How To Stop A Dachshund From Barking

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If you landed on this article, you probably want to know how to stop your dachshund from barking.

You thought you were getting a small companion dog but little did you know there was a big bark in a small package.

Dachshunds, unlike smaller dachshunds, have large barks and appear to bark frequently.

You can’t stop barking completely, but you can control it. This article will explain why your dachshund barks and what you can do about it.

 

Why Do Dachshunds Bark All the Time?

Dachshunds are hunting dogs originally bred to hunt small game. Don’t let the dachshund’s size fool you. This breed is great for hunting small prey such as badgers and moles.

Doxies have been tamed for years, but their drive for prey is still in full swing. Their instincts tell them to follow anything that moves – the slightest unfamiliar movement or sound can excite them – and this can lead to their tendency to bark.

Barking is also a natural side effect of this breed preparing to go after what it wants. These little hounds are also territorial. Your dachshund will definitely let you know if they feel threatened nearby.

In fact, dachshunds were bred for specific hunting tasks, and barking is part of an instinct that still exists, despite being domesticated.

Besides barking to warn of threats, there are some common reasons why dachshunds may bark.

 

  • Lack of exercise

Your Dachshund may be small, but he still needs daily exercise. Just like us, dogs need to release stored energy.

 

  • Boredom

Dachshunds love to play, solve puzzles, learn new commands and tricks, and do just about anything. Not only will it keep you busy, but it will also tire you out so you don’t get bored.

 

  • Separation anxiety

Dachshunds are prone to separation anxiety. As such, it can be scary to be left alone, especially if you’re not used to it. They may not understand you coming back.

 

  • Strange danger

Dachshunds are territorial by nature and can be suspicious of new people and new dogs. It can be stressful when someone comes to your door or passes you on the street or in the park.

 

  • Excitement

Barking dachshunds are not meant to be a prank. They can be overstimulated at times, just like us. They may be happy to see you and bark loudly, or they may bark at other dogs to say hello.

 

  • Attention

Dachshunds love their soul and love to be with you. As pack animals, they are very social. So if they feel neglected or missed, they may be barking for attention.

 

  • Want something

Dachshunds love to yell out what they want or need. This can be toys, food, or going outside. It’s a way of communicating with you!

 

Can Dachshunds Be Trained Not To Bark?

Yes, in most cases, dachshunds can be trained to stop excessive barking. It does not mean that dachshunds never bark (all dogs can bark from time to time).

 

How To Train A Dachshund To Stop Barking?

Dachshunds love to bark, bark, and bark. That’s because their hearts are hounds. Here’s how to calm them down.

Dachshunds were bred as hunting dogs and like all hunting dogs they are prone to barking. Their barking can be loud, especially given their small size. Many dachshunds are sensitive to environmental changes and are more likely to bark excessively. Owners can take a variety of steps to prevent and eliminate excessive barking.

 

Step 1:

Create an environment that minimizes the reasons for barking. Dachshunds can bark if they don’t get enough exercise, so take them on a brisk walk for at least 30 minutes each day. Like many dogs, Dachshunds tend to suffer from loneliness, boredom, and separation anxiety when left alone. When you can’t be with your dog, consider putting him in a comfy crate with a chew toy. If you often leave your dog alone at home, consider whether you can stay with him during that time. An orphaned dog is not a happy dog.

Anxious dogs are more likely to bark at anything in their general environment, and anxiety is often the result of poor socialization. Exposing your dachshund to a variety of places, people, and noises from puppyhood onwards throughout life will make your adult dachshund much less likely to start barking anxiously. 

 

Step 2:

Teach your dog the command “Quiet”. Once your dachshund is calm and quiet, approach your pet and say ‘Quiet’, then click the training her clicker to give your pet a treat. He repeats this exercise 5-10 times a day.

 

Step 3:

Practice quieting your dog when it barks. Wait for the dachshund to naturally stop barking, then say “Quiet” and click the training clicker to give the dog a treat. This will help your dachshund develop a rest-and-treat relationship. Repeat this exercise each time your pet barks. After a week or two of practice, start using quiet commands when your dachshund barks. When your dog stops barking, give him a treat.

 

Step 4:

Teach your dachshund the “talk” or “bark” commands.

When the dog barks, say a command and click the clicker for training her to give the dachshund a treat. Repeat this process several times a day until your dog learns to bark on command.

 

Step 5:

Command your dachshund to bark. Use the Quiet command to stop barking. Click the training clicker to give your dog a treat. Now you can practice the “quiet” command without your dog sensing threat and barking spontaneously.

 

Conclusion

If you’re frustrated with how often your dachshund barks, we’re confident that the above suggestions will make a world of difference.

However, if your dog is still barking incessantly after days and months of trying to break the habit, it may be time to seek veterinary advice.

Jenny Garcia

Jenny Garcia

Owner of the cutest dachshund on earth

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