0

Your Cart is Empty

3 Best Tips To Stop Dachshund Barking

3 Best Tips To Stop Dachshund Barking

While barking is a natural behavior for all dogs it can be very annoying to humans.

One of the biggest reasons dogs are given up is because of behavioral issues. People don't know how to train their dogs, they give up on them and their dogs suffer or are put down because there are too many dogs in shelters. If we want to save our pets we need to learn how to train them and manage them the right way.
These tips helped us stop our 3 rescued dachshunds from constant barking. We hired a great trainer and now our 3 dogs behave great and are much happier and more self secure.
Please understand that while you can keep your dachshund's barking under control it is unrealistic and unfair to think you can train your dachshund to stop their barking altogether. If your dachshund's excessive barking has already become a habit, don't expect the barking to get under control overnight. It takes weeks of repetition to replace an old habit with a new one.

Dachshunds bark for many reasons:

  • to get attention
  • as a warning
  • in response to other barking dogs
  • out of anxiety 
  • or when excited

It's important to identify the triggers before training.

"A barking dog needs Exercise, Discipline, and then Affection, in that order." - C. Millan

Here are the top 3 best tips to stop dachshund barking that have worked for us and our 3 dachshunds.

1. Correct or break the barking with a sound or consistent command
The best way I've found to get our dachshunds attention when they are barking is to STAND UP, shake a soda can 1/4 filled with coins or spray them gently with clean water, this jars their focus off whatever was making them bark, at the same time I follow through with a command "NO BARKING" in a loud but deep tone voice. I was told by our behaviorist to always stand up so I am physically dominant (becoming the Alpha Dog or Pack Leader) and always use the same command and deep tone. Your dog will probably pause then go back to barking so you repeat the can shake and "NO BARKING" command while standing. Only praise your dog after they have stopped barking for a few seconds.

2. Keep your energy calm when correcting the barking.
Dogs tend to mirror their leader's energy so it's important to stay calm even if you are frustrated and angry.

3. Remove the stimulus or remove your dachshund from the stimulus.
Sometimes I may be in a situation where I can't do either so I use my body as a wall between my dachshunds and whatever is causing them to bark.


WHAT TO DO AT HOME
At home we leave our dachshunds in a back room away from the stimulations of the street. They can't hear the doorbell and we close the curtains so they can't see outside. We also leave the TV or radio on with nice relaxing music to help reduce the noises they hear outside and to keep them calm. In the summer we close the windows and leave the air conditioning on at around 73 degrees.

DOMESTIC LIFE IS BORING FOR A DOG
Domestic life can be very boring for a dachshund. Continuous barking is often a result of pent-up energy or being bored so it's a great idea to give your dachshund daily exercise and make sure you change it up on a regular basis. If you go for walks then change the routes or the direction. Find walks that are challenging if you can, like up a hill or a hike in the woods. Just letting your dachshund run around the back yard is not enough.

DOGS NEED TO BE MENTALLY CHALLENGED
Providing mentally challenging activities is also very helpful at relieving your dachshunds energy. For example work on obedience training or go to the dog park so your dachshund can play with other dogs. Just be careful of the big dogs. We have found that our 3 dachshunds prefer small dogs and of course they mostly prefer other dachshunds. Try setting up dachshund meetups. Socialization is very important especially since dogs are social animals.

DO NOT REINFORCE BARKING WITH POSITIVE ACTIONS
It's also VERY IMPORTANT to not reinforce barking with affection, like picking your dachshund up when they bark or make a big deal about them when you leave or come home. You should avoid them when you come home so you don't give positive reinforcement to their barking and jumping. I know it's incredibly difficult and seems mean spirited to not give your dachshund a reciprocal greeting but it's not natural and will only worsen their behavior.

Your dachshund may be barking excessively because you unintentionally trained him to do so.

  • He barks and you respond with giving him attention. 

  • He barks and you open the door to let him out. 

  • He barks and you open it again to let him in. 

  • He barks and he gets a treat.

  • He barks and you give him a tummy-rub . . . you get the picture. 

Your dachshund has learned to get attention through barking. It is easy to fall into this trap because the very nature of barking gets your attention. For the same reason, it is easy to forget to praise and reward your dachshund when he is not barking.

