Dachshunds are very clever dogs, and they can often learn bad habits. One of the most common behaviors that Dachshunds learn is begging for food. Many people are not fully aware of this because they often think that their doxie is just being a cute pup or trying to be more attentive to their family.
Doxies will beg for food any time you cook something, eat something, smell like food when you come home from shopping, etc. Many owners do not see the harm in this because they feel that their dogs are just having fun or do not try to stop them – but begging for dog food can lead to another terrible Dachshund habit: being overweight.
Many dog owners do not realize that, over time, begging for food can make your Dachshund very overweight. You may start out feeding your Doxie one small meal a day, and as he gets used to getting treats from you, he will want more. Or maybe you are fully aware of what you are doing, but you excuse it by saying, “he’s so small. He needs more food” or “he’s so cute. He deserves it.”
That is where owners need to set boundaries and have clear expectations of their Dachshund. Please do not give your Doxie the idea that he can beg for food whenever he wants to. It will only lead to him begging for food all the time. For example, do not feed your Doxie while you are in another room cooking, watching TV, etc. If this happens often enough, your dog may decide that every time you leave the house is a free feeding opportunity, and this will result in overindulgence on his part.
Habits Of A Dachshund
- Sleeping: the next most used activity after eating; Dachshunds love to sleep. It will find any place or position that is comfortable and sleep until needed again.
- Digging: many different breeds of dogs are known for digging, but Dachshunds have a particular knack for it and will do so tirelessly until they find what they are looking for or get bored.
- Barking: another big problem with the Dachshund is their tendency to bark repeatedly at any noise that draws their attention, even as a person walks up to them. The barking can become a problem if they don’t know how to stop themselves without scaring people away from them in the process.
- Jumping: some Dachshunds are jumpers and can leap upward of 6-9 feet relatively quickly. It’s also been said that they have a massive fear of heights and even an aversion to them.
- Whining: one of the more unique traits is that Dachshunds are known for whining. Whether it’s because they feel insecure or they’re just trying to control their environment, the whining can be pretty loud as well as annoying for those around them.
- Yawning: another behavioral trait is that Dachshunds love to yawn no matter what hour or time it is as long as it isn’t too early in the morning.
- Sniffing: dogs are incredibly picky about what they like to sniff, and Dachshunds can be particularly picky about what they like to smell for long periods .
- Biting: Dachshunds are notorious for biting. According to the Humane Society of the United States, this behavior is among the worst that dogs can do to humans or animals.
- Drooling: another petite trait is that they drool, even when they aren’t eating!
- Howling: Dachshunds are known for howling, or at least trying, and they may even get the whole neighborhood to join in.
Dachshund Personality Traits
Dachshunds are a small, short-legged breed of dog. These dogs are also bred to hunt badgers and foxes and are also known as “wiener dogs” or “hot dogs.” Today, they are mostly kept as household pets. They have a reputation of being not very friendly and reserved.
Dachshunds are smart and sensitive dogs, but they can also be stubborn and difficult to train. They may seem sturdy and hardy, but you should take care of them as this breed does not tolerate cold well. Please do not leave a Dachshund outside for extended periods without shelter or shelter from the hot sun as they may fall ill because of the cold temperature or exertion caused by lack of water or food intake for long periods.
Training a Dachshund dog is challenging but rewarding and very important if you want a well-behaved companion dog.
Training Your Dachshund To Avoid Bad Habits
Training your Dachshund to avoid bad habits is vital for their well-being. One way to train your dog is through a process called “behavioral modification.” Behavioral modification can be achieved by training them through various exercises and games. There are several ways to get your dog to stop digging or jumping up on people or other dogs. Let’s start with some solutions that will teach a dog not to dig:
Solution 1: Food Treats
First, give the dog a food treat when they pass by an area known to dig. It will give you better control of the situation because you will know which areas produce good behavior from your dog and which ones cause bad behavior. The next step is to create a positive association with that spot for the dog by giving them a treat when they pass by it again. It will help the dog recognize that area as an excellent area to dig and encourage your dog to dig there. Using this method, you can only use the yard area you want. Too many dogs like to dig in their backyards, but if you absolutely must train your dog to “go potty” on the porch or in a specific spot on your property, use this technique. It is also an excellent way to stop dogs from digging in garbage cans or under things at night (when they don’t know people are around).
Solution 2: Making A Digging Pit
For dogs who love to dig holes, you can create a ‘digging pit.’ It is an area of your yard that is dedicated to digging. That will provide them with an area where they can dig without destroying your yard or other outdoor areas. It will also teach them not to dig where it’s not allowed and reward them for good behavior in their designated digging spot. To make this work, you need first to pick a spot that will work for both the dogs and yourself. You want it to be close enough so that people can see where the dog is, but far enough away so that they don’t run out of room. I also suggest a double-dog fence; this will keep the dog in one spot, making it less likely that they will wander too far behind the yard and dig up your neighbor’s yard. You could also use an electric fence, but I don’t recommend it for dogs older than two years old. Your dog may get confused by the shock (and unhappy), and the shock may make him dig again.
Solution 3: Use A Crate With A Dish Of Food
The next option to use is to crate train your dog. It is sometimes called ‘kenneling.’ Dogs who are kenneled can eliminate in a safe area, so you won’t have to let them out very often to do their business. Just make sure to let it out every 2-3 hours for food, water, a walk, and elimination. The final way I will mention is with a crate and a dish of food. You can use this technique as an alternative to the previous one because you don’t have to kennel the dog or worry about training them for long periods. You put them in a crate, and when they’re done eating, then you take them outside for elimination.
