If you are thinking of bringing a dog into your life, barking is one of the main factors to consider. That is why you might be wondering, – Do dachshunds bark a lot? The answer is yes, – dachshund is a hound dog which is known as a notorious barker.
Although there are undoubtedly appropriate situations when dachshund is well within the right to bark, constant barking is definitely not a norm. Therefore, it pays to take a closer look at your dachshund’s environment and discover why this behavior reoccurs, before attempting a solution.
In this article, we will discuss the causes of dachshund barking, as well as what to do if your dachshund barks a lot.
Do Dachshunds Bark a Lot?
Although the amount of howling can depend on the individual dog, barking is perhaps one of the traits that many Weiner dog owners have to deal with. Dachshunds were initially bred to hunt – which means they were also encouraged to bark to alert hunters of their pray.
Dachshund may be one of the smallest breeds of the dog world, but its bark is undoubtedly noteworthy! It is quite profound and low pitched, sometimes resembling the bark of the much bigger dog.
Dachshunds or any other dogs who don’t feel safe or secure, or who aren’t trained correctly from the early stages of life, are more likely to bark continuously. And, there is a big noticeable difference between typical yapping and irritating continuous barking.
Generally, if you train your dachshund as soon as you bring him into your home at the puppy stage and provide him a safe and secure environment, you shouldn’t experience problematic barking.
Why do Dachshunds Bark a Lot?
Dachshunds tend to bark for a reason – however, this reason isn’t always apparent to their owners. As concerns an over-excited dachshund, many things can trigger a sudden yelling. They can include unfamiliar people, sudden noise, other dogs, or merely the anxious state of mind.
As with any other dog breed, a dachshund that barks too much, displays excessive or anxious barking, or seems to be set off at the slightest thing, may need special attention and training.
The problems arise when your dachshund
Causes of Dachshund Barking and How to Stop It
Before we look at the common aspects of barking, it’s worth highlighting that shouting at your dachshund is never the appropriate way to address or correct any dog
There are several situations in which you may find your dachshund respond vocally. In this article, we discuss the most common causes of barking amongst not just dachshunds but also other dog breeds. We also offer tips on how to effectively handle such situations.
Dachshund Barking at Strangers
Initially, you may feel safer knowing that your dachshund barks at strangers, as the way to protect you. Undoudtfully, the dachshund is a breed that will defend its owner no matter what the cost. However, if your dachshund barks at any stranger he encounters, it is indeed a problem requiring behavioral correction.
In this situation, you need to employ a technique whereby you use a command each time your dachshund begins to bark for any unnecessary reason at a stranger.
Continue to do this each time your dachshund barks unnecessarily at
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Dachshund Barking at Night
Unfortunately, few dachshunds like to make themselves heard when everybody else is asleep. Some owners believe their four-legged friends are alerting them to intruders. Yet, it might not necessarily be true. It’s important to remember that all dogs have a fantastic hearing; meaning some will bark at the slightest sound.
Many Weiner dog owners are puzzled why their dachshund persists barking throughout the night without the apparent reason. The cause may be surprisingly simple – loneliness or boredom.
Barking Due to Boredom
Barking at night due to boredom is common in less active dachshunds. It is a way for your dachshund to entertain itself. Additionally, it gets your attention as you walk into the room to see what’s bothering your pet.
Regular walks during the day can usually solve boredom, as well as engaging your
The main goal is to reduce your dachshund energy by the evening, ensuring it gets enough physical activity throughout the day. This way, it is more likely to be tired by the night-time and sleep through the night without feeling the urge for persistent barking.
Barking Due to Loneliness
Loneliness can occur in any dachshund type, especially when considering that weiner dogs are predominantly social animals! Therefore they may start to feel lonely and uncomfortable at night. For many dogs, just like humans, the night-time can often be a bit frightening. Your dachshund will then express their fear vocally by barking. This yapping, they believe, will hopefully gain your attention.
Barking due to loneliness may be a little hard to combat. You can apply the technique by tiring your dachshund out and ensuring it gets an excellent level of exercise before the night. This way, your pet will be more inclined to sleep. Until the barking subsides, think about upping the amount of activity, as well as using more mental stimulation to exercise your dog’s mind.
Try to keep to the same routine each night, where possible, so your Weiner gets to know what’s coming next. However, don’t be tempted to keep getting up and check on your dachshund every time he barks at night. Your doxie then will quickly realize that he can gain your attention each time he barks – a painful cycle to break!
Dachshund Barking at Other Dogs
Naturally, dogs are curious when they see other canines, and dachshunds are no exception. However, the ideal way of introducing your dachshund to another dog is to do it gradually. If your dachshund tends to bark at dogs he meets along the way, it usually serves as a warning sign. It shows other dogs that your pet does not want them invading his space.
However, if your dog barks ar every dog along the way, it can become nearly impossible to take him out safely at the public places. Therefore, this barking behavior needs a correction straight away. Fortunately, this behavioral pattern is easy to change, although it will require consistency from your part. Also, remember not to shout or yell at your dog as you try to correct his behavior.
Firstly, keep the lead loose. Tightening the lead will show your anxiety or uncertainty. Remember, your pet can easily pick up your emotions. Secondly, examine your dachshund’s body language when he reacts to other dogs. If you feel that he is about to snap at another dog, divert his attention immediately using toys or treats. All the while, keep the lead loose, relax your entire body, and continue to hold the dog’s attention, keeping your dachshund close to your side until you pass the other dog.
After introducing this technique, you can, with time, reduce the number of treats you offer each time. Instead, simply keep your dog’s attention on you. After a while, the barking at other dogs should naturally cease.
Do Dachshunds Bark a Lot? Puppy Barking
Dachshund puppies are easier to deal with than adult dogs when it comes to barking. If you find that your young pup starts to bark for no relevant reason and you can see it developing into a habit, you should take measures straight away.
The best solution is puppy training. You can start it when your doxie is as young as eight weeks of age. Though advanced training is more effective around the six-month mark, at eight weeks on, you can start to implement basic commands.
At the puppy stage, distraction is key and the most effective technique. As an example, each time your dachshund puppy shows signs of barking, distract them immediately with a toy. Certainly, treats can be used as a distraction/reward as well.
Dachshund Separation Anxiety Barking
As has been noted, the dachshund is a sociable breed; they love being close to their owners. As a result, some dachshunds will from time to time, express a form of separation anxiety, barking when they’re being left alone.
A dachshund may initially show the signs of anxiety such as whining, which, when left unchecked, can progress to full-on barking. Separation anxiety isn’t a pleasant experience for either dog or owner and needs addressing at the earliest stage.
Some people decide to get another dog to keep their dachshund company while they away. It is one of the most effective ways to manage your dachshund separation anxiety. In case it isn’t a practical solution for you, think about reducing the time your dachshund is left alone. For instance, get someone to check on your dachshund for an hour or two. Alternatively, drop your dachshund off with someone to look after him while you’re out.
If separation anxiety barking takes place at night, bringing your doxie’s crate or bedding near to your bed might be helpful. Considering that your dachshund loves being with you at any given time, this should be enough of a solution to stop barking from reoccurring.
If you want to find out about other training techniques that can stop your dachshund from barking, read our article about Dachshund Training Tips.