Dachshunds are known for their big personalities packed into a small body. Unfortunately, this can translate to stubbornness and excessive barking if the behavior isn’t properly handled.
Dachshunds may bark persistently for attention, at noises, when left alone, or to alert you of something in their environment. While some barking is normal, excessive barking can be frustrating for owners. The good news is there are effective training methods to help curb this behavior.
Common Triggers for Dachshund Barking
To get your wiener dog to stop nuisance barking, you first need to understand what’s causing it. Here are some common triggers:
- Loneliness or separation anxiety
- Boredom from inadequate exercise/stimulation
- Alarm at noises or sights like passing people, animals, cars
- Desire for attention or playtime
- Discomfort from an underlying medical issue
When Barking Becomes Problematic
Occasional woofs are no big deal. But if your dachshund’s barking has become loud, constant, or disruptive, it’s time to intervene. Excessive barking can upset neighbors, disrupt your household, and indicate an underlying problem like stress or fear that needs addressing.
Training Techniques to Reduce Dachshund Barking
Here are some effective training methods to help diminish dachshund barking:
Desensitize Your Dachshund to Triggers
Use treats and positive reinforcement to counter condition your dog to things that make them bark like car sounds or pedestrians walking by your home. The goal is to change their emotional response to these triggers from agitation to calmness.
Teach a Quiet Command
Train your dachshund to go to a settle spot like a bed when given a command like “quiet” or “enough”. Reward with treats when they stop barking on command. This gives them a specific alternative behavior.
Increase Exercise and Mental Stimulation
Make sure your dachshund gets adequate daily exercise and playtime. Bored, under-stimulated dogs are more prone to nuisance barking. Providing enriching activities redirects their energy from barking.
Manage the Environment
Block access to views/areas that get your dachshund worked up. Use white noise machines to desensitize them to outside noises. Keeping them away from triggers can reduce barking episodes.
Avoid Rewarding the Behavior
Don’t give your dachshund attention, treats or play when they demand it by barking. This rewards the behavior. Wait for calmness before engaging.
Consult Your Vet
Rule out potential health issues like pain, cognitive decline or anxiety that could contribute to excessive vocalizing. Your vet can provide diagnosis and treatment if needed.
Consider Anti-Bark Collars as a Last Resort
After exhausting other methods, tools like citronella or static shock anti-bark collars may help, but use these with extreme caution under guidance from your vet or trainer. Never leave your dachshund unsupervised with these devices.
Why Dachshunds May Bark Excessively and How to Help
There are some specific reasons why dachshunds are prone to frequent barking. Understanding the source of the behavior makes it easier to address.
They Have Traits of Territorial Hunting Dogs
Dachshunds were originally bred to hunt underground and be ferocious against prey. This feistiness remains ingrained in their breed personality, making them very alert watchdogs. They are quick to sound the alarm at anything amiss in their environment.
Their Confident Nature
Despite their small size, dachshunds have a notoriously confident, bold temperament. They aren’t afraid to make themselves heard when they want something.
Their Social Needs Aren’t Met
Dachshunds form very strong bonds with their humans. If left alone for long periods, they may bark excessively due to loneliness and isolation distress. Keeping them engaged prevents this.
They Feel Threatened
Dachshunds may bark fiercely when they sense a threat to their territory or family. It’s their way of saying “back off!”. But often they overreact to non-threats. Training curbs the unnecessary warnings.
They Want Your Attention
Dachshunds adore being the center of attention. Excessive barking when you are busy or ignoring them may be their way of saying “hey, don’t forget about me!” Redirecting them to appropriate toys quiets the pleas.
Knowing the tendencies of the breed helps you address the motivation behind your own dog’s barking habits. Have patience, use positive reinforcement training tailored to their personality, and consult experts to overcome excessive dachshund barking.
Preventing Dachshund Barking From the Start
Stopping nuisance barking is much easier if you lay the right foundation during puppyhood:
Socialize Early and Often
Introduce your dachshund pup to many sights, sounds, people, and experiences in a positive way. This makes them more comfortable and less likely to react to things later on.
Crate Train
Done properly, crate training provides a safe space for your dachshund to settle when left alone, reducing isolation distress barking.
