I’ve spent the final 20 years learning the Dachshund breed and there are 10 frequent conduct issues I see most frequently.
Now, a few of these aren’t “issues” per se.
They could simply be behaviors homeowners are shocked or shocked by as a result of they didn’t absolutely perceive the Dachshund breed earlier than they bought one.
Though my expertise is primarily with mini Dachshund conduct issues, customary Dachshund conduct points are very related.
In different phrases, the frequent Dachshund conduct points have extra to do with the breed than their dimension (mini and customary is only a dimension classification of the identical breed canine).
I will even preface this with the notion that not all Dachshund homeowners see every part on this record a conduct drawback.
What’s annoying to 1 proprietor could also be acceptable, and even cute, to a different.
Typically although, all the issues on this record may very well be thought of issues and possibly could be by a canine coach wanting in in your life.
Beneath are the Dachshund conduct issues I see most frequently and suggest an answer or two that will help you modify, or reduce, the undesirable behaviors.
The 20 Dachshund Conduct Points I See Most Steadily
These are the Dachshund behaviors that I see homeowners lament about, or ask for assist for, most often.
1) Extreme barking
Dachshunds have been bred to hunt.
A part of their duties have been alerting hunters after they discovered prey or perceived a risk.
This implies Dachshunds are pure barkers.
A Dachshund can also bark out of boredom, lack of train, consideration looking for, or separation anxiousness (see beneath).
In case your Dachshund is consistently barking, it may be a nuisance to neighbors, to you, or get you kicked out of your house.
When you ought to by no means anticipate to cease your Dachshund, you can reduce it and handle the extreme barking conduct.
2) Separation Nervousness
Dachshunds are very social and get connected to their individuals.
Some would possibly say Dachshunds are needy and, sometimes, they favor one individual within the family over all others.
When separated from this specific individual, or their individuals typically, whether or not it’s since you left the home or just walked into one other room and your canine can’t observe you, your Dachshund might expertise what is named separation anxiousness.
Separation anxiousness can result in inappropriate conduct like extreme barking, howling, and destructiveness.
Barking brought on by separation anxiousness tends to be completely different than the nuisance barking above.
Nuisance barking can vary from occasional barking to extended barking the place a bunch of barks are strung collectively after they sense a hazard.
Suppose bark, bark, baaaaark.
You possibly can often decide in case your Dachshund’s extreme barking and howling is brought on by separation anxiousness by the kind of bark.
Your canine will sometimes bark for a protracted time period however with house in between – bark, cease, bark, cease, bark, cease – or howling like arooooooo in sort of a “unhappy voice”.
This howling can also have a second of silence in between however usually it’s simply lengthy sufficient for a Dachshund to catch their breath and do it once more.
Curing your canine’s separation anxiousness takes a variety of repetition and persistence however it may be completed.
See the separation anxiousness article linked to above for a how-to clarification..
3) Potty accidents in the home
Dachshunds have a fame for being notoriously tough to potty prepare.
There are such a lot of elements concerned in profitable potty coaching.
Usually, potty coaching fails as a result of a mistake was made someplace within the course of.
I’m not placing all the blame on the proprietor – Dachshunds have their very own concepts and could be difficult – however there are many alternatives to by chance ship your canine the flawed message.
These embrace:
- Coaching with potty pads inside the home first.
I do know typically that is unavoidable however a canine are likely to generalize conduct and going potty in the home goes in the home to them it doesn’t matter what the floor is.
- Not taking your canine out usually sufficient.
- Failing to acknowledge your Dachshund’s refined indicators they should bought out
However one of many largest issues that may result in what I prefer to name “pooping in the home season” is a Dachshund’s reluctance to go potty within the rain or chilly.
4) Pulling on the leash
Dachshunds will usually pull on the tip of the leash after they go for walks.
That is very true in the event that they aren’t getting sufficient train, or haven’t been out for some time, so they’re overly excited or anxious.
Dachshunds can also pull on the tip of the leash as a result of they’re naturally inclined to discover and examine their setting.
Moreover, if a canine will not be skilled to stroll on a leash, they might not perceive the idea of remaining near their proprietor and should pull as a way to go the place they need.
The answer is educating your Dachshund good leash manners, probably educating them to stroll beside you in a heel, and ensuring you might be taking your Dachshund for a stroll often sufficient.
