Dachshunds are natural barkers. Descended from a strong line of German hunters, the dachshund instinctively barks to alert its master to potential prey or to a stranger on the premises. Your dachshund may think he rules the house, the yard and even the street and he may bark at anything that moves. This is annoying for most dachshund owners but a few training techniques may help solve the barking problem. In addition to the annoyance, prolonged barking may cause physical problems in this breed as it stresses the lungs, the throat and the chest region.
Instructions
Eliminate the cause of the barking. Remember that your dog's bark was useful during hunting forays because it alerted its master to the presence of prey and it confused the prey, sometimes leading to its demise. Don't try to stop your dachshund from barking once or twice to alert you to a stranger but teach him to stop barking upon command.
Issue a "No Bark," command and put your dog in his crate if he keeps barking at a guest that enters the house. Say the command one time, sharply, and then pick him up if he continues. If he barks while in his crate, cover it with a towel or a sheet to obscure his vision of the guest.
Put up a barrier if your dachshund barks when looking out the window at the neighborhood beyond. Hang a curtain, close the door or move the couch from in front of the living room window so he can't see the object of his barking.
Bring your dog inside if he is in a fenced yard and barks at neighborhood children or a cat. Issue the "No Bark," command and give him a few seconds to quiet down. If he doesn't, carry him inside without saying another word.
Avoid scolding your dachshund. Constant barking is annoying but he is unlikely to learn the association between the "No Bark" command and his behavior if you say anything else. Be persistent. Dachshunds are persistent in their stubbornness, which is a breed trait and it takes patience and commitment in order to help him develop better habits.
Reward your dachshund with a tasty treat when he obeys your command to stop barking. Keep a container of his favorite treats handy and offer them ONLY when he obeys you and stops barking. Don't offer them for any other reason. He will learn to associate the favorite treat with obeying you.
Allow a few barks of happiness from your dachshund when he sees you and when you are playing. After all, he IS a dog and dogs bark for many reasons. Only inappropriate barking should be deterred.