Because of its long sausage-like body and very short legs, the Dachshund is often referred to as a "Weiner" or "Weenie" dog. Like many small breeds, Weenie dogs can take longer to house train. Dachshunds may be standard size, weighing 16 to 32 lbs., or miniature when under 11 lbs. The rules for house training even a miniature Weenie are no different than potty training a Great Dane, except there is less to clean up.
-
Understand Your Puppy's Limitations
-
Most puppies are brought home between 8 and 11 weeks of age. An 8-week-old puppy should be able to hold her bladder for about three to five hours, although this varies considerably puppy from puppy. This means you can expect to be taking your Weenie out to potty frequently, including in the middle of the night.
Ask the breeder if he has started crate training and house training the puppies. A good breeder will already have the puppies on a schedule of eating and potty breaks. Make sure you have ample supplies of paper towels and pet odor and stain remover.
If you have bought home an adult Weenie who needs some remedial house training, the rules are just the same, except you can expect her to hold it for eight hours.
Set a Schedule
-
House training your Weenie will feel like a full time job at first. Remind yourself that the more vigilant you are now, the quicker he will become potty trained. Using a crate or a small pen prevents him from wandering off and getting himself into trouble or danger when you can't watch him. It also makes it less likely that you'll miss spotting him peeing on the carpet or pooping under furniture.
Establish a schedule. Feed him three or four times per day to start with, and realize that he will need to go potty shortly after eating. Don't simply put him outside (or on the wee wee pads if he is an apartment dwelling dog) and leave himr. Every time you take him out, stay with him and praise like crazy when he goes. Some people find that a tiny treat reward immediately after pottying reinforces the behavior.
He will also need to go potty right after waking up from a nap, and vigorous play will also trigger the need to go. Learn to understand the signs. Weenies who need to go will often sniff the ground and circle before peeing and pooping.
Be Consistent
-
Never yell or punish your Weenie if you catch her going inside. She is a baby and won't understand. This often has the unintended consequence of making her unwilling to potty anywhere in your presence. She may then refuse to potty outside in your presence, and sneak out of sight to go inside. Nor is punishing or chastising her when you find a little mess useful: she won't understand why you're upset.
If she makes a mistake, don't fuss at her. Simply take her outside to give her a chance to do the right thing.
Start teaching your Weenie commands during the house training process. Use the same phrase every time you take her in and out of the house, like "outside" and "inside." Use a happy tone of voice. If you see her circling or ready to go, say "outside!" and go out with her.
It's normal for puppies to forget what they're outside for. Resist the temptation to play with her when you go out until she has pottied, then play as a reward.
Finally, don't mistake submissive or excited piddling for lack of house training manners. Many puppies inadvertently dribble when greeting new people and new dogs, when alarmed, or when they get overexcited. It's more common with female puppies and they usually grow out of it in about a year. Never correct this (you'll make it worse) and realize your Weenie puppy probably doesn't even realise she is piddling.
-