How to Housebreak a Male Dachshund

Some dogs are quite easy to house-train, but some dog trainers say that dachshunds are among the more difficult breeds to train because they are quite headstrong. While people often debate whether females or males are worse, some say that males are worse because they tend to be more dominant. While housebreaking your male dachshund might be difficult, you can likely handle it with some careful training and persistence.

Things You'll Need

  • Treats
  • Crate
  • Floor disinfectant
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Choose an outdoor space where your male dachshund will urinate and defecate. Take the dog to the same spot each time he begins to associate that area with the proper place to use the bathroom.

    • 2

      Watch your dachshund and try to recognize the signs that the dog needs to use the bathroom. These signs could be circling, sniffing the floor and appearing as if he is looking for a spot to urinate or defecate. When you see these signs, take the dog outside immediately.

    • 3

      Decide on a word or phrase that you will repeat when the dog is outside. For example, you could say "go potty." Repeat this word or phrase when he is outside, until the business is done. Over time the dachshund will understand this phrase or word as a command to go to the bathroom.

    • 4

      Praise your dog when he uses the bathroom in the proper place. Tell him "good boy" and give other vocal praise. In the beginning, give the dog a treat each time he properly uses the bathroom outside. Over time, as the housebreaking improves, gradually decrease the treats until you no longer give any.

    • 5

      Sternly tell the dog "no" anytime that you catch it in the act of urinating or defecating inside. Pick the dog up and take him to the proper place immediately; then use the word or phrase for using the bathroom.

    • 6

      If you find urine or feces in the house, but did not catch the dog in the act of having the accident, simply clean it thoroughly. Make sure that you remove all signs of the accident or the smell so that the dog is not encouraged to do it there the next time. Do not scold the dog because that will only confuse it, as the dog will not understand or remember what it did.

    • 7

      Place the dog inside its crate anytime you leave the house or you cannot properly supervise it. Dogs are den animals, so they are unlikely to use the bathroom in their crates.