Dachshunds are smart hounds, but they have a reputation for being sometimes tough to housebreak. After all, why should they get cold or wet going outside when there's a cozy rug for their toileting needs? With a kind and consistent training regimen, you can housebreak your dachsie.
Step 1
Establish a consistent routine for your dachsie's toileting. Provide regular opportunities for your dog to go outside and poo or pee. Make the first morning outing and the last evening opportunity at consistent times -- say, at 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. In between, provide your wiener dog with access to his outdoor toilet every hour or two until he is housebroken.
Step 2
Reward your hound every time he goes potty outside. Immediately after the successful outdoor toileting, give him enthusiastic praise, a dog treat, tickles or any other verbal or physical reward that makes him happy. If you are training your dog during cold or wet weather, allow him access to the warm home as soon as he's done his business -- this is another form of reward.
Step 3
Tell your dog a firm, informative "no" any time he toilets indoors. Immediately take him outside to his designated toileting spot so he can "practice" doing his business outside. If he manages to toilet outside after toileting inside, this is cause for praise and celebration. Don't sulk with your dog after he's had an indoor accident, as once the incident is in the past he won't understand the reason for continued punishment.
Step 4
Clean up indoor accidents thoroughly and immediately. If a particular area of carpet starts to smell of dog pee, your dachsie will interpret that area as his designated personal toilet. Use a spot-cleaner spray to remove odors from carpets or rugs.
References
- Dachshunds for Dummies; Eve Adamson
- Everything Dachshunds: Potty Training a Dachshund
- Dachshund.org: House Training--Tips and Tricks
Tips
- As your dog becomes housebroken, you can increase the interval between toileting episodes. Puppies or untrained adult dogs may need to go outside often at first; as they progress they should be able to go 4 to 6 hours between toileting opportunities.
Writer Bio
Jae Allen has been a writer since 1999, with articles published in "The Hub," "Innocent Words" and "Rhythm." She has worked as a medical writer, paralegal, veterinary assistant, stage manager, session musician, ghostwriter and university professor. Allen specializes in travel, health/fitness, animals and other topics.