Why Are Dachshunds So Hard to Potty Train?

Last Updated on January, 2025

Dachsund potty training can be a pain in the neck!

Dogs as stubborn as dachshunds can be hard to potty train. If your dachshund struggles to get into a toilet routine, it’s time to end this pet nuisance. 

Doxie parents must crack that code of EFFECTIVE dachshund potty training. Sadly, many dog owners fail to unravel this mystery of successful potty training of their four-legged friend. 

According to a Leave No Trace race post, 60% of dog owners collect their dog’s poop. Many dog parents think dachshund waste will dissolve in the air or quickly disappear into outer space. No Way! 

Join us as we augment your understanding of dachshund toilet training. (Details are coming shortly!)

Quick Summary

Dachshunds can be difficult to potty train because of their physical characteristics, health issues, and stubborn nature.

Starting potty training at a young age and using consistent schedules, routines, commands, and praise can help in the training process.

The length of time it takes to potty train a dachshund can vary, but it is important to remain patient and consistent in the training process.

Factors Impacting Strenuous Potty Training of Dachshunds

a dachshund looking at the camera

Your cutie-pie doxie has a unique appearance. 

Dachshunds often struggle with potty training, and owners face hardships in potty training their furry friends.

They behave as they do for specific reasons, such as:

Physical Characteristics 

Dachshunds share common characteristics with other dog breeds. They all have small bladders, muscular legs, and floppy ears. 

Dachshunds may have red, chocolate, or black tail. Adorable!!

This hound-dog-of-yours has a long body; they can quickly flash out rabbits, rodents, and other animals. 

The American Kennel Club describes the following physical characteristics of this dachshund.

a dachshund standing on a grass field
  • Well-defined muscles 
  • A horizontal back 
  • Iron-strong jaw bones and teeth
  • Almond-type eyes
  • Ears pointed high creating a triangle
  • Back feet are often bigger than front feet

Their small bodies can hold little bladders. So they have less capacity for storing poop; they must take potty breaks frequently (more on that coming!). 

Even if they are older dogs and potty trained, they may lose focus on the IMPORTANT task. Enlighten their training by putting in more effort.

They are hard to potty train because of their long spine. Their build could be better for them to squat and maintain their position. They’re RELUCTANT to training!

Their bodies can easily touch the ground. This gets in their way to find proper spots to relieve themselves.

Weather Conditions Hindering Potty Training 

a dachshund staying inside his cozy crate during winter

Weather conditions also make dachshunds hard to potty train. They don’t cheer for frigid weather without any warmth.

Whether it rains or snows, they sneak inside your house and resist going outside. Better to use pee pads in winter

Stubborn Behavior or Nature

You make potty training of your dachshund more difficult by punishing them. 

They’re just too damn STUBBORN!

These hound dogs are known for their stubbornness and cherish independence.

Dont worry! You can deal with their stubbornness by offering rewards (we’ll discuss them sooner). 

Other dogs are not comparatively stubborn as them. They may refuse to use puppy pads indoors and move outside anxiously to relieve themselves. This again increases indoor accidents.

Health Issues Impacting Their Toilet Training

A healthy dachshund is often a happy pet. You cannot effectively potty train a dachshund with severe health issues.

As a dachshund owner, you better watch out for these symptoms: 

  • Urinary tract infections (UTIs) (need for urination)
  • Indoor accidents while playing 
  • A bladder stone (inability to hold urine) 
  • Diabetes

Check with a vet to resolve any of these health issues that wreak havoc on their toilet training. Do not try to toilet-train a sick dog.

a dachshund in a vet getting treatments

When a Dachshund Feels an Urge to Potty? 

Your puppy may start acting weird and show certain signs when they feel heavy. 

You should know when a dog must go to their designated area, or you will lose your living room floor.

  • Sniffing around 
  • Circling around objects 
  • Barking aimlessly 
  • Scratching carpets or doors
  • Looking anxious 
  • Frequent peeing indoors

Unraveling the Challenges of Toilet Training of Dachshunds

Successful toilet training of dachshunds is not a mission impossible!

Smaller ones are easier to potty train compared to older dogs.