STOP BARKING IN THE BACK YARD
If your dachshund barks excitedly in the back yard immediately take him back into the house and only allow him out again when he is quiet. Keep repeating if necessary and never leave him in the back yard unattended.

BARKING DUE TO SEPARATION ANXIETY
If your dachshund barks due to separation anxiety, it's best to hire a professional trainer or behaviorist because it can be a very difficult behavior to modify.

If you use these tips repeatedly in the same way for many weeks and it still doesn't stop your dachshund's barking then please seek professional help. I was taught by our dog trainer / behaviorist that 90% of training a dog is training the handler.

Please understand that while you can keep your dachshund's barking under control it is unrealistic and unfair to think you can train your dachshund to stop their barking altogether. If your dachshund's excessive barking has already become a habit, don't expect the barking to get under control overnight. It takes weeks of repetition to replace an old habit with a new one.

 

PLEASE SHARE IF YOU CARE

(CLICK ONE OF THE SOCIAL LINKS BELOW)


30 Responses

Jamie
Jamie

March 16, 2021

I don’t discourage all barking, especially when someone or something comes to the house, I want them to alert me. I’ve had Dachshunds for most of my adult life, along with other breeds, barking is part of their DNA. Dachshunds are scent hounds, their hearing and sense of smell are acute. Inside, I snap my finger with a firm command and they know to stop. Training starts very young and remains consistent, so they know what is expected of them. The Dachshund breed is difficult to train for sure but it can be accomplished if the effort is there. I live on a small farm and I allow them to hunt which is their passion and what they were bred to do. I have no groundhog problem. Love the breed!

Marilyn
Marilyn

March 16, 2021

Dachshunds are like children. They are all individuals, and one-size-fits-all solutions don’t always work. I have three. The neighbors about 300 feet away with a tree line separating us have little yappers. Whenever they are outside (several times a day), they start barking and my one Doxie hears it, starts up with the barking. Sometimes, the other male chimes in. The little girl dog just looks at them like they are both crazy. I have gotten to the point where all I have to do is look at the lead barker, and he’ll stop. Still grumbles under his breath, but stops. It took about three years of consistency since he’s the one who gets the ball rolling. Never sprayed him with water, never shook cans full of coins or a rattle at him. All voice commands and facial expressions, sitting down or standing up. SHHHH! NO BARKING!! STOP!!! in that order.

What I find helps out if you have more than one, is there is usually a ring leader who gets the other one(s) worked up. Concentrate on that one first will usually help solve the follower(s) behavior.

Another example is his brother who follows in with the barking likes to leap and scratch at our beautiful wood French patio doors to get out when he needs to go. The others picked up that behavior. I put my hand out in a stop position say a loud “STOP” and they all settle down and sit until I open the door. Now, his behavior is to charge the door, so I put that hand out while he is still on the way over there, and he calms down as do the rest of them. I calmly open the door, and they walk, don’t run out. The worst one to train was my husband. He raises their excitement level. But after he had to sand, stain, and varnish the doors a couple of times, he finally got it.

Try an approach for a few weeks before giving up on it. Always use an approach that instills respect, not fear. And yes, it’s a constant reinforcement, just like it is with kids. That’s true for almost any dog.

Mahwush Ali
Mahwush Ali

June 06, 2020

Your write up has been a life saver for us and I can not thank you enough. Today it is exactly one week since our 6 months old dachshund puppy joined our family. Yesterday I applied the water spray strategy and that is the only thing that has worked so far. I would like to believe we are out of the woods with this one as previously, our Cookie would bark non stop at any man who talks or enters the house, specially my husband and sometimes our 9 year old son too. The big growling barks change to squeaks and then nothing. I hope the magic continues.

Arlene
Arlene

August 31, 2018

I have a 7 year old doxie that was a rescue. She barked at cars and people walking down the street now when she starts to bark all I have to say is No Barking and she just does a little woof. I only have one problem is when my sister or neighbor comes in the door she barks like crazy, I know it is because they makes a big fuss over her so I have to remind them to ignore the her until she settles down, Have to train the humans as well as the dog.

