(Caption: A raincoat can be a game-changer for wet weather potty breaks.)
Conclusion: Patience Pays Off
To effectively potty train a Dachshund, you need patience, a strict routine, and a pocket full of treats. It might feel frustrating now, but sticking to this plan for just 7 days can change your life.
Remember, a well-trained dog is a happier dog. Once you master the potty training, you can enjoy all the cuddles without worrying about your rugs!