Establish a Routine
A predictable daily routine with sufficient physical and mental exercise keeps your dachshund happy and less prone to boredom barking.
Use Positive Reinforcement
Reward calm, quiet behavior from day one. Even as a puppy, encourage them to find appropriate toys for attention rather than barking wildly.
Starting preventative training early is key to avoiding excessive barking issues as your dachshund matures. Be proactive during puppyhood.
When to Seek Professional Help for Dachshund Barking
If your consistent training efforts have failed to produce significant improvement in your dachshund’s excessive barking, it’s a good idea to seek outside help. Consult with:
- Certified Dog Trainers or Behaviorists: They can evaluate your dachshund’s barking triggers and teach you specialized techniques to address the root cause of the behavior. Private lessons are ideal.
- Your Veterinarian: Rule out potential health problems causing your dachshund distress, pain or anxiety expressed through barking. Your vet can provide diagnostics and medical treatment if needed.
- Dachshund Rescue Groups: Those experienced with the breed can offer tailored advice on curbing nuisance barking based on the dachshund temperament. Some rescues offer training assistance.
While training your dachshund to stop barking takes patience and consistency, sometimes you need extra guidance from the experts. Seeking professional advice is wise if DIY methods aren’t resolving the issue. The right approach can restore peace and quiet to your household.
FAQ’s
Can you stop Dachshunds barking?
Completely stopping barking is unrealistic for any dog, including Dachshunds. They are vocal creatures and will bark at triggers. However, you can manage and reduce excessive barking with training and understanding.
How do you stop a barky dog?
Here are some approaches to managing barking in any dog, including Dachshunds:
1. Address the Root Cause:
- Boredom and lack of exercise: Dachshunds need 2-3 walks and playtime daily. Exhausting their energy can minimize boredom barking.
- Separation anxiety: Provide enrichment toys and practice gradual departures/arrivals. Consult a trainer for deeper issues.
- Attention-seeking: Ignore barking, reward calmness, and offer alternative attention like training sessions.
- Fear or anxiety: Identify triggers (loud noises, strangers) and gradually desensitize your dog with positive reinforcement.
2. Positive Reinforcement Training:
- Teach “quiet” command: Reward barking cessation with treats/praise, gradually saying “quiet” before they stop.
- Redirect with toys or activities: Distract barking with a favorite toy or activity when they seem triggered.
3. Environmental Management:
- Limit access to triggers: Close blinds, create a “calm zone” away from windows/doors.
- Background noise: Consider calming music or white noise machines to mask triggers.
4. Professional Help:
- Consult a certified trainer for personalized guidance and techniques, especially for severe or complex barking issues.
How do you calm a dachshund?
Similar to reducing barking, calming a Dachshund often involves addressing the underlying cause:
- Provide exercise and mental stimulation: Walks, playtime, and interactive toys can help burn energy and reduce stress.
- Create a safe and familiar environment: Snuggle spots, familiar routines, and positive interactions can promote calmness.
- Avoid overstimulation: Limit loud noises, large crowds, and excessive activities when your Dachshund seems overwhelmed.
- Offer calming commands and soothing touch: Use gentle vocal cues and petting to signal relaxation.
How do you discipline a dachshund?
Positive reinforcement is the most effective approach for Dachshunds and any dog. Punishment can worsen anxiety and behavior problems.
- Redirect unwanted behavior: Offer chew toys for chewing, interrupt digging with a walk, etc.
- Reward desired behavior: Praise and treats for calmness, following commands, etc.
- Focus on communication and building trust: Use consistent cues and commands, avoid harsh tones or physical punishment.
Conclusion
Dachshunds are vocal dogs, but excessive, disruptive barking should always be addressed. Start by understanding the motivation behind your individual dog’s barking habits. From there, use proven methods like desensitization, environment management, increased exercise, and positive reinforcement to retrain them to bark less.
Prevent excessive barking from the start with early socialization and training. If your efforts don’t sufficiently resolve the issue, consult experienced trainers or your vet for tailored guidance. With time and consistency using the right techniques, you can curb your dachshund’s barking for a happier home.