Quita Allen
Quita Allen

August 31, 2018

I rescued a mini dashound 4 months again..love him to pieces but the barking is so crazy ..he barks at my neighbors who are starting to complain since I live in a senior building..he barks at other dogs..he barks at people across the street while looking out the window..thinking about getting a no shock collar ..do they work ? My vet. just gave me some pills for his seperation anxiety and I hope they work ! IVE BEEN A PRISONER IN MY HOUSE FOR 4 MONTHS !! can’t go anywhere for the barking and howling ..HELP ME !!! Lol I don’t want to have to return him to the pound..unfortunately I don’t know his pass history since he was a stray when the pound picked him up but he was micro chipped and his previous owners didn’t pick him up..he’s my first doxie

Helen
Helen

August 31, 2018

We have just rescued a 2 Year old male mini dashound, he barks ,at anything till he gets tired, he goes for walks 1/2hour morning an night ,does not like other dogs , he is a completely different dog to other animals, we have do much to give him….need to calm his barking…help

Elizabeth J De Luca
Elizabeth J De Luca

August 31, 2018

Oh I see that my loving, defiant, once house trained Dixie for the first time ever, I may have to give him up. He’s two, beautiful smart, conniving little individual. He knows wipe your feet means pee on the per pads. However he likes me to crouch down and tell him while petting him what a good boy he is. If I don’t he will per anywhere randomly. For his first year he was doing well. Now he is tormenting me. He jumps onto the table and will grab food from anyone’s hand, he loves to play to everyday at least twice a day he lets me know when he chooses to fetch and what you it will be. I think he is getting on my last nerve with how naughty he can be n the barking n going after people n dogs is off the hook terrible. Nobody wants to train a daschund n quite frankly I don’t believe they know where to begin. Most feel harsh punishment is the answer. I say no to zapping and nasty collars. I say no to YANKING on the leash to show him whose boss. I’m just the owner who loves him but believe he is so much work. When ill. It is never easy he pees like a squeeze doll every 10 minutes. Yes he’s been examined. He floods the per pads n wants it changed b4 the next per. I change it n he pees again. I know he doesn’t like the wind, rain , cold he likes warmth and he doesn’t cuddle on my lap. I sit and he wraps himself around me like a scarf. Yes adorable then he poops, in the house. This started 5 months ago. The barking and nipping when I try to take away the human good or something he shouldn’t have I might as well be a badger in his eyes. Then he falls asleep n is so sweet. Help. I was told I could use a service dog. Too bad he can’t be trained period he already bro he me remotes , credit cards, shoes etc.. He doesn’t eat them at least not now! Help must be out their n not on tape or book. Where are the daschund owners. He isn’t a Weiner but he is BOSSY N BARKING HAS ME ON EDGE.

Liz
Liz

August 31, 2018

I have a 2 year old Dixie black n red. Beautiful markings. So far he has done everything to drive a human crazy. I trained him early on to ring s bell on the door tied at his height for one year he was perfect. Then I became ill hospital visits and ling stays away from him. He now rings the bell pees in the floor a flood! He would always do number two outside all of this if I walk him on a leash. Now he just poops when he feels like it even after a walk! At this time it’s difficult change or me to bend down. I also can’t carry anything over 10 pounds. Since he is a mini he is of course 11 pounds. I’m working on getting him down to 10 pounds. So I’m at the point where I cry I’ve never had to give up a dog. I never lost the drive to train them. I should state we had to move in with my daughter her husband and the two 65 pound dogs that one loves him and the other my guy attacks. He is so naughty barking climbing jumping 6 ft. all true! He doesn’t chew furniture shoes ect.. he does tear apart anything else. He drinks anyones coffee. Water, tea despite distractions rewards taking him out of the room. He looks at me from the perpheal and plots his moves. If food falls on the floor and your foot is in the way the guy goes ballistic to get the item n the human foot becomes something he will bite. He will take on any dog for a walk. He pulls, I can’t take the pull because he is stronger than me. Of course I’m only 59 4 ft. 11 and 100 pounds and sick with “c.” So he went from cute n sweet to a tiger. I’ve taken him to trainers. Tho they don’t have knowledge of this breed. My daughter n her husband feel he needs more discipline n they have had it. Soon I’ll be on my own in an apt. He doesn’t like bad weather, cool, rainy, snow ect.. He will only use the per pads if I pet his head and coach him through the incident. I’m used to big dogs 65 pounds min. . This is a costly destructive little gorgeous guy. Help me save him from a rescue place. It hurts my heart to think it let alone do it. My daughter thinks a larger dog would be easier on me like a service dog which I can’t afford. This fellow is a lover of kids n people when out of the house as long as I’m holding him. He has anxiety n climbs up my leg to be picked up. He pees on anyone when he enters the home or he will poop floor furniture he isn’t picky. Help!! Where is the nearest daschund trainer. Are they that bad in learning nobody bothers. Most trainers I interviewed feel in harsh punishment. It is not my style for any breed n certainly not him. Help, plz. Mr. Milan can you help me? Are daschund the lost dog?

