Dachshund Crate Training: A Complete Guide for New Owners

Crate training is a great way to help your dachshund feel safe and secure in their new environment. According to "Choosing the Right Crate Size for Your Dachshund", a crate that's too small can be just as bad as one that's too big.

Dachshunds are prone to barking and howling, which can be a sign of separation anxiety. Crate training can help alleviate this issue by providing a cozy space for your dog to relax in when you're not around.

A crate should be introduced gradually to prevent overwhelming your dachshund. Start by placing the crate in a common area and filling it with treats and toys to make it a welcoming space.

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Crate training is a game-changer for dachshund owners, especially when it comes to potty training.

Dachshunds don't like to wee or poo where they eat and sleep. This is because their natural instinct is to keep their den clean.

Crates are an excellent tool for potty training because they allow your dachshund to create a clean space.

By giving your dachshund a crate, you're helping them develop good habits and a sense of responsibility.

Always buy a crate based on a fully-grown dachshund, as they can always be made smaller for a puppy with a dog bed.

The ideal crate size for a miniature dachshund is 24 inches and for a standard dachshund is 30 inches.

A crate should be big enough for your dachshund to get up, sit down and turn around, but not so big that they can potty down one end and sleep at the other.

All dachshunds are different shapes and sizes, so if you have an above average size dachshund or a cross breed, you need to adjust the crate size guide to suit.

Here are some recommended crate sizes for dachshunds:

If your dachshund starts to outgrow the crate, you need to buy a new one, as a crate that's too small can make them feel trapped.

To set up a crate for your dachshund puppy, start by making it cosy with a soft base or cushion and warm blankets. Leave the front of the crate open so your puppy can see out. Drape the sides and back with a blanket to create a snuggle-den.

You can also buy a fabric pet cover for your dog crate, which can be a convenient and easy option. Make sure to choose lightweight sheets if you live in a hot climate, as thick blankets can make the crate too hot.

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To make your dachshund's crate a cozy space, start by adding a soft base or cushion inside. This will provide a comfortable surface for your puppy to rest on.

You can also drape the sides and back of the crate with a blanket to create a snuggle-den, but be sure to leave the front open so your dachshund can see out. This will help them feel secure and not trapped.

Alternatively, you can buy a fabric pet cover for your dog crate, which can be a convenient and easy option.

Setting up the crate in a location that's convenient for both you and your dachshund puppy is crucial.

Start by placing the crate in your bedroom for the first few weeks to give your puppy a sense of security and reassurance.

Having the crate in your bedroom also allows you to monitor your puppy's behavior and adjust their sleeping arrangements as needed.

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You can gradually move the crate to a more public area in your home, like a kitchen or lounge, once your puppy is settled in.

Ideally, you want to have two crates: one in your bedroom and one elsewhere in the home. This way, you can keep an eye on your puppy even when you're not in the same room.

When choosing a location for the crate, avoid areas with direct sunlight or drafts, as this can make your puppy uncomfortable.

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You want to create a cozy space for your dachshund puppy to feel safe and secure. Start by making the crate really cosy with a soft base or cushion and warm blankets. Drape the sides and back of the crate with a blanket to create a snuggle-den, but leave the front open so your dachshund can see out.

In a very hot climate, use lightweight sheets that are cooler, rather than thick, heavy blankets. And, to make life easier, buy things that are machine washable. This will save you time and effort in the long run.

If you have space, set up the crate in your bedroom to start with. This is just for the first few weeks to give your puppy time to settle in. Being close by gives your new puppy the reassurance of knowing you're there.

Crates can easily be moved around, but it's a good idea to have one in your bedroom and one elsewhere in your home, like a kitchen or lounge. This will make life easier and give your pup a sense of security.

Here's a quick checklist to help you set up the perfect crate:

Crate training a dachshund puppy isn't hard, but it does require some tough love. Dachshunds are very loyal and attach themselves intensely to their owners, so they may put up some resistance about going in the crate at first.

It's essential to stick to the routine and not give up, as this can create bad habits. If you put your dachshund in your bed instead, there's no going back from that.

Most puppies get used to the crate within about a week, but some take just 48 hours, and some a little longer. It just depends on the dachshund and how much work you put into training.

To crate train your dachshund, start by dropping some treats around the crate, just inside the door, and then gradually all the way inside to encourage your dog to enter. Don't force her to enter, as this can create fear and anxiety.

You can also try tossing a favorite toy in the crate instead of food, if your dog isn't interested in food. This process may take just a few minutes, or as long as several days.

After your dog has been introduced to the crate, you can start feeding her regular meals near the crate for a while. This will create pleasant associations with the crate and decrease any fear she has of the crate.