Solution 4: Use A Leash To Stop Jumping Up On People & Other Dogs
Another effective way to train your Dachshund not to jump up is by using a leash. A leash should be long enough that the dog’s paws aren’t too far from the ground. You can use this technique with any dogs who like to jump up on people or other dogs. (For puppies initially, it might be best to have them wear puppy booties when you leave them alone.) The best way to keep your dog from jumping is by having her wear the collar with their name on it and make sure you always take her on walks (or for potty breaks) with you.
Solution 5: Put A Collar On Them And Pull Them Down
The following technique is for older dogs who are still jumping up. In this case, you need to make your dog aware of the fact that jumping up isn’t allowed by putting your knee down and pulling its back down off your leg. The critical thing to remember is to be firm but gentle with the dog. You might have to do this several times before she starts understanding that she needs to stay off your leg, so don’t give up if it doesn’t work right away.
Reminders On How To Train Your Dachshund
Starting The Relationship On The Right Paw
Dachshunds are not fully house trained at a young age, and their feces are often found in inappropriate places. Therefore, it’s vital to get your Dachshund used to the litter box and taught where it is. Use your puppy training approach 1:1 while interacting with your puppy between 8 weeks and 12 weeks of age.
Stop Posting Signs, But Don’t Punish
Once you have gotten this established, it will be easier to train your Dachshund not to indicate as he enters a room or outside the yard. Once he does that, be sure not to correct or punish him because this can set back the training process. It is called the “naughty dog” theory of training.
Be Patient
Continue to use the reward-based approach while training your Dachshund, and be patient. You’ll need to redo the method several times before understanding the correct place to eliminate it.
Be Consistent With Punishment
Ensure you correct your puppy consistently because his behavior will continue if you don’t. If he stays in the right place or begins eliminating in the right spot, praise him, ignore, or even reward him with treats going forward instead of punishing him at that time.
Use Long Lines To Train
You’ll need a long line for this, and it should be just a bit longer than the distance your dog can reach from one place to another. Tie it securely to the collar of your Dachshund and tie the other end to something sturdy in your house. Leave it on him for several hours during the day so that he doesn’t have a chance of going around and going where he shouldn’t. You’ll likely need to get up several times during the night, but you’ll also see progress with this method with no punishing involved.
Why Is My Dachshund So Stubborn?
Dachshunds are notoriously stubborn and independent. But what’s a dog owner to do? Begin by understanding the breed. Please get to know your dog’s personality, how it learns best, and what motivates him. If you don’t yet have a Dachshund, research the breed and ask the breeder about personality traits common in your puppy’s lineage.
If you already have a stubborn dog, it’s time to get to work. Positive reinforcement is the most effective method of achieving this.
Some of the most stubborn breeds require you to be creative and patient. Since certain breeds are known for being more stubborn than others, you may need to put in extra effort to ensure your dog doesn’t begin bad habits. Remember, your dog’s stubbornness will not end overnight, but it can be beaten if you have a firm grip on its leash.
Your Dachshund’s Bad Behavior Is Likely Your Fault
Why? Because of the way this breed was developed. Dachshunds were bred to be very boisterous and active. They are natural hunter-gatherers, and their intuitive hunting skills can react poorly to routine changes. They tend to be very territorial, and you need to be respectful of that. A Dachshund can quickly get used to a particular schedule, and any change in that routine can cause him significant tantrums. Dachshunds are also very opinionated. They often have an “I want to do it my way or the highway” attitude, and they dislike being told what to do. Their stubbornness exacerbates this, and you don’t want to go there!
Why Do Dachshunds Have Bad Breath?
Dachshunds have several health problems that can cause bad breath. Here are the most common reasons for bad breath in Dachshunds and how to treat it.
- Overgrown Teeth
Some Dachshunds will have very long back molars, which will cause them problems when they get older because they can’t reach their teeth to chew with them. These dogs may develop an overgrowth of plaque or tartar, leading to infection and foul-smelling breath. Yet, there are means to prevent this from happening! You should take your dog in for his annual visits and cleanings, and make sure you brush your dog’s teeth regularly to avoid this problem from developing.
- Allergies
Sometimes, dogs can develop allergies. These allergies can cause a lot of problems, including bad breath. If your Dachshund is scratching himself repeatedly and chewing on his feet, he likely has an allergy to something in his environment. If you notice any weird behavioral changes or you’re unable to pinpoint any food that seems to bring about bad breath, talk with a veterinarian. They’ll be able to test him for allergies and prescribe appropriate medicines if he needs them.
- Inflammation
Inflammation in the mouth is very dangerous for Dachshunds because of their long bodies and short legs. Even very mild gum disease can lead to severe problems, so it’s essential to keep your Dachshund’s gums healthy. Make sure you’re brushing your Dachshund’s teeth at least twice a week and taking it in for a dental cleaning annually.
- Other Health Problems
In addition to gum disease, other dental problems can lead to bad breath in Dachshunds. If it starts to develop an infection or swelling within its mouth, this could cause pain when it eats and leads to bad breath. You must take your Dachshund in for regular check-ups with the veterinarian if you notice any changes in his general behavior or health.
