How To Stop My Dachshund Barking

One issue that many dachshund owners face is excessive barking. It was something we had read about prior to getting our boy as a puppy, and even though we were prepared that he may bark a lot, I think we had underestimated how much they do bark as a breed and how much it has the potential to become a nuisance.

However while it may seem like an unavoidable trait of the dachshund breed, there are steps you can take to help stop your dachshund from barking excessively. In this blog post, we’ll go over some tips on how to stop your dachshund barking.

Understand the barking triggers for your dachshund

The first step in addressing your dachshund’s barking is to understand why they’re barking in the first place. Dachshunds, like many other breeds, may bark for a variety of reasons such as boredom, anxiety, territorial behavior, or even just to get attention. By understanding the cause of your dachshund’s barking, you can begin to take steps to address the underlying issue.

Exercise and mental stimulation

One of the main reasons why dachshunds bark is because they have excess energy and are not being sufficiently stimulated or exercised. To help address this issue, make sure your dachshund is getting plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. For example, we find that our boy will settle and bark much less if he has had a long walk where he has been able to sniff and explore his surroundings. You can also use toys and treats to keep your dachshund mentally stimulated during the day, for example stuffing a Kong toy or similar with treats to keep the dog busy.

Dog Training

Training is another effective way to address excessive barking in dachshunds. Teach your dachshund basic commands such as “sit”, “stay” and “quiet”. We use “enough” with our boy when he barks excessively, although due to his stubborn nature he will sometimes ignore this. Reward your dachshund with treats or praise when they follow your commands correctly and consistently.

Socialisation

Dachshunds can become anxious or territorial if they are not socialised well. To help prevent this, make sure your dachshund is exposed to a variety of people, animals, and environments from a young age. This will help your dachshund feel more comfortable in different situations and reduce the likelihood of excessive barking. This is especially relevant if they bark a lot in the house, with the trigger being people coming into the house, or hearing noises outside the house. Getting the dog familiar with having lots of different people and sounds present can help desensitise them to this in the future. It is also relevant if your dog is very reactive and barks at other dogs on a walk, as getting them familiar with this from an early age can help.

Seek professional help

If your dachshund’s excessive barking persists, it may be necessary to seek professional help from a dog trainer or behaviourist. They can help identify the underlying issue and develop a plan to address the problem.

Excessive barking can be a frustrating issue for dachshund owners. However, by understanding why your dachshund is barking and taking steps to address the underlying issue, you can help stop your dachshund from barking excessively. With patience, consistency, and the right approach, you can help your dachshund become a well-behaved and happy member of your family.