How to Train Your Dachshund to Be Calm Around Visitors
Dachshunds are the best dogs that make excellent pets, but their protective nature can sometimes lead to barking and excitement when guests arrive. This is something that we definitely found quite challenging with our dachshund, as he has anxious tendencies alongside resource guarding and territorial traits, and is something we are still working on after 7 years. It’s not impossible to solve, however training your dachshund to stay calm around visitors takes patience, consistency, and a good understanding of their unique temperament. Here are some practical tips to help minimise barking and anxiety when welcoming guests into your home.
Understand Why Your Dachshund Reacts to Visitors
Dachshunds have an in-built strong instinct to bark, a trait rooted in their history as fearless hunters. Bred to track and flush out prey like badgers, barking was an essential part of their job. Even today, this instinct remains strong, making them excellent little watchdogs. Their sharp senses mean they’re quick to pick up on unusual sounds or movements, and they won’t hesitate to let you know when something’s caught their attention, whether it’s a passing squirrel, a knock at the door, or a leaf blowing down the street!
However, dachshunds don’t just bark to warn you of potential “dangers.” Their vocalisations can also stem from excitement, nervousness, or a sense of territoriality, which is especially true when dealing with visitors in the home. They might bark enthusiastically when greeting visitors, but on the flip side, barking can also signal anxiety, such as when they feel unsure about strangers. Understanding the why behind your dachshund’s barking is the first step to addressing it. Once you identify whether it’s coming from excitement, fear, or their protective nature, you can work on training techniques to help manage the behaviour while respecting their natural instincts.
Step 1: Practise Calm Greetings
Start by practising calm greetings at the door. If you can, enlist a family member or friend to act as a visitor. Follow these steps:
Ignore Excited Behaviour: If your dachshund barks, jumps, or whines in excitement, don’t give them attention. It’s important to wait until they settle down before moving forward. Ask your guests to also ignore your dog during this time, so they don’t inadvertently encourage the behaviour.
Reward Calmness: When your dachshund remains calm as someone enters, reward them with treats or verbal praise. This positive reinforcement helps them associate quiet behaviour with receiving rewards, strengthening the calm response you want.
Teach a "Place" Command: Train your dachshund to go to a specific spot, like a bed or mat, whenever the doorbell rings. Use treats to encourage them to go to their spot and stay there until released. This gives your dog a clear alternative behaviour to focus on and provides them with a sense of structure during greetings.
Step 2: Desensitise Doorbell and Knock Sounds
Many dachshunds are naturally triggered by the sound of the doorbell or a knock, often seeing it as a signal to alert their owners or protect their territory. Fortunately, you can desensitise your dachshund to these sounds in a controlled and positive way, helping them remain calm and less reactive when visitors arrive.
Start by playing doorbell or knocking sounds at a low volume while your dog is relaxed. When your dachshund stays calm and doesn’t react, reward them with treats or praise. This positive reinforcement helps them associate the sound with calm behaviour, rather than excitement or stress.
Over time, gradually increase the volume of the sound, continuing to reward them for staying composed. It’s important to take things slowly, ensuring your dachshund isn’t overwhelmed by the noise.
Alongside this, you can pair the sound with a command like “quiet” or “settle,” encouraging them to focus on you instead of reacting to the noise. When they successfully respond to the command, reward them with a treat or affection. By repeating this process, your dachshund will learn to associate the doorbell or knock with a calm, controlled response, making it easier to manage their behaviour when the real thing happens.
Step 3: Provide Mental and Physical Stimulation
A tired dachshund is a calm dachshund, and one of the best ways to ensure your dog is relaxed and well-behaved, especially before expecting visitors, is to tire them out first. A good walk can do wonders: whether it’s a long stroll through the park or a brisk walk around the block, getting them moving will help expend their energy. If your dachshund loves to play, try engaging them in a game of fetch, tug-of-war, or even hide-and-seek to help burn off some of that excitement. The physical activity not only helps tire them out but also gives them a mental break from being on high alert, which can be particularly helpful when guests are on their way.
In addition to walks and playtime, interactive toys or puzzle feeders are excellent tools for keeping your dachshund’s mind busy and engaged. These toys require your dog to work for their treats, which not only helps to focus their energy but also gives them a sense of accomplishment. Whether it’s a treat-dispensing ball, a snuffle mat, or a puzzle game, these can keep your dachshund occupied and stimulated, helping them burn off mental energy. A calm, content dachshund is far less likely to bark excessively or act out in the presence of visitors, and by incorporating these activities into their routine, you’re promoting a well-balanced, happy dog who’s better equipped to handle new experiences with ease.
Step 4: Manage the Initial Excitement
Even with training, some dachshunds may still get overly excited when the door opens. Try these techniques:
Lead Training: When guests arrive, use a lead to gently guide your dachshund away from the door. This allows you to maintain control while reinforcing calm behaviour. By keeping them on the lead, you can prevent them from rushing at the door and help them stay focused on you.
Gradual Introduction: Instead of forcing your dachshund to interact with guests right away, allow them to approach visitors at their own pace. This gives them the space to feel comfortable and less overwhelmed, reducing the chance of excitement-driven reactions. Letting them decide when they’re ready to greet will build their confidence and lead to more positive interactions.
Step 5: Use Positive Reinforcement Consistently
Dachshunds respond well to positive reinforcement, so every time they behave calmly around guests, be sure to reward them with treats, toys, or praise. This encourages them to associate good behaviour with positive outcomes. The more consistently you reward calmness, the stronger the behaviour becomes.
Consistency is key. To avoid confusing your dachshund, it’s important that all family members follow the same training routine. If everyone is on the same page with how to handle greetings and rewards, your dog will quickly understand what’s expected of them and will be more likely to maintain calm behaviour when visitors arrive.
Step 6: Consider Crate Training or a Safe Space
If your dachshund experiences anxiety around visitors, creating a quiet, comfortable space for them to retreat to can help them feel secure. A crate or a separate room with their bed, toys, and familiar scents offers a safe haven where they can relax away from the commotion. This space allows your dog to feel less overwhelmed and gives them a retreat where they can unwind at their own pace.
Crate training dachshunds can offer other benefits too, so it’s worth considering as part of your routine. Teaching your dachshund to associate the crate or designated space with positive experiences will make it an enjoyable refuge. For example, give them a special chew, treat, or toy when they enter their space, helping them view it as a reward rather than a place of isolation. This positive association can reduce anxiety and help your dachshund feel more at ease during times of stress.
When to Seek Professional Help
If your dachshund's barking or anxiety remains severe despite training, consider consulting a professional dog trainer or behaviourist. They can provide personalised strategies to address the issue.
Training your dachshund to remain calm around visitors requires patience and consistency, but the results are well worth the effort. By understanding their behaviour, practising calm greetings, and rewarding positive actions, you can help your dachshund become a welcoming and composed companion when guests arrive.
With time, your dachshund will learn that visitors are no reason for alarm – and might even come to enjoy the extra attention!
