How to Train a Dachshund Puppy to Potty Outside

How to Train a Dachshund Puppy to Potty Outside
Hard difficulty iconHard
Time icon1-6 Months
General training category iconGeneral

Introduction

As cute as they are, Dachshunds are notoriously hard to potty train. In fact, statistics show they are among the top 20 breeds considered to be the hardest to housebreak. While most Dachshund pups can be potty trained over time, some will never be completely housebroken, and you will need a crate for when you are asleep or not at home. Just keep this in mind as you work with your pup and be patient. Never punish him or scold him for accidents, instead use positive reinforcement techniques as they will be far more successful. 

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Defining Tasks

The task at hand is to train your Dachshund puppy that the only place it is acceptable for him to go potty is outside in his designated area. Just remember, Dachshund puppies are notoriously hard to potty train, so you must be patient and willing to work your pup on a regular schedule if you want your training efforts to be successful. Also, keep in mind, your pup has a small bladder that will need to be drained frequently in comparison to, say a Bull Mastiff or Doberman that has a much larger bladder. 

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Getting Started

To get started you need to make sure your pup has a collar and is used to wearing it. You will need this to attach his leash to in order to take him outside to his designated potty spot on the lawn. You must be prepared to provide your pup with constant supervision or have him in a crate when you can't. You also need a couple of additional supplies, including:

  • Leash – To take him outside
  • Crate – For when you can't watch him
  • Treats – A good way to let your pup know he is doing a good job

The last two things you will need to successfully potty train your pup are plenty of time to work with him and a large supply of patience, as this process is not going to be easy. You will be using standard training methods, but you will need to work just that little bit harder if you want to be successful. 

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The Signs & Signals Method

Most Recommended

5 Votes

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Most Recommended

5 Votes

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1

You first

The first thing you need to learn is how to recognize the signs your pup needs to go potty. With Dachshunds, this could be as simple as your pup getting overly excited for no apparent reason or running around the house. Be prepared to run him outside at any of his signs.

2

Set a schedule

One of the best ways to potty train your pup is to put him on a set schedule. Take him to the same spot in your yard every 20 to 30 minutes at first. His bladder won't hold for much longer than this when he's very young, and having him outside when the urge strikes will set him up for success.

3

Potty break

Each time you get ready to take your pup outside, be sure to use your chosen cue, such as "Potty break!" This will help him associate the cue with the action.

4

Watch out

Keep an eye on your pup for signs and signals between scheduled potty trips. Make sure he gets outside as soon as possible!

5

Rewards for getting it right

Each time you take your pup outside and he goes potty, be sure to praise him and give him a nice treat.

6

In case of accidents

If you happen to catch your pup in the middle of going potty on your living room floor, tell him "NO!" in a commanding but not angry tone. This should stop him mid-track. Take him outside to let him finish what he started. Clean the mess up thoroughly and resume training, adding more time inside until your pup learns to let you know when he needs to go.

The Perfect Spot Method

Effective

2 Votes

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Effective

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1

Check your schedule

Before you decide to bring that adorable Dachshund puppy home, you need to check your schedule to make sure you have time to potty train him. The less time you have, the longer it will take and the harder it will be to succeed.

2

You need "the spray"

Hit your local pet supply store and pick up a bottle of "puppy potty training" spray. Yes, they do make it. This chemical imitates the smells dogs leave behind when marking their territory and will inspire your pooch to cover the scent with his own.

3

Go home

Go home and mark a spot in your yard that your pup will be able to use as his "private bathroom."

4

Add one Dachshund puppy

Hook your pup to his leash and take him out to the area you recently marked. Give him no more than 15 minutes to sniff around and go potty. If he won't go, take him inside and give him a few minutes before going out and trying again.

5

On with the show

Or on with the training. Keep working with your pup until he starts to let you know when he needs to go potty and once outside will head straight to his "bathroom". When you get to that point, you are done. Congratulations!

The Training Crate Method

Least Recommended

2 Votes

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Least Recommended

2 Votes

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1

One crate

You need a crate for your pup that is just big enough to give him room to move around, but no bigger. If you buy a bigger crate he may make his bed at one end and use the other for a potty. You do NOT want this.

2

Relieve himself

Take your pup outside to relieve himself and then put him in his crate. Time starts now!

3

On time every time

While he is a little pup, set the timer for every 20 minutes. When it goes off, take your pup out to his spot on the lawn. When he goes, be sure to praise him and give him a puppy treat.

4

Add time

Add time in 20-minute increments to his time in the crate. Once you reach two hours, you can try leaving him out in the house, but be sure to keep a close eye on him.

5

Use the same method

Along with keeping a close eye on your pup, set a timer to remind you to take him out on schedule. You can't afford to set your pup's training back. The rest is all about working with your pup until you no longer have to worry about messes in the house.

Written by PB Getz

Veterinary reviewed by:

Published: 03/02/2018, edited: 01/08/2021

Training Questions

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Training Questions and Answers

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Scout

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miniature dachshund

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4 Months

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Question

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My mini dachshund is 4 months old and we have been trying so incredibly hard to get him to tell us he needs to use the potty so we can let him out. I know his signs and symptoms and can predict accidents before they happen, but I want to start teaching him how to tell me he needs to go. Do you know of any good ways that you’d recommend?

July 9, 2020

Scout's Owner

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Caitlin Crittenden - Dog Trainer

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1133 Dog owners recommended

Hello Katelyn, You can teach pup to ring a bell when they need to go potty, but honestly it is probably too soon to expect pup to alert when they need to go out. Generally it takes most puppies at least 2-3 months to be fully potty trained - meaning that they will hold it between scheduled potty trips consistently. At that point they are still very reliant on you to keep a schedule for them, and expecting them to alert too soon can mean more accidents and potty training being de-railed. Once puppies are consistently holding it until you take them, it often takes another 3-4 months before they learn to alert on their own. Teaching a bell will sometimes speed that process up though, but don't expect too much of pup too soon. Focus on preventing accidents by keeping the schedule and supervising yourself. The less accidents, the sooner pup will be potty trained generally. Teaching a bell: https://wagwalking.com/training/ring-a-bell-to-go-out Best of luck training, Caitlin Crittenden

July 23, 2020

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Rex

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Dachshund

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2 Months

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Hiya, My miniature dachshund Rex has been home with us for almost 10 days now, he’s doing really well and was getting good at toileting outside, but today I may be outside with him for 15 mins giving him the chance, and as soon as he’s back inside, he’s had an accident. Am I doing anything wrong here?

July 4, 2020

Rex's Owner

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Caitlin Crittenden - Dog Trainer

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1133 Dog owners recommended

Hello Meg, Check out the crate training method from the article linked below. It's still early so pup doesn't understand the difference between inside and outside for pottying yet, and was probably distracted while outside so didn't go until inside when it was calmer. When pup doesn't go potty, crate pup for 30 minutes, then take pup again - only giving free time after he goes potty outside (to avoid accidents inside, so pup develops a habit of keeping the home clean) to help him learn. Crate Training method: https://wagwalking.com/training/train-a-german-shepherd-puppy-to-poop-outside Best of luck training, Caitlin Crittenden

July 9, 2020


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