5) Barking and lunging at unusual canine and folks whereas on leash
When a Dachshund barks and pulls on the leash after they move new canine or individuals, that is known as reactivity or, extra particularly, leash reactivity.
Your canine is probably going fearful, anxious, or over-excited and “reacting” to the stimuli.
Not solely is that this conduct unhealthy manners, and probably embarrassing for you, however it might end in a canine struggle if the opposite one is unfriendly or interprets your Dachshund’s conduct as a risk.
There are a number of coaching strategies that may assist together with your Dachshund’s reactivity drawback, just like the “depart it” command, or desensitization by way of the “have a look at that” train.
Nonetheless, crucial approach to thwart reactive conduct is thru correct socialization and confidence constructing.
6) Refusal to stroll on leash
Dachshunds, particularly Dachshund puppies, are infamous for stopping in the course of a stroll and refusing to go any additional.
In some circumstances, this may very well be on account of asking your pet to do an excessive amount of train too quickly.
However it can be on account of fearfulness – being petrified of what’s forward – or refusal to stroll in a harness or jacket that makes them really feel uncomfortable.
Giving a pair, delicate, encouraging tugs on the leash could also be sufficient to get your Dachshund to start out strolling once more.
But when that doesn’t work, don’t attempt to drag your Dachshund together with you.
As a substitute, strive these tricks to get your Dachshund strolling once more.
7) Refusal to return when known as
As a result of they have been bred for looking, Dachshunds like to observe their nostril.
When a Dachshund will get on an attention-grabbing scent, or finds one thing very intriguing, it will probably look like their mind shuts off they usually don’t hear you calling their identify.
It’s unlikely that your Dachshund didn’t hear you although.
In comparison with people, canine hear practically twice as many frequencies as people they usually can hear from nearly 4 occasions the space away.
So as to get your Dachshund to return again persistently each time you name them, you want to make your self extra attention-grabbing than anything they’ll discover out on this planet and often follow recall coaching.
8) Submissive urination
Submissive urination is a conduct in canine the place they pee after they they really feel threatened, scared, or overly excited.
This could occur when they’re greeted by unfamiliar individuals, scolded or punished, once you come residence and your Dachshund is worked up to see you, once you attempt to choose your canine up, and so on.
Submissive urination is a traditional and instinctive manner for canine to point out submission and appeasement to a perceived higher-ranking particular person or to defuse a state of affairs that’s inflicting them stress.
You will need to perceive that this isn’t a home coaching situation, and scolding or punishing a canine for submissive urination will probably make the issue worse.
As a substitute, attempt to establish your canine’s triggers and reduce actions or conditions that trigger your Dachshund to submissively urinate.
The article about confidence constructing and socialization linked to within the above part about barking and lunging on leash.
9) Leaping
Dachshunds like to leap.
This contains leaping up on individuals, leaping off furnishings, and leaping towards issues just like the door or cabinets.
Leaping on the door or on individuals could be annoying.
Nonetheless, any leaping, particularly off furnishings, could be dangerous for a Dachshund.
Dachshunds are the breed mostly affected by Intervertebral Disk Illness (IVDD), a genetic illness that may trigger spinal disk ruptures, again accidents, and paralysis.
Whereas it’s most likely unimaginable to cease your Dachshund from leaping in all circumstances, minimizing it’s the prudent factor to do.
You possibly can reduce your Dachshund leaping on individuals by placing them in a crate or pen when visitors first arrive, by way of coaching, or leaping off furnishings by utilizing a ramp or blocking entry.
10) Begging for meals
Virtually all Dachshunds will attempt to persuade you they’re ravenous 24/7. They’re undoubtedly meals hounds!
And the pleading eyes? So exhausting to withstand.
However too many treats and desk scraps can result in your Dachshund turning into obese which, in flip, can result in different well being points, together with shortening their life.
The perfect methods to place a cease to begging is to disregard your Dachshund (don’t even say “no” or give eye contact), put them in a crate or pen away from the place you might be consuming, or prepare them to not.
I’ve a rule at my home: My Dachshunds are allowed to sit down close to me once I eat however they will solely have a look at me and my meals if they’re sitting on the ground.
They don’t seem to be allowed to stare at my plate from eye degree (if I’m sitting on the sofa).
