The Best Ways to Potty Train a Dachshund

Dachshunds are considered one of the most difficult dog breeds to housebreak, according to Dachshund World. Crate training is the best method for potty training this breed, combined with regulating the dog's feeding schedule and constant monitoring of its behavior. Patience and consistency are keys to successfully housebreaking a dachshund puppy.

  1. Choosing a Crate

    • The crate should be only large enough for the dog to comfortably sit, stand and turn around. Dogs don't like to eliminate where they sleep. Too large a crate allows room for the puppy to distance itself from accidents. Some crates are designed with removable partitions to allow for a growing puppy. Don't attempt to rig your own partition. If the puppy pushes it over, it might be frightened and associate the crate with a bad experience. The crate should be safe haven and den where the puppy feels secure.

    Introducing the Puppy to the Crate

    • The puppy should be calmly and enthusiastically introduced to the crate. Place toys inside to encourage the puppy to go in and investigate. Place treats close to the crate to lure the pup to it. Keep moving treats closer to the crate, eventually leading the puppy inside to retrieve them. Allow the dog to go in and out of the crate at will. Don't shut the crate door on the puppy until it is comfortable and goes into the crate willingly. Place the puppy's food and water in the far end of the crate to feed it and shut the door. Let the puppy out of the crate 30 minutes after feeding it and take it outside to eliminate. Extend crate time gradually. The puppy should never be left in the crate for more than four hours at a time.

    Creating a Schedule

    • Puppies should be fed at the same time in the morning and evening. They will need to eliminate about 30 minutes after eating. Don't allow your puppy free access to food during the housebreaking process. Take the puppy outside immediately after you get it out of its crate. Choose an area in the yard where you want the puppy to relieve itself and take it to the same spot every time. Praise the puppy enthusiastically when it goes. Puppies do, however, need free access to water. The puppy will need to pee approximately every two hours. Keep your puppy with you at all times during the housebreaking period and watch for pacing or circling, which are signals it needs to eliminate. When you spot these behaviors, take it outside immediately.

    General Housebreaking Tips

    • Never punish the dog for having an accident. You should be monitoring it constantly during the housebreaking process, so any accident is actually your responsibility. Never scold the puppy before placing it in the crate and never use the crate for punishment. Going in the crate should always be associated with a positive experience. If the dog does have an accident, take it outside immediately to the spot where it is supposed to go. Use dog odor eliminator products on any spot where the puppy has had an accident.