Dachshund Barking
Dachshund barking can be a common problem. Once your dachshund is used to barking, you probably know there is only so much you can do. As a breed, dachshunds are prone to be barkers. It is too bad they couldn’t be more like the Basenji breed, the only kind of dog that does not bark.
So let’s figure out why your dachshund barking and see if there is anything we can do about it.
Cause of Dachshund Barking
Dachshunds bark for tons of different reasons to communicate all different kinds of emotions. The following are common reasons dogs bark.
- Barking to protect their territory
- Barking to raise the alarm
- Barking to try to get your attention
- Barking just to say hi
- Barking because they have a need
- Barking compulsively
- Barking due to injury or sickness
Barking becomes your dog’s form of communication. That is how they choose to express themselves. There are some techniques we can use to minimize this barking or completely stop it though.
Stop Dachshund Barking
When your dog is barking, first think about why he/she is barking. Most of the time, the barking will be excessive and can be controlled. If your dachshund barking is excessive, ask yourself these simple questions.
When does my dachshund bark?
What in particular is he/she barking at?
Are there triggers that cause my dachshund to bark?
If the dachshund barking is because it’s protecting its territory or is scared, negative reinforcement like yelling will not stop the barking. You dachshund will simply not understand why you are yelling at them.
To stop the territory disputes, it is better to take away the territorial urge from the dachshund by becoming the alpha dog of the house. This will mean that you are now in charge of protecting the territory and not the dachshund. While you are working on this, it is best not to let your dachshund see threats to his territory by closing windows and drawing the blinds. This will keep them from barking at every person who walks by on the street.
Dachshund Barking Due to Anxiety
If your dog has anxiety issues, then the barking could be a symptom of that anxiety. If you leave, the dachshund will try to find you by barking constantly until you return. This can be caused because you reward your dachshund whenever you return to the house by giving him treats and physical attention. Instead of rewarding them right when you get home, it is better to wait 10 or 15 minutes before paying them attention. This will stop your dachshund from associating your return with treats and attention.
Finally, the best way to stop your dog from barking might not be to completely stop them. Instead, try to teach your dog to bark and then be quiet. You can do this by teaching them a command that lets them bark one time and then stop. Reinforce this type of behavior so that your dog will still be able to bark in times of need, like an intruder in the house, but the barking will not be excessive.
Your dachshund barking problem doesn’t have to destroy your roommate/neighbors relationship. If you can learn to control your dachshund, you will be able to quiet all that noise.
Stop your dachshund from barking, click here!
Tags: Dachshund, Dachshund Barking