They know to put there and look the opposite manner or burrow below the blankets to allow them to’t see.
In the event that they violate this rule, and don’t return to the right conduct once I gently say “no”, I put them of their crate till I’m completed consuming.
11) Useful resource guarding
Useful resource guarding is when your Dachshund finds one thing to be of excessive worth they usually defend and defend it.
Examples are:
- Rising at you once you attempt to take a favourite toy away
- Growling at you, or different pets in your family, in the event that they get too near your Dachshund’s meals dish
- Growling or snapping at a pal or boyfriend after they attempt to hug you or sit shut on the sofa
- Barking or snapping should you attempt to take away you canine from furnishings
Keys to forestall and discourage useful resource guarding embrace:
- Correct socialization, educating coaching instructions like “drop” or “depart it”,
- Supervising your Dachshund’s interactions with different animals or individuals
- Eradicating the merchandise they’re useful resource guarding
- Instructing the canine that good issues occur when different canine or persons are round their assets or they offer it again to you
- Consulting knowledgeable coach or behaviorist if the useful resource guarding is extreme
My Dachshund Summit will sometimes useful resource guard meals and her favourite toys.
Most often, I don’t let her plan with the canine toys she is obsessive about when different canine are round (together with my second Dachshund).
If I’m giving each of my canine treats, I watch her carefully for any signal she is getting nervous like facet eye or quiet grumbling.
12) Fearfulness and Shyness
Dachshunds can tend to be fearful or shy round new individuals and canine.
They could even be cautious of recent locations or sounds.
This may end up in frequent barking, refusal to enter a room or constructing, shaking, growling, or submissive urination (talked about above).
I do know I maintain mentioning socialization however that basically is a key right here.
A Dachshund who’s comfy round, and often uncovered to, new individuals, canine, sights, and sounds will likely be extra more likely to be calm and relaxed in all conditions.
For instance, some canine will sit alert and bark at each tiny noise when staying in a lodge room.
My Dachshunds are uncovered to new conditions and sounds all the time so that they not often react once we are staying in a lodge.
13) Destroying issues in the home
Dachshunds prefer to chew and dig. They’ve very robust jaws and a variety of dedication.
Sadly, this implies they could chew your socks, underwear, baseboards, charging cable, or dig holes within the carpet.
The 2 greatest methods to fight this are to maintain your canine in a pen or crate when you find yourself gone so that they bodily can’t destroy issues and to show them early what is suitable to chew on and what isn’t.
Nonetheless, it’s additionally vital to concentrate to when it’s occurring as a way to try to clear up the difficulty.
Destroying issues within the residence can be an indication of separation anxiousness in the event that they do it primarily once you depart the home.
14) Digging holes within the yard
As acknowledged above, Dachshunds prefer to dig. It’s of their nature.
Dachshunds have been bred to hunt animals that burrow within the floor.
So as to get to them, Dachshunds have been usually required to dig and excavate the dust in burrows, dens, and tunnels.
Although most Dachshunds don’t hunt anymore, some Dachshunds nonetheless actually like to dig.
They could fulfill this urge by digging up your flower beds, digging holes within the yard, or digging holes below the fence to flee.
You possibly can assist forestall your Dachshund from digging holes within the yard by offering ample psychological stimulation and bodily train so that they don’t get bored.
You too can strive offering an acceptable place to dig, like a canine sandbox, and educating them to dig there.
15) Bolting out the door
Oh, my. After I open the again door, my Dachshund Summit takes off like a shot into the again yard.
I let her as a result of our yard is fenced however many Dachshunds will attempt to run out the entrance door as quickly as you open it on account of issues like impatience, pleasure, or chasing “prey” passing by.
This poses a hazard although as a result of your Dachshund might run into visitors, run off and get misplaced, or run off and encounter harmful wildlife (hyperlink).
To forestall canine from bolting out the door, you will need to prepare them to grasp primary obedience instructions like “keep” and “come” and to oversee them when the door is open.
Coaching your Dachshund to sit down and await a launch phrase (permission) to exit the door can assist forestall a rogue escape artist too.
16) Chasing
Dachshund have a robust prey drive, which suggests they prefer to chase fast-moving issues.
This stuff may very well be automobiles, kids, cats, or wildlife.
The easiest way to forestall the chasing kids is to show kids to stroll calmly round them and to not transfer too quick.