laura
laura

August 31, 2018

Hello I am trying with the soda can and the coins. One of my doxies seem to be affraid about me and my action in front of her..I mean shaking the can… she started trembling… so… is that corrrect or not for all the dogs??? The wirst thing to me is that my dog be afraid of me..

Cindy A.
Cindy A.

July 28, 2017

I’ve had many different dogs, and firmly believe in/practice reading up on specific breeds and discipline. I got my first doxy 7 years ago, as a pup. She is the love of my life! But….I have never felt so defeated in my life,then when it comes to dealing with her barking! I still read everything I can find and get my hands on regarding doxies, and I am convinced of this: it is not only in the Breed.to bark, But it is in their individual genes. Some bark more than others, and some will Not be deterred, for pretty much anything. I try to catch all of the ‘doggy helper’ shows, but have NEVER seen anyone willing to train a dachshund!

Mary Lee
Mary Lee

June 18, 2017

I have a question or 3. I am end-stage COPD on oxygen, 25’ line, and in a power chair. I also live in the country. I have had my 2 mini doxies for 7 & 8 years they are brother/sister different litters, both neutered and chipped. My babies bark at everything and everybody, including the wind. I love my darlings very much but sometimes it causes me to have severe anxiety. I have tried to reinforce good behavior, have tried to set consequences for bad behaviors, such as crating, putting them in the time out bed and so on. I am not able to walk them, I live alone. Does anybody have any thoughts on how to address this? Any and all help, short of giving my babies away, will be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Ingka Charters
Ingka Charters

May 08, 2017

This is an excellent article thank you.

We have had dogs all our lives, German Shepherds as a girl, I was shown by a dog handler friend how to train, and later we had short hair and wirehaired pointers. We have never had a problem with barking with any of them. We now have a standard wirehair dachshund and suddenly he has begun to bark a great deal. And I believe that it is because he does not have the same attention as he used to have. When we travelled to Europe with him he was with us all the time and was a quiet dog. He was also allowed to come into restaurants with us where he was given a treat and a fresh water bowl and then lay quietly under the table. Sadly that is not so in the UK except for some pubs. For fear of dog theft he does not come with us everywhere and he misses the stimulus of being out and about with us. You are right when you say domestic life is very boring for them. It is his people who are making the mistakes, it is our fault, he is only doing what we are allowing him to do. We will make changes and I will post again in a few weeks. Thank you again for this article.
Carole Merritt Nichols
Carole Merritt Nichols

April 12, 2017

My Doxie now 8 months old, will not walk on a leash in our front yard.
He does great in our back yard (fenced in) and he does fine in our pet store. As soon as we head outside, he freezes! So afraid of cars. At our house he will walk on the sidewalk and as soon as a car passes he tries to run to the front door. No problem getting him to ride in a car.
I have no idea how to help him……he loves people, children, other animals…..just afraid of moving vehicles.
Any suggestions will be so appreciated. I want to take him for a walks so badly!

Louise Golden
Louise Golden

March 15, 2017

I love your article, is there a way I can get a printed copy. I want to be able to read it over again but it will not print from my I Pad. My Doxie will not go for walks. When she cant see home any more behind her she stops and will NOT walk.

Willie Britz
Willie Britz

September 11, 2016

I note your tips verry helpful in using it with one next door ,when i talk to her on the way you suggest she stop , so i see i need to continue and praise her ,the owners is working during day where we’r pensioners ,thanks i’lll kkep informing on the progress . Regards

Debbie
Debbie

August 25, 2016

Thanks for the info. Like someone else commented, it’s good to have several different solutions in our bag of tricks. No one thing works on every dog (especially Dachsies). I think I can manage the barking okay, but what about whining? I’ve had many Dachshund companions throughout the past 40 years, but our Lilly is the first chronic whiner and it is driving me crazy. I will be grateful for all suggestions please!

