Dachshund Potty Training Made Easy: Say Goodbye to Accidents with This Proven Plan

Struggling with messy surprises and stubborn streaks?
You’re not alone—Dachshund owners often face potty training battles thanks to their strong-willed charm. But with the right plan, you can win back your floors and peace of mind. 🐾

Why Dachshund Potty Training Matters

Dachshunds are spirited, intelligent, and—let’s be real—a bit stubborn. Their tiny legs may carry a big personality, but when it comes to potty training, they need structure and positive reinforcement. Many Doxie parents give up too soon, not realizing that patience and the right setup are key to success. The good news? These little sausages can be perfectly house-trained—you just need a plan built for their quirks.

Whether you’re working with a pup or retraining an older dog, this step-by-step approach will help create lasting habits (and a much cleaner home). Let’s make accidents a thing of the past!

Listen to our latest episode on Dachshund Potty Training on Spotify!

1. Establish a Consistent Routine (Dachshund training tip #1)

Dachshunds are creatures of habit, and when it comes to potty training, consistency is your best friend. Setting a structured schedule helps your pup understand when and where they’re expected to do their business. Start by taking them out first thing in the morning, after every meal, post-playtime, after naps, and right before bed. These moments are prime time for potty breaks—miss them, and you may miss the mark.

Keep using the same outdoor spot each time. Dogs use scent to know where to go, and a familiar patch of grass reinforces the habit. Add in a verbal cue like “go potty” to help your Doxie make the connection between the action and your expectations.

And when they get it right? Go wild with praise! Happy tones, gentle petting, and a treat will make your pup feel like they’ve just won the lottery. Avoid scolding for mistakes—redirect instead.

🎁 Pro Tip: Check out our Dachshund Urine Mat– Soft Absorbent Washable Mat – Perfect for consistent potty practice, even on rainy days or apartment balconies!

Building a routine takes effort, but it lays the foundation for lifelong good habits. Your Doxie is smart—just give them the structure they need to succeed!

2. Use a Crate Strategically (Dachshund crate training guide)

Crate training often gets misunderstood, but when done right, it’s a game-changer for potty training. Dachshunds, like most dogs, have an instinct to keep their sleeping area clean. That’s why a crate that’s the right size (not too big or too small) encourages your pup to hold their bladder until it’s time to go out.

Start by introducing the crate as a cozy, safe space—never a punishment zone. Use positive reinforcement, soft bedding, and short, supervised crate sessions throughout the day. Gradually increase the time as your pup grows used to it. Always take your Doxie out for a potty break right before crating and immediately afterward.

Nighttime? Crates are ideal. Place the crate in your room so you can hear if your pup wakes up and needs a break. As their bladder control improves, they’ll sleep longer stretches without needing a midnight dash outside.

🎁 Pro Tip: Try our Dachshund Comfort Bed – Durable Waterproof Oxford Fabric Bed – It’s soft, machine-washable, and fits perfectly for cozy crate time.

The crate becomes your ally—not just for training, but for peace of mind. And remember: this isn’t forever. Once your pup is trained, you can loosen the crate routine—but until then, it’s your trusty training partner!

3. Reward Potty Success—Every Time

Positive reinforcement is everything when it comes to teaching your Dachshund the potty ropes. Dogs thrive on feedback, and they’ll work hard for praise—especially if there’s a treat involved! Every time your pup does their business in the right place, make it a celebration. High-pitched praise, belly rubs, a small treat—it tells your pup, “Yes! That’s exactly what I wanted!”

Keep a pouch of small, healthy treats by the door so you’re always ready. Timing matters—reward immediately after they finish, not once you're back inside. This helps your Doxie connect the action to the outcome. You can also use a consistent potty command like “go potty” so they associate the word with the act.

Avoid the mistake of phasing out rewards too early. Continue celebrating each success until your pup shows they truly “get it.” Then, you can gradually shift from treats to praise-only reinforcement.

Pro tip? Don’t just reward for potty success—watch for effort, especially in the early stages. Even walking toward the door or sniffing the right spot deserves encouragement.

This builds confidence, speeds up learning, and strengthens your bond. Your Dachshund wants to please you—they just need clear, positive direction to know how!

4. Watch for Potty Signals Indoors (Preventing accidents)

Catching your Dachshund before they have an accident is half the battle. These clever little pups often give subtle signals when nature calls—but it’s up to you to spot them. Keep an eye out for behaviors like sniffing the ground, circling a specific spot, pausing suddenly during play, whining, or walking toward the door.

When you see these signs, act fast! Gently scoop up your pup and head straight to the designated potty area. Don’t wait for “just one more minute”—timing is key. The more times you interrupt an almost-accident and redirect them outside, the faster they’ll learn where it’s acceptable to go.

While cleaning accidents thoroughly is important (to eliminate scent trails), prevention is the gold standard. The more you successfully intercept, the fewer future mistakes you’ll have to correct.

Remember: Dachshunds can be subtle, especially when they feel guilty or unsure. Stay calm, observant, and proactive.

This step may feel like detective work at first, but as you get to know your pup’s potty cues, it becomes second nature. And best of all, your floors stay cleaner—and your Dachshund feels successful instead of scolded!

5. Be Patient with Setbacks (Potty training regression tips)

Even with the best plan, setbacks are normal—especially with a strong-willed breed like the Dachshund. Potty training isn’t always a straight line. Maybe your Doxie had a regression after a change in routine, a new home, or a cold week where they didn’t want to go outside. Don’t panic.

First, don’t punish. Scolding after the fact only confuses your pup and makes them fearful. Instead, focus on resetting the routine. Go back to basics: increase potty breaks, reinforce successes, and reward heavily for doing the right thing. Every time your pup gets it right, you’re rebuilding that muscle memory.

• If the problem persists, check for underlying issues—sometimes health problems like urinary tract infections can contribute to potty problems. A vet check might be worth it.

Remember: patience builds trust. Your calm, consistent response teaches your Doxie that you’re reliable—and that good habits are always worth the reward.

Accidents may feel frustrating in the moment, but they’re just bumps on the road to success. Stay the course, keep celebrating the wins, and you’ll find that reliable, accident-free routine again in no time. 💪

Final Thoughts: Consistency is Your Secret Weapon

Potty training a Dachshund isn’t about perfection—it’s about persistence. Their independent streak may test you, but your commitment to a structured routine will pay off. Stick to these five tips, and in time, your Doxie will be confidently doing their business where they’re supposed to (and you’ll finally stop stepping in surprise puddles). Keep it positive, stay consistent, and trust the process—you’ve got this! 😊

Related Articles:

What’s Good About Dachshund and What’s Bad About Them

Dachshund Obedience Secrets: Get Your Stubborn Pup to Listen Without Being Harsh

Top Tips for Raising a Happy, Well-Behaved Doxie

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