Are Dachshunds Hard to Potty Train?

(What Makes Them So Stubborn?)

I remember sitting outside Blackwood Pantry in Cronulla, coffee hand, watching a labradoodle calmly settle at the table next to us – you see these dogs every in my neck of the woods. Meanwhile, back at home, Caitlin and I were in the middle of yet another toilet training meltdown with Harvey — our mini silver dapple dachshund. Despite our best efforts, he had once again decided the hallway rug was his preferred bathroom.

That was week two.

By then, we were already asking the same question every dachshund owner eventually does: “Why is this so hard?”

If you’ve found yourself Googling or on Tik Tok this at 2am while scrubbing a carpet, you’re not alone. Dachshunds are consistently ranked among the more challenging breeds to house train — not because they’re untrainable, but because they’re independent, clever, and often… a little too clever. Their small size, strong will, and selective attention span create a perfect storm that makes potty training feel more like negotiation.

In fact, research published in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior found that smaller breeds — including dachshunds — are more likely to have house-soiling issues than their larger counterparts. Why? Smaller dogs have smaller bladders, faster metabolisms, and often aren’t taken as seriously when it comes to discipline and structure.

But here’s the thing: once you understand why it’s difficult, you can make serious progress.

This article breaks it down. We’ll walk you through what makes dachshunds so tricky to train, the behavioral patterns behind it, and what you can do to shift the odds in your favor — whether you’re starting fresh or trying to course-correct.

If you’ve ever found yourself pleading with your dachshund mid-accident, you’re not alone. These little dogs have a reputation for being one of the more “opinionated” breeds — and when it comes to toilet training, that independence can feel like your worst enemy.

So why exactly are dachshunds so tough to housebreak? Let’s break it down.

Dachshunds were bred to hunt independently, which means they’re wired to think for themselves. Unlike breeds that thrive on praise and direction, dachshunds are more likely to ask, “What’s in it for me?”

This independence is a double-edged sword. It makes them bold and clever — but also stubborn and easily distracted. Unless they see a clear reason to follow your lead, they’ll often do their own thing.

As trainer and author Stanley Coren explains in his book The Intelligence of Dogs, dachshunds rank #49 out of 138 breeds in working and obedience intelligence. They’re smart, but not always compliant — especially if they don’t trust the system (or you haven’t built one yet).

Miniature dachshunds, in particular, have very small bladders. This means:

• They physically can’t “hold it” for long.
• You’ll need to offer more frequent toilet breaks than you would for a larger breed.
• Accidents happen fast — sometimes just minutes after a walk.
  
  

If your training schedule isn’t airtight, you’ll always be one step behind. Structure and timing are everything.

Living in a multi-surface home? Moving pee pads around? Switching between indoor and outdoor toileting too often? All of this can send mixed signals.

Dachshunds thrive on routine and predictability. If you’re not consistent — with timing, location, praise, and consequences — you’ll confuse your dog (and frustrate yourself).

4. Owners Often Underestimate the Challenge

Many new owners — ourselves included — assumed Harvey would just “figure it out” after a few backyard trips. But without a clear routine and immediate praise (or redirection), dachshunds don’t make the connection. They need structure, not guesswork.

We’ve spoken to dozens of owners who shared the same regrets: “I didn’t start early enough.” “I gave too much freedom too soon.” “I thought he was trained — and then he regressed.”

Sound familiar?

If you try to train a dachshund like a labrador, you’re setting yourself up for a standoff. These dogs aren’t disobedient — they’re just wired differently. Once you understand what motivates them (and what doesn’t), everything starts to click.

Here’s how to tailor your approach:

Dachshunds respond best when they feel like they’re winning. Forget stern commands — what works is reward-based training. Use high-value treats (think chicken or liver, not plain kibble), excited praise, or even a short play session after a successful toilet trip.

Tip: The reward needs to come immediately after the act. If you praise them when they’re already walking away, they won’t connect the dots.

They might seem like they’re ignoring you — but dachshunds thrive on routine. Set specific times for feeding, play, and toilet breaks. A pup who knows what’s expected (and when) is much less likely to “forget” where to go.

A predictable schedule reinforces two things:

• You’re in charge of the structure (not chaos)
• They’ll get a chance to go before accidents happen
   

Freedom too soon leads to confusion. In our Cronulla unit, Caitlin and I kept Harvey gated to the kitchen and hallway in those early weeks — anywhere with wipeable floors and no rugs in sight. Once he got the hang of toileting in the right place, we slowly gave him more access.

This principle of “earn your space” works wonders with dachshunds.

Some dogs whine or bark when they need to go. Dachshunds? Not always. Harvey’s cue was subtle: a quick sniff-and-spin routine near the door. Miss that moment, and you’d be reaching for the paper towels.

The takeaway? Stay present. Learn their patterns. Potty training isn’t just about them learning — it’s about you observing.

As canine behaviorist Dr. Stanley Coren notes in The Intelligence of Dogs, dachshunds rank high in instinctive intelligence, but not necessarily in obedience-based learning. That’s not a flaw — it just means your approach should emphasize consistency, observation, and positive motivation.
Read more about canine intelligence

Even with the best routine in the world, accidents are going to happen. Toilet training a dachshund isn’t linear — it’s a bit like surfing down at Wanda Beach: you’ll have solid runs, then suddenly wipe out without warning. And just like surfing, you need to stay calm, reset, and try again.

