If you have a problem with your Dachshund barking, you will probably already know that it is impossible to totally stop them.
Dogs are born to bark, it is how they communicate and express their needs and feelings.
Before you can address the problem you need to understand why your Dachshund barks and what types of barking you can control.
What Causes Dachshund Barking? Dachshunds are vocal dogs and there are many situations that may result in your Dachshund barking.
It is important to look closely at what is happening around your Dachshund when they start barking, so you can limit their exposure to the trigger and work towards controlling their response.
A few of the causes of barking include: 1.
Raising the Alarm.
Dachshunds with an alarm bark are doing so to announce something that worries them, such as people approaching or entering the house.
While this type of barking can be advantageous, it can also get out of hand, your Dachshund starting to bark at anything they see.
2.
Territory.
Dachshunds may bark to show dominance in their territory.
Typically this is seen this when another dog appears in your yard or can be seen through your windows.
3.
Attention Seeking.
Dachshunds will nudge, paw at you, and sometimes bark in order to get attention.
Unfortunately we often reinforce this behavior by giving them (and thus rewarding) the attention they are wanting.
4.
Compulsion / frustration.
Sometimes a Dachshund barks for no reason, barking repeatedly because they are bored or frustrated.
The tone of this bark rarely changes, and repeats over and over again.
5.
Separation Anxiety.
Dachshund barking due to separation anxiety is a significant problem that can divide households and cause problems between neighbors.
In addition, you may find your Dachshund is destructive, unable to settle, and urinates or defecates in the house.
How to Stop a Dachshund Barking.
Before doing anything, watch your Dachshund when they bark, noting for how long, and what they are barking at.
If your Dachshund barks only once in a while or if someone comes to the door, then you really don't have a problem, this is normal and acceptable.
If your Dachshund barking is excessive you should address and control it.
Your first task is to make certain that you hold the alpha position and are a strong leader who your Dachshund respects.
You need to train your Dachshund, teaching basic commands in a consistent manner.
Training you Dachshund to sit, lie down and stay, will give them something to focus on, and in itself may be enough to stop them barking.
In addition to training, remember to exercise your Dachshund as much as you can, you will be amazed at the difference it can make.
What you should not do is to shout at your Dachshund or tell them "no", the chances are they will think you are barking with them, making your problem even worse.
Also, never give your Dachshund attention when they bark.
They will think that they were right to bark at whatever they barked at, again making your barking problem worse.
Remember, your Dachshund doesn't understand what you are saying; you have to teach them in a way that makes sense to them.
One simple way to stop your Dachshund barking is to reward them when they stop barking.
Train and use a "stop" command, giving a treat when they are quiet.
Most Dachshunds quickly learn that a treat is more valuable than barking.
If your Dachshund barks because they are anxious, you may have a significant problem.
Dachshunds with separation anxiety can bark for hours until you return home.
Often this behavior is reinforced by you giving them attention (rewarding them) as soon as you enter the house.
Instead of rewarding your Dachshund for barking, ignore them for 15 minutes or so, going about your normal routine until they have settled down and don't link you coming home with them getting attention.