Dachshunds are harder to potty train than average, and it usually takes longer
Dachshunds have a reputation for being stubborn during potty training, and that reputation is earned. They are intelligent dogs, but they have a strong independent streak and a low tolerance for repetition. A Labrador or Golden Retriever often catches on in 4 to 6 months; dachshunds commonly take 6 to 12 months, and some take longer. The difference is not that they cannot learn—it is that they decide whether they want to comply.
This matters because potty training a dachshund requires consistency, patience, and a willingness to manage your expectations. If you expect your dachshund to be housetrained by 4 months, you will be frustrated. If you plan for 8 to 12 months and stay consistent, you have a realistic shot at success.
Key Takeaways
- Dachshunds are bred to work independently underground, which makes them less motivated by pleasing their owner than breeds like Labs or Goldens.
- Small bladder size means dachshunds need to go out more often than larger dogs, so a rigid schedule is essential for success.
- Crate training works better than punishment for dachshunds, because they naturally avoid soiling their sleeping space and will hold it longer in a confined area.
- Setbacks are normal and do not mean your dachshund is not learning—consistency over months, not weeks, is what breaks through their stubbornness.
Why dachshund temperament makes potty training harder
Dachshunds were originally bred to hunt badgers and other burrowing animals alone, without constant direction from a handler. That breeding created a dog that thinks for itself and does not automatically defer to human authority. When a dachshund decides the backyard is boring or the timing is inconvenient, it will hold its bladder and go inside later on its own terms.
This is different from breeds like Spaniels or Poodles, which were bred to work closely with humans and are naturally motivated to please. A Spaniel potty trains faster partly because it wants your approval. A dachshund will potty train when it understands the routine and sees a reason to follow it—not because it wants to make you happy.
The stubbornness also means that punishment or anger during accidents makes things worse, not better. A dachshund that feels scolded will often hide to go to the bathroom, making the problem harder to solve. Consistency and routine work; frustration does not.
Small size means frequent bathroom breaks are non-negotiable
A dachshund's small bladder fills faster than a larger dog's, so the frequency of outdoor breaks directly affects how long potty training takes. A puppy under 4 months old may need to go out every 2 to 3 hours. An adult dachshund typically needs 4 to 5 breaks per day, and some need 6. If you cannot commit to that schedule, accidents will happen regardless of how smart your dog is.
This is where many dachshund owners run into trouble. They assume that once a dog is 6 months old, it should be able to hold it for 8 hours. A dachshund often cannot, or will not. If you work a full day and cannot arrange a midday break or dog walker, you are fighting against your dog's biology and temperament at the same time.
The solution is not to punish the dog for accidents—it is to build a schedule that works for your household. If you can do 5 breaks a day, potty training moves faster. If you can only do 3, expect the process to take longer and setbacks to happen more often.
Crate training is more effective than other methods for dachshunds
Dachshunds naturally avoid soiling their sleeping space, which makes crate training the most reliable method for this breed. A properly sized crate (large enough to stand and turn around, but not so large the dog can potty in one corner and sleep in another) teaches the dog to hold its bladder because the alternative is uncomfortable.
The crate should never be used as punishment. It is a tool that works with the dog's instinct, not against it. When your dachshund is in the crate, it will hold its bladder longer than it would in an open room. When you let it out, take it directly outside. If it goes, reward it when ready with praise or a small treat. If it does not go within 10 minutes, bring it back inside and try again in 30 minutes.
This method works because it removes the dachshund's choice to go inside. Over time, the dog learns that outside is where bathroom breaks happen. Crate training typically shortens the overall timeline by 2 to 4 months compared to methods that rely on constant supervision alone.
Setbacks are normal and do not mean your dachshund is failing
Most dachshunds have accidents well into their first year, and some have occasional accidents into their second year. This does not mean the dog is not learning or that your method is wrong. It means the dog is still deciding whether to comply, or that something in the routine changed.
Common triggers for setbacks include a change in schedule, a new person in the house, a move to a new home, or even a change in the weather. Dachshunds are sensitive to routine disruption. When a setback happens, go back to the basics: more frequent outdoor breaks, stricter crate use, and no punishment for accidents. The dog will settle back into the routine.
Punishment for accidents—rubbing the dog's nose in it, yelling, or confining the dog to a small space—teaches the dog to hide to go to the bathroom, not to go outside. If your dachshund starts having accidents in hidden corners of the house, it is usually because it has learned that going in front of you results in anger.
What to do if your dachshund is still having accidents after a year
If your dachshund is over a year old and still having frequent accidents despite a consistent routine and crate training, talk to a veterinarian first. Urinary tract infections, incontinence, and other medical issues are more common in small breeds and can look like potty training failure.
If the veterinarian rules out medical problems, the issue is behavioral. At that point, a professional dog trainer who has experience with stubborn breeds can help you identify what is triggering the accidents and adjust your routine. Some dachshunds respond to a change in reward (a different treat, a play session instead of praise) or a change in timing (going out at different times of day).
Do not assume your dachshund cannot be housetrained. It can. But it will train on its own timeline, not yours, and that timeline is usually longer than you expect.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old should a dachshund be before it can hold its bladder overnight?
Most dachshunds can hold it through the night (8 to 10 hours) by 4 to 6 months old, but some take longer. A good rule is that a puppy can hold its bladder for about one hour per month of age, plus one. A 3-month-old dachshund can typically hold it for 4 hours; a 6-month-old for 7 hours. Individual dogs vary, so watch your own dog's pattern.
Should I use puppy pads or go straight to outdoor training?
Puppy pads often confuse dachshunds because they teach the dog that it is okay to go to the bathroom inside the house—just on a specific surface. Most trainers recommend skipping pads and going straight to outdoor training with crate training in between. If you must use pads, use them only as a temporary bridge while you are away, and transition away from them as soon as your schedule allows.
Why does my dachshund go outside and then come back in and have an accident?
This usually means your dachshund did not actually go to the bathroom outside, or went partially and held the rest. Dachshunds are easily distracted and will come back inside if they decide the backyard is boring. Stay outside with your dog, keep it focused on the task, and wait longer before coming back in. Some owners find that a leash keeps the dog from wandering and helps it concentrate.
Can adult dachshunds be housetrained if they were not as puppies?
Yes, but it takes longer—often 6 months to a year or more. The process is the same: crate training, frequent outdoor breaks, and consistency. Adult dachshunds are set in their habits, so patience is essential. A professional trainer can help speed the process, but there are no shortcuts.