As a Reputable Dachshund Breeder, one of our most important jobs is to ensure a wonderful relationship between you and your new Dachshund Puppy. One of the best ways to do this is to teach you both a little about Housebreaking! These are some of our thoughts, favorite resources and articles on Crate Training a Dachshund. I can't tell you enough about the importance of crate training your new Dachshund Puppy or Adult. I recommend that you take the time to click on these links and learn everything you need to know about Crate training before you bring your new Dachshund puppy or adult home. We have used Crate Training here at Ponderosa Pups for years and are great fans of the teaching method! Remember, don't use it as a punishment. This is their new "home" at home. Or, as I explain to kids, their bedroom. Dachshunds, in particular, are very responsive to Crate Training. They really are pack animals and they relish in the safety and security of their new Crate. You can learn more about Dachshunds and what makes them tick by reading our Dachshund History. I think it's best to fully understand the breed before you try to live with one of them. Above all, be patient! You can't expect them to magically become house broken on their own! Tips for Crate Training DachshundsTraining tips that I share with my customers that are not mentioned in these articles... Keep in mind, your dachshund is a master manipulator. If you aren't careful, he/she will con you into giving up!Be firm and keep a schedule when housebreaking. You can do this! *This is going to take some time. Do not expect your new Dachshund Puppy or adult to be completely housebroken in the first few days or weeks! That's simply impossible. *Have everyone in the house use the same key phrase when training the puppy. "Let's go pee-pee" "Let's go potty" whatever you are most comfortable with! *Dachshunds are emotional animals and you should use that to your advantage! When he makes you happy, let him know it! PRAISE PRAISE PRAISE *DO NOT make the mistake of coming into the room, finding a "mess" and going to find your new puppy to punish him. If you don't see them do it..it doesn't count! *If you do catch your new baby pottying in the house, just pick him up and carry him outside using the key phrase so he learns to associate the two together. Don't overreact. He doesn't need punishment, he needs guidance! Going to the potty has been allowed his whole little life, you just need to teach him that you would prefer that he use the potty outside. There really is a lot to be said for going out the same door and taking the puppy to the same spot in the yard while you are housebreaking! It's VERY helpful! *All puppies are not created equally! What worked for the last puppy you owned may not work for this puppy at all. Take your time and find out what he responds to. *One of the major mistakes we find that people make with their new puppy is hurrying them while they are outside, waiting for them to potty, grabbing them up..taking them back in the house for a nice treat. Now, I know you meant well..and you need to be at work in 30 minutes! However, all you did was teach the puppy that he has to hold it while you're outside next time so he can spend more time with you...and that if you go back in the house you get a treat! Be prepared. You are going to need some extra time in the morning to spend with your puppy. Set your clock a little earlier than usual. And, when he goes potty.. praise and treats need to be handed out immediately! They are babies after all, their attention span is pretty short. * No offense, folks..but if you call me to tell me that your new puppy ate your favorite shoe.. it's your own fault! LOL Don't leave that baby unattended! *Keep in mind that the techniques on these pages are not to be applied to a very young puppy. A very young puppy will need to eat every few hours and have fresh water at hand at all times. If you can't come home in the middle of the day to feed, water and take your puppy outside to potty, we recommend that you block off a small part of your bathroom, kitchen or laundry room at first. Place the crate there, newspaper or potty pads and food and water. These little Dachshunds are going to be with you for a very long time, so be patient in the beginning. A small puppy will need to potty every couple of hours. As they mature, they will be able to "hold it" longer and then you can begin your crate training like a pro! After you click on one of the links you can click on the "BACK" or "previous" Button on your tool bar to come back to Ponderosa Dachshunds! Crate Training Tips "would I rather return home to find a mess and scold my dog, or would I rather return home and let my dog out of his crate, greet and play with him? The benefits to crate training are many, but the most important one is that it can prevent unwanted behaviors from developing like destructive chewing for example. Your cute, cuddly companion can't shred your clothes and furniture to bits when it is in a crate. Dog Training tips for housebreaking your dog "Dogs need proper training and direction. Most problems with dogs can be prevented if proper direction is taken from the beginning. Invest a little of your time now and and it will result in a lifetime of enjoyment for you and your canine companion. Crate training adult Dachshunds IT'S NEVER TOO LATE TO START! Crate-Training for Adult Dogs Tools for Dachshund Crate TrainingWe use Revival Animal Health for a wide variety of things. They are very friendly, helpful and they're fast shippers, too! We really like the wire dog crates because it allows your Dachshund a full view of his surroundings. Although, you would want to cover the crate at night to encourage sleeping habits and a sense of security during their "alone time". Check with friends and family, they may have one you could borrow or have. However, if you are looking for a place to buy a wire dog crate. Try Here http://www.revivalanimal.com/store/p/3126-Midwest-iCrate-Single-Door-Pet-Home.aspx Plastic Crates or Pet Taxi's work great, too! They really are a great little "den" Check with friends and family, they may have one you can borrow or have! Craigslist.com is awesome for second hand things from your local area. Just remember to thouroughly clean them before you use them. Or try these.. I really like them. http://www.revivalanimal.com/store/p/1669-Kennel-Cab-for-Pampered-Pets.aspx Need an Excersize Pen to make your new puppy a play area in your house? (Remember that child gates work great, too!) Yard sales are a great source for anything baby related! Try these http://www.revivalanimal.com/dog-supplies/cages-crates-kennels/pens-and-exercise-pens.htm Potty Pads are GREAT for housebreaking your new puppy, especially in the winter when it's a little harder to spend a lot of time outside. We've found that you can train a puppy to use the pad in the house then move it closer and closer to the door until you finally remove it. The pet will go to the door (where the pad used to be) every time he needs to potty. However, keep in mind that timing, schedule and real work are always best in house training your new puppy. This is a great deal on them http://www.revivalanimal.com/store/p/292-Wee-Wee-Pads.aspx The material on this page is only our opinions on the matter. Housebreaking is hard and takes time, but the rewards are worth every second of it! 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