subject: How to Stop Dachsund Puppy Biting [print this page] Dachshunds are an old German dog breed, bred to pursue badgers. They needed to be able to work alone, be brave and intelligent so they could chase down and kill their prey. These characteristics can still be seen today in Dachshunds, showing themselves in behaviors including barking and biting. They can rapidly become problematic if Dachshunds are not well taught as puppies. The first time you see any sort of dominance or aggression in your Dachshund puppy, especially biting, must take action.
Often owners will express amusement at their Dachshund puppy biting them, thinking it is amusing or endearing. What they don't realize is that these small nips are shows of dominance that can grow to outright aggression later on in life. The final consequence is that dogs end up being taken to a shelter or, even worse, being put to sleep.
Start Young
Before you adopt a Dachshund puppy go and look at a few litters. Note how the puppies play and test out behaviors with, and get feedback from, each other. With puppy biting watch how if one puppy nips another, the one who was nipped will most likely bite back. This lets the first puppy know that biting is not acceptable and, after a few repetitions, the behavior stops and the puppy understands not to bite.
After you bring your Dachshund puppy home you have to be constant and not let the biting restart. The initial occasion you notice your Dachshund puppy biting you must take action and begin training. In young puppies the biting you glimpse is still play biting, testing out behaviors to glimpse which are reasonable and which are not. Never hit any Dachshund, especially not a young puppy. They are still in their socialization and learning stage and will not recognize what has happened. Striking Dachshund puppies will just startle them and might result in further behavioral issues later in life.
The best technique to stop Dachshund puppy biting is to provide unambiguous, straightforward guidance and be consistent. Use positive training techniques. Reward progress and behaviors you desire, and be certain that everybody involved with your Dachshund is on the same page and not providing mixed messages. Think about your daily interactions with your Dachshund puppy. If you have an issue with Dachshund puppy biting then you may want to stop any games of tug. Dachshunds still have a hunting urge and can be rather ferocious when grabbing and pulling on a tug toy.
Stopping a Dachsund Puppy from Biting
When your Dachshund puppy nips you is your first thought to hit them? If so, think again, this is not the right action to take. The best thing to do is to demonstrate to them biting is not all right. Say "No" in a firm tone, or make a loud yelp (this is an effective way to interrupt biting as it mimics the sound that another puppy would make when bitten). Give them one of their own toys to play with, praising them when they start to chew it.
If you are consistent with this approach you will soon observe that your Dachshund puppy stops biting you, only chewing on their toys. You can use this method with any dog of any age, however it may take longer before you see results if your Dachsund is older.
If your Dachsund is more aggressive than just giving the odd nip or gentle bite you have to go to puppy or dog training classes or get the advice of a veterinary behaviorist. Training programs offer an environment where your Dachshund can be well socialized with new dogs and people, and where your Dachshund puppy biting problem can be addressed by a professional. As a responsible Dachshund owner you need to provide for the physical and mental wellbeing of your Dachsund. This involves training them and addressing any problems that arise before they become severe.
