Dachshunds, known for their intelligent and cunning nature, can sometimes be difficult to handle, especially when they are still puppies. However, with proper training, discipline, and mental stimulation, owners can successfully bring their dachshund puppies under control. It is important to understand when do Dachshunds calm down and find ways to address them effectively.
One of the main factors contributing to a dachshund’s high energy levels is their inherent nature as hunting dogs. Being hunting dogs, they possess a natural drive to burn off energy which leads them to digging habits; you can also encounter Dachshunds digging in bed. So, engaging them in regular exercise routines tailored to their needs can greatly help in calming them down.
There may also be separation anxiety in Dachshunds which is why Dachshunds shake and which might be a challenge for the owners in calming down the Dachshunds. That is why dachshunds are considered the worst breed, but this is a misconception as what may be unfavorable for one person could be the perfect fit for another.
When Do Dachshunds Calm Down?
Dachshund puppies, with their active personalities and curious nature, go through a phase of destructive behavior in the first six months. During this time, it is important to potty train them and address the challenges of the teething period. They explore the world around them with their mouths, eagerly discovering their surroundings.
However, as they approach the age of one year, dachshund puppies gradually begin to calm down, becoming more obedient and easier to control. Establishing rules and routines early on helps in this process. While they still retain their playful energy, engaging them in walks and games prevents their energy from manifesting as mischief. As they enter adulthood, typically around the age of one, dachshunds become even calmer, although they continue to exhibit a playful demeanor until age 3 or 4.
Why is my Dachshund Puppy so Aggressive?
Dachshund puppies, known for their playful nature, can sometimes exhibit unexpected aggressive behaviors towards people and other animals. It is crucial to understand the reasons behind this behavior and implement corrective measures. The Dachshund breed also referred to as the “badger dog,” was historically bred for its aggressive hunting instincts. Displaying courage and aggressiveness in tracking and hunting animals larger than themselves.
While domesticated, some Dachshunds may still possess the instinct and character of their ancestors. To prevent aggression, Dachshunds require mental stimulation and physical activity to maintain a state of calmness. Insufficient mental and physical engagement can lead to anxiety and boredom, manifesting as destructive behavior and aggression. Moreover, Dachshunds can exhibit territorial behavior concerning food, toys, and even people.
Proper socialization and training are essential to prevent this territorial instinct from turning into aggression. Common causes of puppy aggression include fear, excitement, and territoriality. If time constraints prevent daily walks, hiring a dog walker can help. If aggressive behavior persists and poses a danger to others, seeking assistance from a veterinarian or qualified dog trainer is advisable. With patience and understanding, problematic aggressive behavior can be overcome, allowing Dachshund puppies to develop into well-behaved companions.
What is Common Dachshund Puppy Behavior Challenges?
Dachshund puppies exhibit a variety of common behavior challenges that can vary depending on the individual dog. These challenges, although prevalent among a high percentage of dachshund puppies, are not insurmountable. Understanding and addressing these common issues is crucial for owners to ensure the well-being and development of their furry companions.
Here are some behavioral challenges you might face with a Dachshund Puppy:
Peeing Dachshunds
Peeing Dachshunds can sometimes have accidents in the house, which requires time and patience for proper training. A well-designed training plan for housebreaking these adorable puppies involves using a crate. Utilizing a crate provides them with a secure environment, especially when you’re away.
Incorporating positive reinforcement techniques is crucial, and one effective method is to serve a portion of their meals inside the crate. This practice helps reinforce positive behavior, making them associate the crate with a place to relieve themselves properly. Alongside treats and praise, this approach encourages Dachshunds to use their “den” or crate as their designated potty area.
Successfully training Dachshunds to avoid accidents in the house requires consistency and a structured training plan. Providing them with meals inside the crate not only reinforces positive behavior but also establishes a connection between the crate and their natural urge to relieve themselves in an appropriate place.
Digging Habbits
Dachshunds, known for their natural digging instinct, showcase this behavior due to their breeding history. Originally bred to hunt badgers, these intelligent and determined dogs have a remarkable ability to dig.
