How to Potty Train a Miniature Dachshund

By Mia Blocher

Instructions

Things You’ll Need:

Puppy training pads or a dog litter
Large crate or a small room
Soft blanket or puppy bed
Anti-bacterial spray or wipes
Paper towel

Step 1:
Choose an appropriate sleeping spot. Whether you purchase a comfortable crate or use a small room or a large closet with a puppy bed, a doxie will not make a mess where he sleeps. If you can't watch your little guy for an hour or two, locking him in his crate or room is a great way will keep him from relieving himself on the floor. But don't leave him there for too long. Locking him up for an extended period of time is not only cruel, it's a surefire way to force your pup to have an accident in his bed. If this happens on several occasions, your pup may get used to wallowing in his filth and will view this behavior as "acceptable," which can make potty training more difficult.
Step 2:
Choose a spot for your dog to relieve himself. Miniature dachshunds are small enough to use a dog litter box, so teaching them to go indoors can be a good option, especially if you work full time. But whether you decide to train your puppy to go inside or outside, the spot should remain consistent.

To train your dachshund to go inside, place the litter box in the puppy's room opposite his bed or crate. It is natural for mini doxies to relieve themselves opposite their sleeping area and your puppy will likely be drawn to the correct spot. To train your dachshund to go outside, begin by putting a puppy training pad opposite his crate. Once he begins to get the idea, move the pad closer and closer to the door.
Step 3:
Create a feeding schedule. Most little doxies will feel the urge to eliminate right after eating and should be taken outside or to the littler box following each meal. Knowing when your puppy has to go will prevent many accidents and ensure successful potty training.
Step 4:
Watch your puppy closely and learn his "potty signals." Every miniature dachshund begins to form his own routine such as sniffing in circles, sticking his tail in the air or sitting hunched over with his back legs crossed. If you see your puppy performing his routine, immediately take him to his elimination spot.

If you catch your doxie in the middle of an accident, startle him and he should stop. Try gently swatting his behind, clapping loudly or shaking a soda can full of pennies. Scold your pup in a low, commanding voice, take him to the proper spot and immediately praise him. It may take a little time before he finishes, so watch him until he does to ensure success and cut down on clean-up.
Step 5:
Use association words. Every time your dachshund eliminates, use the same phrase such as "Go potty!" Dachshunds are clever and your pup will eventually begin to link this phrase with relieving himself and will do it on command. Using association words can prevent waiting for your curious pup to sniff every square inch of the backyard or litter box.
Step 6:
Praise your doxie for even the smallest success. Ultimately, your pup desires your approval. Help him associate your happiness with eliminating in the right spot by treating him like a million dollars every time he gets it right. Praise him and show your excitement even if he goes half on the pad and half on the floor.
Step 7:
Be patient. Potty training takes time and it may be several weeks before you break through your doxie's stubborn streak. Stay consistent and soon your hard work will pay off.
Step 8:
Expect accidents. Even with the best prevention methods and your careful guardianship, your doxie will still have several accidents on the floor. Arm yourself with paper towels, anti-bacterial spray or wipes and stain remover. Odor-neutralizing spray will disguise your doxie's scent and keep him from returning to that spot to eliminate.

"Puppy proof" your house. Put up baby gates or barriers to keep your pup away from carpeted areas until he consistently eliminates in the right place. Keep your pup off the furniture and pick up clothes, bags and important papers from the floor so that he doesn't mistake them for training pads.

Tips & Warnings

If your dachshund is more interested in using the puppy pad as a chew toy, purchase pads with adhesive edges or secure the corners with painter's tape. If you catch your puppy in the act, give him a gentle swat and tell him no. Put the pad back in its proper place and place him on it. Then praise him for using the pad the right way.If you work full time, it is best to train your miniature dachshund to go indoors because a pup can't be expected to "hold it" all day. Choose a small room in your house with hard, easy-to-clean floors such as a laundry room or small bathroom. Put your doxie's bed and food at one end and his litter at the other end.
Sometimes a gentle swat on the behind and a firm "no" are necessary to startle your doxie and communicate your displeasure, but never use pain as a punishment. This will not only hurt your little guy and cause him to fear you, it will teach him to associate pain with eliminating. Your miniature doxie may think that eliminating is a bad thing and will hold it until the last possible second. Then he will usually let loose in "hidden" locations such as behind the couch.Though potty training may be frustrating, never yell at your puppy. Use a stern, low-pitched "no" or "bad puppy" to communicate displeasure. Screaming can frighten your puppy and cause him to cower in your presence.

Resources

More Puppy Pages

Tips on Training You Puppy To Use a Dog Litter Box

Training a puppy to use a litter box is an easy way to provide consistent training during inclement weather. It also allows those unable to provide frequent trips outside the peace of mind needed for dog ownership.

Golden Retrievers are a lively, intelligent, jovial breed that make wonderful family companions. Few things are cuter than a litter of Golden puppies, but cuteness should not exempt them from proper training and learning behaviors. Goldens are an...

Puppy potty training is not limited to bringing your puppy outdoors whenever she needs to potty. There are methods that you can use to teach your puppy the proper place to potty inside your home.

Dachshunds are known for their long bodies and short legs. Also called wiener dogs, dachshunds come in three different types: wirehaired dachshunds, long-haired dachshunds and smooth-haired dachshunds. The varieties are all similar and only differ in...

How to Potty Train a German Shepherd Puppy Within Five Days

When potty training a German shepherd puppy, you'll have to keep in mind that the degree of difficulty will vary depending on each individual pup, and the amount of time you have daily to work on it. To potty train a German shepherd puppy within five...