How Do I Get My Dachshund to Stop Barking?

Dachshunds and other small dogs are often known for being barkers, and excessive barking can be disruptive. To get your dachshund to stop barking so much, you must teach him the quiet command. This will require patience on your part, but with persistence almost any dog can be taught to quiet down. The first step is learning how to teach the quiet command.

Things You'll Need

  • Treats
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Allow your dog to bark for a few seconds--no more than two or three barks. It should never be your goal to stop barking altogether. People talk, dog's bark. It's their way of communicating. But you want to teach your dog that two or three barks are sufficient.

    • 2

      Say "quiet" and grab your dachshund's muzzle gently after allowing her the two or three barks. Don't yell the command or say it aggressively. Just say it in a calm, firm and clear voice.

    • 3

      Release your dog's muzzle after you have said the command. Step back and call your dog over to you and away from what it is he is barking at.

    • 4

      Tell your dog to "sit" when he comes to you. When he complies with your request reward him with a treat and praise. If he continues to sit rather than returning to barking give him another round of treats and praise. Keep doing this until the thing that triggered his barking is out of the equation.

    • 5

      Start again at Step 2 if your dog begins barking when you release his muzzle. If your dachshund does not like having her muzzle grasped, you can teach her the command by saying "quiet" and immediately giving her a small treat. Keep giving treats until whatever caused the barking has stopped.

    • 6

      Teach the command by repeating the training 10 to 20 times. Do something that causes your dog to bark. For instance, have someone knock on your door or walk by your home repeatedly until your dog begins to respond to the command.