While this behavior may seem adorable and endearing when observed in a puppy exploring the yard, it can become problematic if they dig into the new living room carpet.
Understanding and managing a dachshund’s digging behavior is crucial for a harmonious living environment. As a puppy, their curiosity and energy drive them to dig, which is an innate part of their nature. It is important for owners to provide appropriate outlets for this behavior, such as designated digging areas in the yard or utilizing interactive toys that mimic the digging experience.
Positive reinforcement plays a significant role in redirecting a dachshund’s digging instincts. By rewarding desired behaviors and discouraging unwanted digging, owners can effectively shape their puppy’s behavior. Patience, consistency, and gentle correction techniques can be employed to guide the puppy toward more appropriate outlets for their energy.
Barking
Barking is a common behavior among Doxies, known for their high-pitched bark that can sound like yapping or crying. This distinctive trait is often misunderstood by people, who may not recognize it as typical barking.
Despite this, excessive barking can occur without any particular reason. To address this challenge, it is recommended to take the dog outside frequently and engage them in plenty of exercises. These activities help redirect their energy and provide a positive outlet for their barking tendencies.
Understanding the context of a Doxie’s barking is crucial in effectively managing their behavior. Their yapping or crying-like bark should not be perceived as a negative trait but rather as a unique breed characteristic. By acknowledging and accepting this aspect, owners can approach training and handling with a positive mindset.
Providing the dog with plenty of exercise is vital to channeling their energy in a positive manner. Physical activities not only exhaust them but also help with mental stimulation. Engaging in interactive games, obedience training, and puzzle toys. They can keep Doxies mentally engaged and prevent boredom, which often leads to excessive barking.
Humping
Humping is a common behavior observed in dachshunds, particularly among unneutered males and even females. Along with excessive barking, humping may present a challenge in the early stages of dachshund puppy behavior. However, it is important to note that humping can be addressed through appropriate training and veterinary guidance.
Excessive barking and humping behavior are both aspects of dachshund behavior that can be challenging for dog owners. Unneutered males, in particular, may exhibit a tendency towards humping, which could persist into adulthood if not properly addressed. In such cases, seeking veterinary treatment and advice becomes crucial to ensure the well-being and behavioral balance of the dog.
Understanding the underlying causes of humping behavior is vital. In some instances, it may be rooted in hormonal factors, especially in unneutered males. Veterinary treatment, including neutering or spaying, can often alleviate this behavior and reduce the frequency of humping episodes. This step, combined with positive reinforcement training methods, can significantly improve dachshunds’ overall behavior and well-being.
How to Calm a Dachshund Puppy?
When it comes to calming a dachshund puppy, several factors come into play. Understanding the training needs of these small, energetic dogs is crucial. Dachshunds are known for their lively and inquisitive nature, sometimes leading to anxiety or hyperactive behavior if not properly addressed.
Below are some factors discussed in detail to calm a Dachshund puppy:
Plenty of Activity and Exercise
Plenty of activity and exercise are crucial for canines, especially Dachshunds. These lively little dogs require regular stimulation to keep them happy and healthy. In a city environment, where confinement may limit their freedom, it is essential to find viable options to provide them with sufficient exercise.
Nature offers a wonderful solution for Dachshunds to engage their senses. Taking them to natural environments allows them to explore different smells and enjoy the outdoors. However, it is important to ensure they are always supervised and protected in designated areas, as Dachshunds are prone to certain health issues.
To prevent boredom and potential psychological issues, it is advisable to provide off-leash play and interactive games for these active dogs. Their inquisitive nature and agile minds thrive when presented with mental challenges. Engaging them in play and games at least twice daily can help keep their minds sharp and prevent behavioral issues.
Positive Reinforcement
Positive Reinforcement plays a crucial role in training Dachshunds effectively. These loving and closely bonded companions respond well to praise and rewards from their owners. By using their favorite things, such as treats and play, as well as giving them a good belly rub when they exhibit good behavior, owners can reinforce positive habits in their Dachshunds.
