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Do you want to know how to train your Dachshund puppy not to bark?

You might if your puppy is disturbing the neighbors or keeping you up with their excessive barking.

Fortunately, I’ve got your back with these 9 Dachshund puppy training tips.

Just keep on reading.

8 Brilliant Tips on How to Train a Dachshund Puppy Not to Bark

When you hear a Dachshund bark for the first time, you find it hard to believe such a tiny dog can produce these sounds.

Despite their appearance, Dachshunds have a deep bark that makes you think of a big, scary dog.

Dachshunds might look comically, but their long bodies and short legs are made to dig tunnels and chase badgers.

Since they’re hunting dogs, it’s not surprising that they love to use their voice as much as possible.

They’re not one of those small dogs that rarely utter a sound.

Fortunately, you can train them to be quiet if you’re persistent and patient. Let’s see how you can achieve this miracle.

#1 Understand Why Dachshunds Bark

Your first step in training your Dachshund not to bark is to figure out why your puppy is barking.

Then you can work on getting your Dachshund to be quiet on command.

As I already mentioned, Dachshunds are hunting dogs, and they instinctively bark to alert their owners of a potential threat or possible prey.

Stray animals, people passing near the window, or small bugs can all make your Dachshund bark crazily.

Barking might also mean that your Dachshund feels neglected.

You might have forgotten to feed them or take them to their potty spot. In these cases, the bark means “Look at me! I want more attention!”

Boredom, fear, and frustration can also make your Dachshund bark.

Remember that Dachshunds have better sense than us and can hear and smell things that humans can’t.

But Dachshunds also love the sound of their voice and might bark because it makes them happy.

#2 Don’t Encourage Barking

When puppies bark, owners start fuss around their puppy and try to get them to be quiet with toys and treats.

That’s one of the biggest mistakes you can ever make.

Such a strategy might work for a short period, but your Dachshund puppy will learn that all they have to do to get food and attention is to bark.

So, your Dachshund will continue to do it whenever they feel lonely, hungry, or bored.

Furthermore, Dachshunds can be relentless when they want something, so you don’t want to encourage them to stop barking with treats.

You won’t be able to shut them up afterward.

Instead, you should ignore your Dachshund’s barking and let them calm down without intervention.

Pay attention to your Dachshund puppy and reward them only when they’re calm.

#3 Manage the Surroundings

If your Dachshund puppy barks when you leave them alone, they’re probably scared or bored.

While you can’t stay at home forever to keep your puppy company, you can turn on the TV or the radio.

Familiar sounds can calm your Dachshund puppy and reduce their barking.

You can also put blinds on the windows to block your Dachshund puppy’s view of the street.

They will be less likely to bark at something if they can’t see it or get agitated by passers-by or stray animals.

#4 Teach Your Dachshund to be Quiet

To train your Dachshund not to bark, you have to teach them how to speak or sing on command first. It’s easy as long as you use a lot of positive reinforcement:

• Choose a command word, for example, “Speak” or “Sing” and get plenty of high-value treats.
• Say “Speak” when you notice that your Dachshund puppy is about to bark.
• Stick a training treat under your Dachshund nose and give it to them as a reward.
• Keep practicing until you Dachshund starts barking the moment they hear the word “speak.”

Once your Dachshund has mastered this exercise, you can move on teaching them to be quiet on command.

Find a quiet room with no distraction and then:

• Say “Speak” and wait for your Dachshund to start barking.
• Stick a treat under your Dachshund’s nose and say, “Be quiet.”
• Give them a piece of food when they stop barking.
• Keep practicing until your Dachshund puppy masters the command.
• Add distractions and work on proofing the command with more training sessions.

#5 Use Desensitizing Techniques

Another way to train your Dachshund puppy not to bark is desensitizing.

To desensitize your Dachshund means that you’re going to get your Dachshund puppy used to the presence of whatever is causing the Barking:

• Place the stimulus at a distance that doesn’t make your Dachshund puppy bark.
• Give your Dachshunds treats as long as they’re calm and not barking.
• Move the trigger slowly closer to your Dachshund and keep rewarding good behavior.
• Stop giving treats if your Dachshund starts barking or the stimulus moves out of sight.

Your goal is to make your Dachshund believe that the triggers lead to good things (food) if they behave.

#6 Provide Plenty of Exercise and Attention

A tired Dachshund is less likely to bark than one full of energy and spunk.

Getting your Dachshund tired is also good for their health since these dogs love to eat and are prone to weight gain.

If your Dachshund is bored, they’re going to bark to entertain themselves or attract your attention.

While Dachshunds are somewhat lazy, they do need regular walks and a lot of attention from you.

Make sure that your Dachshund has plenty of toys to keep them company while you’re not home.

Get some food puzzles and interactive toys to satisfy your Dachshund’s puppy mental and emotional needs.

You might also think about getting some exercise equipment for your Dachshund.

#7 Socialize

Another essential aspect of training your Dachshund puppy not to bark is socialization.

Socialization aims to get your Dachshund puppy comfortable around different smells, sights, sounds, and people.

In this way, your Dachshund won’t be afraid of simple things when they encounter them.

Unfortunately, you have a very brief window of opportunity to socialize your Dachshund.

When the puppy is over three months, they’re warier of new things that curious or excited.

While it’s possible to socialize an older dog or train one, it’s never as successful as early socialization.

So, go to the dog park, take your Dachshund puppy around your neighbors, organize a socialization party, and invite people over to meet your new puppy.

The more you expose your Dachshund to the world, the less likely are they to bark at strangers when they grow up.

#8 Be Patient

Training your Dachshund puppy not to bark takes time and patience.

You’ll be tempted to shout at times when it seems that your Dachshund puppy can bark for eternity. Don’t do it.

Puppies think that you’re joining the fun and will cry twice as hard.

Instead, when the barking gets too much, you can ask your Dachshund to do something they can’t if they’re barking.

For example, to roll over. But never shout or physically discipline your Dachshund. It’s not going to work.

You can train your Dachshund puppy not to bark successfully as long as you’re committed to it.

Don’t be tempted to use shock collars or other cruel anti-barking tools. They’re not going to solve your problem.

What do you think about these 9 tips on how to train a Dachshund puppy not to bark? How did you stop your Dachshund puppy from barking? Tell us in the comment section.

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