How to House Train a Dachshund Puppy

House train a dachshund puppy without using a crate. The puppy needs socialization and interaction with humans, and putting the puppy in a crate during potty training is not always the way to make the puppy feel welcome. Just like a baby, the puppy needs to be taught. You are the parent and you need to recognize the signs the puppy is giving you that he or she needs to relieve himself or herself.

Things You'll Need

• Puppy pads

Instructions

1. Bring the puppy home and show him or her where the puppy pad is so if they can't get your attention, they can urinate on the puppy pad. This is for use as a training method. It is used for occasional accidents when you might miss a sign.

2. Take the puppy outside and get him or her used to the yard. As you walk around the yard, tell him or her to go potty. This word association will help you in the future. When the puppy goes to the bathroom, praise the puppy by saying, "Good boy (or girl) for going potty." The word "potty" is going to be associated with praise and possibly a reward as well as urination and other bodily functions.

3. Look for signs that the puppy must go. Walking around in circles usually means he or she is getting ready to go. Standing in the area of the door or whining by the door are other telltale signs. Looking at you without stopping usually means that they want you for something and it is usually for potty time.

4. Take the puppy outside after a meal and/or a drink. A Dachshund puppy (or any puppy) has a small bladder and intestines and needs to go soon after drinking or eating. Again, use the term "Go potty" when you take the dog outside. Within a week, the puppy will associate "Go potty" with using the outdoors to go and will do this on command.

5. Take the puppy outside after naps or playtime. This stimulates the body and the puppy will more than likely need to relieve him or herself.

Tips & Warnings

• Rule of thumb to remember when house training a puppy: You need to go potty when you wake up, eat, play and drink and so does the puppy.

• If the puppy uses the puppy pad, great. There may be times when you are not able to let the puppy outside and disposing of a puppy pad is easier than cleaning up a mess on the carpet.

• Never rub the puppy's nose in the urine or other bodily functions. This is not the way you teach a baby and not recommended for a puppy because it can lead to nose infections.

References

• House Train Without a Crate