The Ideal Training Schedule for a Dachshund Puppy
Dachshund puppies are clever and courageous, but their stubborn streak and high barking tendency require a carefully structured daily routine. Unlike more trainable breeds, dachshunds need consistent, positive reinforcement and clear boundaries to thrive—but they can be surprisingly resistant to compliance if bored or under-stimulated. This guide provides a practical daily schedule that balances their moderate energy needs (45 minutes exercise) with focused training sessions, play, adequate rest, and frequent potty breaks to address their notorious housetraining difficulties. By understanding their lively, independent temperament, you'll create an environment where your puppy learns happily while managing common challenges like barking and digging. Success with a dachshund requires patience, consistency, and recognizing that their stubbornness is actually intelligence—they simply need to understand the "why" behind your commands.
Step-by-step
- 1
Establish a Consistent Wake-Up and Potty Routine
Start each day at the same time with an immediate outdoor potty break—dachshunds have bladder control issues and need frequent breaks, especially as puppies. Take your pup outside first thing, after meals, after play, after naps, and before bedtime. Use a consistent command like 'go potty' and reward with high-value treats the instant they comply.
- 2
Schedule Short, Frequent Training Sessions (5–10 minutes)
Dachshunds lose focus quickly and become stubborn if over-challenged, so train 3–4 times daily in very short bursts. Focus on one command per session using only positive reinforcement (treats, praise, play). Keep sessions fun and end on a success, never pushing past their attention span.
- 3
Allocate 45 Minutes of Daily Exercise in Two Sessions
Split exercise into two 20–25 minute sessions (morning and afternoon) to match their moderate energy level and prevent under-stimulation boredom that triggers excessive barking and digging. Include a mix of walks, supervised yard play, and games like fetch. Tire them out mentally with puzzle toys and sniff games.
- 4
Implement Strategic Rest Periods and Crate Training
Schedule 2–3 nap times throughout the day in a properly conditioned crate or safe space. Dachshunds need 15–18 hours of sleep daily and a calm resting area helps prevent behavioral issues. Use positive reinforcement to create crate love, never force confinement as punishment.
- 5
Address Barking and Digging Proactively
Dachshunds bark readily and dig naturally, so prevent these behaviors by managing triggers: keep training engaging, provide a designated digging box with buried toys, and avoid leaving them alone for long periods. When they bark inappropriately, redirect to a toy or command rather than scolding.
- 6
End the Day with a Wind-Down Routine and Final Potty Break
Schedule a calm final training session (2–3 minutes of easy commands), light play, and an outdoor potty break 30 minutes before bedtime. Establish a bedtime cue and reward quiet behavior. This sets them up for successful overnight bladder control and teaches patience.
Pro tips
- Dachshunds are clever but stubborn—they test boundaries constantly. Use high-value treats (cheese, chicken) as rewards and rotate them to maintain novelty. If they seem uninterested, raise the stakes with better rewards.
- Prevent digging disasters by creating a designated digging box filled with sand or loose soil in a yard corner. Bury toys inside and reward exploration there. This channels their natural instinct productively instead of fighting it.
- Break your puppy's day into a predictable cycle: potty → training → exercise → rest → potty → play → rest → potty. Dachshunds thrive on routine and structure; it reduces anxiety-barking and accidents.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my dachshund puppy have so much trouble with housetraining?+
Dachshunds have naturally smaller bladders and can take longer to develop bladder control than larger breeds. Combine frequent outdoor breaks (every 2–3 hours during the day), immediate rewards for outdoor pottying, and crate training (they won't eliminate where they sleep). Expect housetraining to take 4–6 months or longer—patience is essential.
My dachshund barks constantly. How do I reduce barking without harsh corrections?+
Barking is bred into dachshunds (they're hunting dogs), so complete silence isn't the goal. Instead, manage triggers: ensure adequate exercise, prevent boredom with puzzle toys, and teach a 'quiet' command with positive rewards. Never yell or punish—this reinforces anxiety. Redirect excessive barking to appropriate activities like fetch or sniffing.
How long should each training session be, and why is my puppy refusing commands?+
Keep sessions to 5–10 minutes maximum; dachshunds are stubborn and lose focus quickly. If your puppy refuses commands, the session may be too long, rewards may be insufficient, or they may be over-tired or under-stimulated. Ensure treats are high-value, vary training locations, and always end on a success.
Is crate training cruel for dachshunds, and how do I make them love it?+
Crate training is not cruel—when done correctly, it becomes a safe den. Introduce the crate slowly with treats and toys, never force confinement as punishment, and always make exits calm. Feed meals inside, reward quiet time, and keep sessions short at first. A properly conditioned crate prevents housetraining accidents and destructive behavior.