Your miniature dachshund can test your patience. But every time you say, “Go pee in the grass baby,” the dachshund may not listen.

The Truth Bomb: Your NOT ALONE!!

The worst idea is to let a dachshund loose inside the house. Your training efforts decide their capacity to learn and mature. 

a cute dachshund

When to Start Dachshund Potty Training? 

The American Kennel Club recommends starting potty training as early as possible. 

The training should start as dogs become 8 to 11 weeks old. In this life stage, their receptors work well to understand new commands. Not every dachshund has the IQ of Einstein. However, they are known for grasping concepts quickly. 

Helpful Tips to Potty Train Dachshunds (Must-Try Hacks)

a dachshund out in the field

Psychological Impact of Socialization 

These dachshund puppies are social beings. This breed is sometimes hard to potty train if it lacks bonding. They need positive relations with doxie owners. 

Proper socialization can go miles to increase their understanding of moving to designated toilet areas.

They can start socialization when they are 3 to 15 weeks old. This stimulus is vital for them to select and move to toilet areas.

Use the Same Verbal Command

Dachshunds are intelligent little creatures. Use verbal cues and special commands, and repeat them so the dog can learn to go outside.

Repeat a few commands daily, such as “outside for potty” or “Potty time.” Stimulate their brain to move outside and do their thing. An older dog will listen better!

Building a Consistent Schedule and Routine

Creating and sticking to a consistent feeding routine is challenging for dog owners. 

Set a schedule to feed your furry friend; you won’t see them peeing inside.

Feed them for short periods and give them a safe space. So it’s no rocket science to understand their digestive system. 

Take the Dog Outside 

The BEST trainers take their dogs outside to a suitable area every few hours. Imagine you leave for the office at 8 AM; you can take them outside at 7:30 AM.

On Sundays and off days, you can take them out every two to three hours. The dog is more likely to adopt a consistent toilet routine if you show them outside. 

Don’t Leave Dachshunds Alone for Long

dachshunds looking alone and sad

Your dog needs your comprehensive supervision to successfully potty train. Don’t abandon them and train them playfully. 

They won’t pay attention to nearby distractions and will focus on learning.

Supervise your Dachshund Indoors

Stubborn, moody, or curious? They are dachshunds!

Watch your dog with a careful eye indoors. As soon as they show signs of pee, show them the exit door to TOILET.

Send them to their favorite releasing spot without wasting time.

Praise and Reward Them

When your pet shows progress and reaches a potty spot outside, don’t wait a millisecond to reward them.

Praising them with gentle pats can motivate their desire to learn. Use positive reinforcement to foster effective toilet behavior.

Give Them Ten Minute Potty Breaks 

Give these hunting dogs ample time for a potty break, at least ten minutes. 

If they don’t listen, try sending them outside again after 20 minutes. Use the same phrase or command. Simple! 

Ensure Crate Training

a dachshund inside a dog crate

Choose a suitable crate for your loving furry friend. The crate should match the dog’s height and encourage them to stand or lie. 

Ensure they stay in that crate when you’re taking a nap. It will prevent major accidents from happening in your absence.

Stop Distractions

An easily distracted dachshund may refuse potty training in warm or cold weather. They often hear nearby sounds and see unusual animals and people. That’s enough to lose focus on the IMPORTANT task.

Dachshund puppy needs a calm environment to absorb the training process. Give them! 

Relevant articles:

Wrapping it Up! 

Here we go! These highly EFFECTIVE and well-tested tips can improve the potty training process of your dachshund. 

You should never give up hope and continue trial and error to start potty training your puppies perfectly. Our well-researched tips will work in your favor to stick to a daily toilet routine. Remain positive and confident to train such a stubborn dog breed. 

Our potty training tips will END your worry, you’ll come out victorious! 

FAQs

Dachshunds can be hard to potty train due to their stubbornness, small bladders, territorial instincts, and breed traits like their unique body shape. Consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement are key to successful training.

Potty training a Dachshund typically takes 4 to 6 months.

Dachshunds typically poop 1 to 2 times a day.

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Author
Laura Vinzy
Laura Vinzy is one of our contributors. She is also a certified professional dog trainer & currently lives in San Francisco with her husband and her two rescue dogs.

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