MERLE STEVENS
MERLE STEVENS

August 15, 2016

We have always known that pets will feed off owners’ energies. During a thunderstorm, or fireworks, our Doxie, Shana, barks once and then settles down because we don’t react to the noise. We act as if nothing happened and she looks at us as if to say, “Didn’t you hear that???” When she does not react, we say, “Good girl” and it has worked for us. Shana will be 10 in November!

Katherina
Katherina

August 06, 2016

Thanks. I have learned a lot. #appreciated

Ginger
Ginger

July 30, 2016

Lynn, Just use a rattle can and a firm, commanding voice. We used this for house training our doxie. Now she barks to go out and come to come back in and for other useful things!

Arnicadia
Arnicadia

July 29, 2016

Instead of using the old punitive methods you’re suggesting, you should consider using Dr Ian Dunbar’s training methods. His credentials as a veterinary canine behaviorist and positive reinforcement trainer of trainers are easily verified. http://www.dogstardaily.com/taxonomy/term/121
BTW I grew up with a standard black & tan dachshund who was the best dog ever. ?

Michael
Michael

July 23, 2016

Thank you for your tips. We have 3 Doxies and a Pug/Chihuahua mix. Sometime our Pug thinks she needs to bark at the wind, which of course gets the rest rocking. She has those big Chihuahua ears, so she can hear a fly break wind 1/4 mile away, LOL. We will try some of these and see how it goes.

Paul DiPaolo
Paul DiPaolo

July 12, 2016

I’ve trained my little girl to bark as a communication tool. I agree with Mary barking isn’t a bad thing or something to do away with altogether. If you take the time to train your Doxie and encourage them to communicate correctly you may even find that you understand them better.

Michelle
Michelle

July 09, 2016

Thanks for this information every idea helps

Rae
Rae

July 08, 2016

I am going to try your hints. But I believe I have one dachshund that starts the barking and then the other 3 bark. But a lot of the times our boy barks and the girls just sit there. Thank you for this most helpful information.

Ana
Ana

July 08, 2016

Thanks. It’s was very helpful.

Mary
Mary

July 07, 2016

My Dachshund barks to tell me stuff, usually he’s telling me it’s breakfast/dinner time or snack time. But he also barks when he or one of the other dogs needs to go outside. He barks when someone comes over, he barks when you ask him questions. He barks when he wants one of the other dogs to get off of his bed or he wants to be covered up. Each bark is slightly different. If you ask him questions such as do you want to go outside and he doesn’t respond, that means no, I want something else. I go through the list of questions and when I get to the thing he wants he barks.

Emily
Emily

July 07, 2016

Positive punishment is not an effective method to stop your dachshund (or any pet) from misbehaving. If you act like “the pack leader” or spray your dog you are setting yourself up for a dog riddled with anxiety towards you, which can cause dogs to lash out or misbehave even further.
Provide your dog with plenty of exercise, both physical and mental. Try enrichment feeding (Kongs, scattering or snuffle mats) to help them stimulate their brains and burn some energy.

Lynn
Lynn

July 06, 2016

I’m in a wheelchair. Any suggestions for me? Can’t stand or get outside. They use a doggie door. Thanks for any tip

Charlene Zschiedrich
Charlene Zschiedrich

July 06, 2016

Thanks for the tips! Going to try them on my baby! Pooch-Hugs from my TeddyBear!

Lynn
Lynn

July 06, 2016

Thank you

Leave a comment

Comments will be approved before showing up.


Also in Dachshund Blog

Jerry Seinfeld's secret cure for his insecure, nervous dachshund, Foxy, who is fearful of Jerry and other adult males. - PART 1 or 2
Jerry Seinfeld's secret cure for his insecure, nervous dachshund, Foxy, who is fearful of Jerry and other adult males. - PART 1 or 2

Read More
The DOXIE FAMILY star in Apple TV+ animation 'Pretzel and the Puppies' premieres Feb. 11

Read More
How a little dachshund is getting over her fear of people
How a little dachshund is getting over her fear of people

Read More
X