Mini dachshunds in particular — thanks to their tiny bladders and selective focus — are prone to regression, especially during teething, growth spurts, changes in routine, or even wet weather (you’ll be amazed at how dramatic they can get when the grass is damp).

Here’s how to handle the mess without turning it into a meltdown:

It’s tempting, especially when you step in something warm with your socks on. But yelling, punishing, or rubbing their nose in it doesn’t teach anything — it only makes your dachshund anxious or sneaky. According to the RSPCA, punishment after the fact doesn’t help with house training and can actually make it worse.
Source: RSPCA Toilet Training Advice

They live in the moment. If you didn’t catch them mid-squat, the moment is gone.

Dachshunds have an excellent sense of smell — if you don’t thoroughly clean up an accident, they’ll return to the same spot. Avoid ammonia-based cleaners (which smell like urine to dogs) and use an enzymatic cleaner designed for pet messes. We recommend Nature’s Miracle Stain & Odor Remover or similar.

Patterns tell a story. Is it always around the same time of day? After play? During Zoom calls? Start noting it down. When Caitlin and I kept a little toilet log for Harvey during those first few months in Cronulla, we started noticing patterns we’d never seen before — including his tendency to get “excited pees” whenever someone visited between 4 and 6 pm.

Once you see the trend, you can start pre-empting the accident.

If the accidents start piling up, it’s okay to go back a few steps. Shrink their roaming area. Increase toilet trips. Treat them like it’s day one — it’s not a failure, it’s reinforcement.

It’s much better to take two steps back for long-term success than to push forward on shaky foundations.

Caught them mid-squat and guided them to the right place? That’s a win. Went a full day without an accident? Huge. Dachshunds thrive on energy — if you make a big deal (in a good way) about the right behavior, they’re far more likely to repeat it.

We used to throw a full-on party for Harvey when he toileted outside — and yes, the neighbours probably thought we were weird. But he got the message.

Every dachshund owner hits a moment — usually standing over a fresh puddle on the hallway rug — where they ask, “Is this normal? Or is something seriously wrong?” First things first: take a breath. You’re not failing. Dachshunds are infamously slow to house train, and hiccups are common.

I still remember sitting outside Blackwood Pantry in Cronulla one morning, takeaway coffee in hand, scrolling through every dog forum I could find while Caitlin texted me another accident update from home. We’d been trying everything — routines, praise, timed breaks — but Harvey still wasn’t getting it. That moment over coffee was our turning point: we realised it was okay to ask for help.

If you’ve established a predictable routine — same feeding times, regular toilet breaks, positive reinforcement — and still haven’t seen reliable success after a month, something may be off. It could be a mismatch in communication, the setup, or even an underlying behavioural or medical issue.

Had a week of clean floors, then suddenly you’re back to square one? Regressions happen — especially with changes like visitors, travel, weather shifts, or even construction noise nearby. But if your dachshund is regularly regressing without a clear trigger, it’s worth ruling out infections (like a UTI), stress responses, or developmental quirks.

Toilet training isn’t just hard on your puppy — it can be emotionally draining for you. If it’s causing household tension or you’re starting to feel defeated, getting tailored advice from a qualified dog trainer can make a world of difference. The best ones support both ends of the leash — dog and human.

This goes against most dogs’ instincts, so it’s a big red flag. Ask:

• Is the crate too large?
• Are they being left too long?
• Could they have a medical issue?
  
  

A vet check is always the first step in cases like this.

Whether you’re based in Australia, the UK, or the US, here are some expert-backed places to find advice, reassurance, or local training support:

• RSPCA Australia – Toilet Training
  
• Delta Institute Trainer Directory – Certified force-free trainers across the country
  

• PDSA Puppy Toilet Training – Clear advice from a UK animal charity
• IMDT – Find a Trainer – Institute of Modern Dog Trainers (force-free, certified)
  

• American Kennel Club – House Training Basics
  
• IAABC Trainer Search – Certified behaviour professionals across the U.S.

Need more help navigating the joys (and frustrations) of toilet training your dachshund? Dive deeper with these related guides:

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Explore the mindset behind the stubborn streak. This one’s for anyone who’s ever asked, “Why won’t they just go outside?!”

A one-stop spot for all things toilet training — tips, tools, product recs, and strategies that actually work. Bookmark it now so you’re not scrambling later.

Authored by

James

James is the founder of Dachshund Lovers and the proud human of Harvey, a mini dapple with a big personality. He writes to empower and connect the dachshund community, blending founder insights with honest, experience-based stories about life with this incredible and special breed. James brings candid, experience-backed opinions to the community and always focused on fewer, better products and ideas that genuinely improve life for dachshunds and their people.

James is the founder of Dachshund Lovers and the proud human of Harvey, a mini dapple with a big personality. He writes to empower and connect the dachshund community, blending founder insights with honest, experience-based stories about life with this incredible and special breed. James brings candid, experience-backed opinions to the community and always focused on fewer, better products and ideas that genuinely improve life for dachshunds and their people.