Are Dachshunds Hard to Toilet Train? Tips for Successful House Training

From their cheeky personalities to their sausage-shaped adorability, there's lots to love about Dachshunds. But if you're wondering, “are Dachshunds hard to toilet train?” — you're not alone. Many new pet parents find house training Dachshunds takes a bit more time and patience than with other breeds. At Petdirect, we get it — and we’re here to help make your pup’s potty training journey as stress-free as possible, for both of you.

Why Are Dachshunds Harder To Toilet Train?

Dachshunds are brilliant little pups, but they’re also famously stubborn. Combine that with their teeny-tiny bladders, especially in puppies, and you've got a recipe for a few wee accidents on the carpet. Add in their strong hunting instincts, which can make them easily distracted when outside, and it’s no surprise that toilet training Dachshunds often takes a little longer.

That’s not to say it’s impossible — not at all! It just means that training needs to be extra consistent, positive and patient. And a few helpful tools and treats don’t hurt, either.

How Long Does It Take To Toilet Train A Dachshund?

Every dog is unique, but as a general guide, expect it to take a few weeks to a few months to fully house train your Dachshund. Dachshund puppies may take longer than other breeds to master their toilet manners, so don’t be discouraged if progress feels slow at times.

The good news is that with the right approach and consistent routine, your clever little sausage will get there. In fact, with a puppy toilet training kit that suits your space and your pup’s personality, success is right around the corner (or backyard).

Top Tips To Successfully Toilet Train A Dachshund

• Stick to a schedule: Take your pup out first thing in the morning, after meals, naps and before bedtime.
• Choose one toilet spot: This builds routine and reduces confusion. Be patient if they just want to sniff.
• Reward immediately: Positive reinforcement is key. Keep a few training treats on hand to praise success right away.
• Clean up thoroughly: Accidents happen. Use dog odour-removing sprays to remove all traces of scent, so your pup isn’t tempted to go again in the same spot.
• Try indoor pads (especially in winter): If you’re city living or find weather slows your outdoor training, puppy pads can help.

Consistency is the name of the game. Celebrate the wins and don’t sweat the setbacks — your Dachshund will get the hang of it with your loving guidance.

Useful Toilet Training Tools For Dachshund Puppies

Lucky for you, Petdirect has a bundle of handy helpers to make toilet training smoother:

• Training pads – great for teaching indoor toileting or as a backup for rainy days
• Soft treats – perfect rewards for good toilet habits
• Stain and odour removers – essential for cleaning up messes
• Calming aids – helpful for anxious pups who may struggle with routine changes
• Full toilet training collection – everything you need in one paw-some place

What Not To Do During Toilet Training

Sometimes what you don’t do is just as important as what you do:

• Don’t punish accidents: It can confuse or frighten your dog. Instead, calmly clean it and carry on.
• Don’t use ammonia-based cleaners: These can smell like urine to dogs and may encourage repeat offences.
• Don’t delay going outside: If your pup shows signs like circling or sniffing, act fast!

Remember — your Dachshund isn’t being naughty, they’re learning. And with your support and patience, they’ll be a toilet champ in no time.

Support From A Brand That Gets It

At Petdirect, We Get Pet. That means we understand every wag, woof and whoops moment that comes with raising a pup. Whether you're shopping for puppy starter packs, clean-up essentials or simply looking for some expert advice, we're here whenever you need a helping paw.

Yes, They’re A Bit Stubborn – But Totally Worth It!

So, are Dachshunds hard to toilet train? Sometimes, yes. But with patience, understanding and the right pet parent toolkit, your sausage pup can be successfully house-trained just like any other breed. Set realistic expectations, be consistent, and reward the little wins along the way.

Need help picking the right toilet training gear or dachshund-friendly treats? Explore our wide range of puppy training essentials and top rated picks — and let Petdirect support you on every step of the journey.

Bonus: Join our Pet Perks loyalty programme and earn rewards with every purchase. And don’t forget you can earn Airpoints™ too!