Potty Training Tips for Dachshund Puppies
Potty training is one of the first and most important routines your Dachshund puppy will learn. While Dachshunds are incredibly smart, they can also be a little stubborn, which means consistency and patience make a big difference. With the right approach, your puppy will learn quickly and confidently. Here are helpful tips to guide you through the process.
1. Set Up a Consistent Routine
Dachshund puppies do best when they follow a predictable schedule. A steady routine helps them understand when it’s time to eat, play, rest, and go outside. Many families bring their puppy outdoors first thing in the morning, after meals, after playtime, and before bedtime.
By offering frequent opportunities, you help your puppy succeed. As they grow, they learn the pattern and start to anticipate potty time.
2. Choose One Potty Spot
Pick a specific area outside where you want your puppy to go. Each time you take them outdoors, bring them to the same spot. This helps them recognize scents and understand the purpose of that space. Dachshunds are excellent at associating places with habits, so this strategy can speed up training.
Keep the area calm and free of distractions so your puppy stays focused.
3. Use Gentle Encouragement
Positive reinforcement goes a long way with Dachshunds. When your puppy uses the potty spot successfully, offer plenty of praise. A warm voice, a gentle pet, or a small treat (if allowed) helps them understand they did the right thing.
The key is to reward them immediately—right after they finish—so they make the connection clearly.
4. Watch for Signs Your Puppy Needs to Go
Young Dachshunds often show small clues before they need a potty break. Common signs include:
- Sniffing the floor
- Circling
- Pacing
- Suddenly walking away from play
If you notice these behaviors, calmly guide your puppy outside to their potty spot. Responding quickly helps prevent accidents and teaches the puppy what to do next time.
5. Keep Indoor Supervision Consistent
While your puppy is learning, try to supervise them when they’re exploring indoors. Allowing too much freedom too early can make potty training confusing. Many families use baby gates or a safe puppy playpen to keep their Dachshund in view.
This isn’t a punishment — it’s simply a method to guide your puppy toward good habits without overwhelming them.
6. Keep Accidents Low-Stress
Accidents happen with every puppy, and they are simply part of the learning process. If you discover an accident, clean the area gently and thoroughly so lingering scents don’t confuse your puppy. Try not to react with frustration; puppies don’t understand that kind of response.
Instead, focus on gently redirecting them next time. Staying calm helps build trust and keeps training moving forward.
7. Make Bedtime Calm and Predictable
Evenings can be part of successful potty training. Many families take their puppy out for a final potty break right before settling down for the night. A quiet, cozy sleeping area also helps the puppy stay relaxed, making nighttime routines smoother.
8. Celebrate Progress
Every day your Dachshund puppy learns more about the world around them. Potty training is a major milestone, and progress often comes in small steps. Celebrate the victories — even the tiny ones — because each success builds your puppy’s confidence.
Over time, with encouragement and consistency, your Dachshund will develop strong potty habits that last into adulthood.