This approach avoids punishment and negative reinforcement, which is ineffective with this breed. By understanding the triggers for bad behavior and redirecting their attention toward positive actions, owners can cultivate a well-behaved Dachshund.
It is important to note that Dachshunds do not respond well to rebuking but rather thrive on the desire to please their owners. Employing positive reinforcement techniques helps to create a harmonious and obedient relationship between Dachshunds and their owners.
You can also watch this video for some more interesting training tips:
Early Socialization
Early socialization plays a vital role in ensuring that dachshunds become well-adjusted dogs. By introducing them to unfamiliar presences, such as new people and dogs, at a young age, dachshunds learn to relate positively and adapt to various social situations.
This process of socialization helps prevent aggression in the canine species. Moreover, it is advisable to spay or neuter your dachshund as sterilization has been proven to reduce aggression levels. In the context of early socialization, it is essential to understand the significance of providing appropriate social experiences to dachshunds during their early stages.
Set Boundaries
Setting firm but fair boundaries is essential when training a Dachshund. These adorable dogs are masters at manipulating their human pack members, but with patience and consistency in teaching expected behaviors, their tendencies towards anti-social actions can be minimized. Studies have indicated that a significant portion of dog aggression stems from owners neglecting to ensure obedience through consistent training and reinforcement.
As responsible pet owners, we must train our pets and help them distinguish between good and bad behavior. By doing so, we create a harmonious environment where our well-trained Dachshunds understand and adhere to our set boundaries.
Medical Help
In cases where a Dachshund exhibits resistance to traditional training methods and increased exercise proves ineffective, behavioral modification can be considered a viable approach.
Studies have demonstrated the potential success of pairing Clomipramine, an antidepressant, with behavioral modification to address issues such as reduced pacing, whining, and barking. Alongside this, Fluoxetine, in conjunction with behavior modification, has shown positive outcomes in case studies involving separation anxiety. For owners who have exhausted other options, this medication can provide relief.
It is important to note that medication should be viewed as a last resort, and a thorough examination of the underlying causes and potential applications is crucial to avoid any perceived animal abuse.
If the idea of medicating your dog is met with reluctance, alternative solutions such as Anxiety wraps or dog-appeasing pheromones (DAPs) can be explored to alleviate your Dachshund’s anxiety within the comfort of a home environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dachshunds are known to be active dogs, capable of more than you might think when it comes to exercise.
Yes, Dachshunds can be considered difficult dogs due to their stubborn nature and the challenges involved in training this breed.
Dachshunds typically stop being considered puppies around the age of eight months old. At this point, they have reached their adult height and most of their adult weight.
Yes, Dachshunds are a breed that is prone to anxiety. They are known to exhibit nervousness, fear, shaking, excessive barking, and destructive behavior when experiencing anxiety.
Final Thoughts
As a responsible dog owner, ensuring the best life for your beloved pet should be a top priority. This entails spending quality time with them and engaging in activities that promote their well-being and happiness. While it may be tempting to allow your dog to sit on the couch all day, it is essential to provide them with opportunities to explore the outside world and participate in games like fetch.
By prioritizing your dachshund’s physical and mental needs, you can provide them with the best life possible. Through quality time spent together, outdoor exploration, engaging activities, proper socialization, early training, and regular exercise, you can help your pup grow into a healthy, happy, and well-behaved companion. Remember, investing in their well-being from a young age will have long-lasting positive effects, ensuring a bright and fulfilling future for both you and your furry friend.
Meet Jane Smith, a passionate animal lover and author deeply connected to the natural world. Growing up on a farm and spent much of her childhood exploring the fields and forests surrounding her home.
As an adult, Jane decided to pursue her love of animals more formally, earning a degree in biology from a top university and working as a wildlife researcher for several years. Eventually, Jane decided to share her love of animals with the world through writing.
In addition to her writing career, Jane is also an avid conservationist, working to protect endangered species and promote sustainable practices. When she’s not writing or advocating for animals, Jane can be found hiking in the mountains or spending time with her furry friends at home.