Here are some other tips for crate training success:

Remember, crate training is different to potty training, which takes longer and involves more steps.

Dachshunds are natural denning animals that like to curl up in cosy, confined, dark spaces where they feel safe and secure. So crates are the perfect snuggle-dens!

It's essential to crate train your dachshund responsibly and in the right way. Crating your puppy for long hours while you're out all day isn't OK, and using the crate as ANY form of punishment is also not acceptable.

If your dachshund pees in the crate, just clean it up and remove any trace of the scent with a special pet cleaner. You can also ask yourself some questions to determine the reason behind the accident, such as:

Remember, don't shout at your dachshund for having accidents – he's not trying to be naughty, he just couldn't hold it for some reason.

If your dachshund whines or cries while in the crate, it's essential to determine whether they're distressed or just testing to see if they'll be let out. If a dog is distressed in the crate, they may try and force the crate open, which can be dangerous and even lead to injury.

You can initially ignore the whining, but be prepared for it to get worse before it gets better. This is a normal part of the process, so don't stress if your dog seems to be getting more vocal.

If the whining continues after you've ignored it for several minutes, you can try repeating the phrase your dog has associated with going outside to eliminate. If they respond and become excited, take them outside, but make sure it's a trip with a purpose, not playtime.

If you're convinced that your dog doesn't need to eliminate, eat, or drink, the best response is to ignore the whining completely. Most attempts at punishing the behavior actually end up inadvertently reinforcing it because the dog is getting attention from you.

Here are some common reasons why your dachshund might be whining in the crate:

Remember, it's essential to address the underlying issue causing the whining, rather than just trying to silence your dog. By ignoring the whining and addressing the root cause, you can help your dachshund develop good habits and a positive association with the crate.

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Puppy Accidents in the House are a normal part of the training process. If your dachshund has an accident in the crate, clean it up immediately with a special pet cleaner to remove any lingering scent.

You'll need to investigate the reason behind the accident. Here are some possible causes: Is the crate too big?Was your dachshund left alone too long?Is your puppy too young to hold his bladder all night?Did your puppy cry to go out during the night?Did your puppy eat or drink too late?Is your puppy sleeping too far away from you at night?Are you sure your puppy wee’d before bed?Is your puppy unwell?Was it just a simple accident?

Don't shout at your dachshund for having accidents – it'll only make him wary of you. If you catch him in the act, you can correct the behavior with a quick 'No' and take him outside. If not, just ignore it, clean up, and watch him more closely in the future.

Be patient, as accidents are a normal part of the house training process. Dachshunds can take several weeks to learn where they should go potty.

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Leaving water in the crate overnight can be a recipe for disaster, especially if you're potty training your dachshund. Puppies can't hold their small bladders for long, so they'll need to wee more if water is left in the crate overnight.

Your dachshund will be up all night, running to the crate to drink water and then needing to go potty again. This can disrupt their sleep patterns and make the potty training process even more challenging.

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Dachshunds need toys to play with, but you have to use your own judgement on safety, especially when leaving young pups alone.

Toys can be destroyed, with stuffing and squeakers being ripped out, ears and tails being chewed off, and parts easily being swallowed.

If you're supervising, it's fine to put dog toys in your dachshund's crate, but if you're going out, a Kong or similar may be a better option.

Nothing is indestructible, so it's essential to choose toys that are safe and durable.

A Kong or similar toy is a good option when leaving your dachshund alone, as it's less likely to be destroyed.

Crate training is a great way to help your Dachshund feel safe and secure. Dachshunds are natural denning animals that like to curl up in cosy, confined, dark spaces.

You should only crate your puppy for short periods, such as when you're out for a short time or overnight, and make sure to give them regular breaks to stretch and exercise. Dachshund puppies should only be crated for a maximum of 2 hours spread throughout the day, and adult dachshunds no more than about 4 hours.

It's essential to provide your Dachshund with water and regular feeding times to prevent accidents. You can set up a feeding and bathroom schedule for your Dachshund, taking them outside immediately after meals.

Don't leave water in the crate overnight, as this can lead to accidents. If you do need to crate your Dachshund overnight, make sure to take them outside for a final break before closing the crate.

Here's a rough guide to crate training your Dachshund:

Remember to be patient with your Dachshund's housetraining, as they can be difficult to train due to their willful personalities. It may take several weeks to housetrain your Dachshund properly, but with consistency and positive reinforcement, they'll learn to go to the bathroom outside.

You should always remove your dachshund's collar when he's inside the crate. It could get caught up or tangled on the bars and may cause him harm.

It's best not to take any chances with your dachshund's safety. Collars are very easy to remove, so it's a quick and simple step to take.

Removing the collar is a crucial step in crate safety.