The easiest way to maintain your Dachshund from chasing different issues is to maintain them on a leash once you depart the home or excellent their recall coaching (however it’s tough to get a Dachshund to conform 100% of the time)
17) Defiance and Stubbornness
Dachshunds developed tenacity, the willingness to persevere, and the flexibility to suppose independently again after they have been bred to hunt.
Whereas these traits make Dachshunds very smart, it additionally makes them relentless drawback solvers.
I all the time inform individuals {that a} Dachshund will use their smarts and ingenuity to search out a better manner round what you might be asking them to do as a way to get the reward.
This trait could be perceived as cussed or defiant.
However they’re actually good and it’s not tough to prepare a Dachshund to do what you need if you’re affected person and constant.
18) Hyperactivity
Typically, when all you wish to do is get some work down or lay on the sofa watching Netflix, your Dachshund might get actually hyper, bark and zoom round the home.
This may very well be as a result of your Dachshund is bored, they aren’t getting sufficient train, they’re over-stimulated, or over-tired (this is quite common with puppies).
My Dachshund Summit nearly all the time will get hyper after dinner.
She could be disruptive and relentless in her pursuit to pester me or run round the home and typically she tries to hump by arm or her canine mattress.
A number of this hyperactivity could be addressed by educating your Dachshund to settle when it’s quiet time.
This may be completed by way of “place” coaching – coaching a canine to sit down on a mattress or mat and settle – or by educating them a phrase meaning to cool down like “calm” or “tranquilo”.
If that doesn’t work, typically giving your canine a short while out in a crate or pen will assist them perceive that hyperactivity will not be welcome presently.
You will need to word that hyperactivity could be brought on by medical situations like an overactive thyroid or a mind tumor so it’s greatest to get your canine checked out on the vet if it is a new behavior.
19) Whining or grumbling for consideration
Oof! This one is a biggie with my Dachshund Summit.
Her favourite factor to do? Wait till I’m in the course of a piece challenge after which stand in entrance of a blanket grumbling in order that I’ll come over and elevate the sting so she will burrow below it.
When a Dachshund whines or grumbles, they’re often making an attempt to let you know they need one thing.
Nonetheless, they might want one thing they will’t have so this one will not be simply solved by giving them what they need (which, actually, will simply prepare them that this conduct will get them what they need anyway).
The perfect plan of action towards that is to disregard them or redirect their consideration to one thing else (not the factor they wished however one thing satisfying like a toy or chew).
20) Biting
Dachshund puppies usually chunk as a result of they discover the world with their mouth and tooth.
They could additionally suppose it’s enjoyable.
You possibly can observe these tricks to cease your pet from biting.
In case your grownup Dachshund is nipping and biting although, you’ve an even bigger drawback.
An grownup Dachshund might chunk as a result of they weren’t taught it’s unacceptable as a pet, they’re fearful and reactive, useful resource guarding, or they’re in ache.
In case your Dachshund has been biting for a very long time, the trigger is probably going one of many first three.
I’ve mentioned tips on how to deal with these issues above so revisit these sections if wanted for assist.
If the biting is a brand new conduct, it might sign ache or an underlying medical situation so a vet go to is so as.
It’s additionally vital to notice that what seems to be like biting might, actually, be play and never a problem.
Gentle mouthing, biting, and tugging on pores and skin is a pure manner that canine’s play.
This sport is also known as “bitey face” and isn’t dangerous until one canine is being dominated by the opposite, one canine is making an attempt to flee the state of affairs and might’t, or it has resulted in an damage.
In case your canine is biting along with what could be thought of imply conduct, or they’re clearly making an attempt to hurt one other canine or individual, please seek the advice of knowledgeable coach or behaviorist.
Ultimate Ideas
Like several canine breed, Dachshunds are distinctive and have their quirks.
Whereas a few of these quirks are seen as cute or endearing by some, others can view them as irritating conduct points.
Additionally, these frequent Dachshund behaviors can grow to be issues in the event that they put your canine, you, or different individuals in peril.
In case your Dachshund displays any of those behaviors, it’s as much as you to resolve what you may reside with and what you may’t, and resolve when and tips on how to deal with them.
Hopefully, this record has made you conscious of the potential conduct issues you would possibly encounter with a Dachshund and supplied some ideas to assist with coaching and conduct modification.
