Training a Dachsie

[juno1957]

What are some suggestions that you may have regarding training an eight month old female Dachshund? She barks at everything and everybody that moves. She is quite aggressive.

Her owner, a friend of mine, would like to keep her at work, but it is difficult to do anything other than care for her at the store. (This is a small collectible store, and the owner is a young woman trying to encourage customers to come in and check the store out).

Suggestions please?

I do think that her owner is not one to give up easily, but she is not sure what to do next, so she has begun to keep the dog, "Huggie," at home while she goes to work.

John:circle:

[Me&DappledDuo]

Well- a barking dachsie is hardly irregular in my experience! ALL the ones I've met like to "say hello" to everyone and anyone- tails wagging away. Is the dachshund in question exhibiting other aggressive behavior- growling or nipping? If so- it's probably a behaviour problem that would warrant some expereinced trainer instruction. But just a barking dachshund? Completely normal, I'm afraid!

There are many techniques to discourage barking- distraction with a spray of water, shaking a can of pennies,.... but in this case, it may just be that she needs time to get used to the situation. Perhaps a bowl of tasty treats or kibble on the counter and a "please feed the doxie!" sign would encourage people to interact with her and make her realize that they mean no harm?

A dachshund makes a GREAT watch dog- they'll bark their heads off at just about anything, if you let them. But they're hardly vicious guard dog material!

Oh, and welcome to DBB! I hope you get the help you're looking for- more suggestions will certainly be on the way! :wave:

[lotsadox]

Chrissie's right about dachshund barking. They do, a lot. There are things that you can do to keep it to a minimum. A squirt in the face with the water bottle works really well. 5 or 6 pennies in a can to shake also usually works. An obedience course would probably work wonders and the instructors can help with individual problems.

[blazeman]

Hey John,

I was just going to say pretty much what Chrissie said.

If she does go the treat/kibble on the counter... please make sure the pupper doesn't get overfed.

Has she had any obedience classes? Those do a world of good for owner and dachsie alike!

[TessieMom]

Obedience school and lots of patience. A spray bottle to get attention when she says "no bark." It is great that she is trying to take her to work, because that will help socialization. However, it may be difficult to teach manners in the work setting. Dachshunds like a schedule and consistency, and the work place may be a difficult place for that to happen. They also are very protective and she may be seeing customers as posing a threat to her mom and her territory.

Good Luck!!!

Rena and the Waco crew

[Juneysmom]

Welcome to DBB, John. I hope you will enjoy yourself on here. :waving:

As far as the barking, take Huggie to a puppy training class. Then the class after it. It will do wonders for your friend as well as for Huggie. Right now, your friend is frustrated because she doesn't know how to train her puppy. If she goes to the puppy training class, then she will learn as much or more than Huggie. Also, it will be great for Huggie, because the puppy will be socializing with not only other puppies, but with their owners.

Because I took Juney to puppy training classes, she was well socialized. She never barks at anyone that comes in. Instead, she goes right up to them and gives her sweet little girl act. :D The two older dogs had never been to puppy classes, so they bark when anyone comes in.

[FOREVER A DAXIE]

I personally use a Spray Bottle with a bit of vinegar to discourage 'inappropriate' barking. You should'nt spray them if the barking is warranted ie: someone comes to your door.

[Meemoo]

of a dachsies nature for the most part :D There are 2 things that we have found to be effective. One is a can with some pennies in it. When the barking starts..shake the can..and say NO BARK. When the barking stops, reward with praise and/or treat. THe second method is the spray bottle. Same thing...when barking starts...squirt and say NO BARK. After a while you don't need the can or spray bottle, just the words NO BARK and they understand.

Yes.. there are also appropriate barks, door bells, strange voices etc. Speaking of which, my boy barks at others who yell at us or speak to us in not a nice way. That's one bark I don't want to discourage. :D