Let’s be honest — dachshunds have a lot to say. Whether it’s a leaf blowing down the street, the neighbour’s cat daring to exist, or you daring to leave the room for three seconds — these little dogs are never shy about speaking their minds.
As dachshund owners, we know the bark. It’s part of their charm… until it’s not. Constant barking can drive you (and your neighbours) a little crazy. But before you lose your patience, it helps to understand why your doxie is barking — and how to gently teach them when enough is enough.
Do Dachshunds Bark a Lot?
Short answer: yes.
Long answer: absolutely yes, but there’s a reason for it.
Dachshunds were bred as hunting dogs — alert, confident, and quick to sound the alarm. That protective streak never went away, which is why your dachshund thinks it’s their personal mission to warn you about every delivery, doorbell, or suspicious pigeon.
And sometimes, they just want to chat. Dachshunds are emotional little souls who use their voices to communicate excitement, frustration, or a simple “Hey, remember me? Pay attention!”
5 Common Reasons Dachshunds Bark So Much
1. Fear or Guarding Instincts
Your dachshund’s bark is often their way of saying, “I’ve got this, human!” They take their guard dog duties seriously — sometimes a little too seriously. Unfamiliar sounds, people, or animals can trigger their natural instinct to protect their family and territory.
2. Attention-Seeking
If you’re working, watching TV, or heaven forbid — ignoring them — your dachshund might bark just to reel you back in. They’re pack animals who thrive on connection and don’t love being left out of the action.
3. Boredom or Lack of Stimulation
A bored dachshund is a noisy dachshund. Without enough walks, sniffing adventures, or mental challenges, they’ll find ways to entertain themselves — usually by barking at shadows.
4. Separation Anxiety
Dachshunds form deep bonds with their humans. When left alone, they can become anxious and express it through barking, whining, or even destructive behaviour. It’s not disobedience — it’s distress and separation anxiety.
5. Discomfort or Pain
Sometimes, barking is their way of telling you something’s wrong. Dental problems, ear infections, or back issues (common in this breed) can all lead to sudden vocal changes. If your pup’s barking sounds different or out of character, it’s worth checking in with your vet.
How to Stop Your Dachshund from Barking?
You won’t eliminate barking completely — and you shouldn’t want to. Barking is how they communicate. The goal is to help them understand when it’s okay to bark and when it’s time to quiet down.
1. Use Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement training is a highly effective method for training dachshunds. Reward calm behaviour. When your dachshund stops barking or responds to a “quiet” command, offer praise or a treat. Over time, they’ll associate silence with rewards — not barking.
Keep training sessions short (5–10 minutes) and stay consistent. Dachshunds are clever, but also famously stubborn — patience pays off.
2. Exercise & Mental Stimulation
Without adequate exercise, Dachshunds may become restless and anxious, which can lead to excessive barking. A tired doxie is a quiet doxie. Daily walks, sniffing games, or puzzle feeders can burn off excess energy and reduce boredom barking. Remember, dachshunds were bred to dig and explore. They are curious and intelligent dogs — give them safe outlets for that natural curiosity.
3. Address Anxiety or Fear
If your pup barks mostly when left alone, try gradual separation training — start with short departures and slowly extend the time. Comfort items like a favourite blanket, safe toys, or calming background music can also help them feel more secure.
4. Rule Out Health Issues
If your dachshund’s barking comes on suddenly or seems linked to pain, it’s vet time. Medical causes can often be resolved quickly with the right treatment or pain management plan.
Positive Reinforcement Training: Teaching Calm, the Kind Way
When it comes to dachshunds, harsh methods just don’t work. These clever, sensitive little dogs respond best to positivity and consistency. Positive reinforcement is about rewarding good behaviour instead of punishing the bad — and it’s one of the most effective (and kindest) ways to train your doxie to bark less.
Here’s how to get started:
1. Know What You Want to Reward
Before you begin, decide which behaviour you actually want to encourage. For barking, that might be quiet moments or responding to a cue like “quiet” or “enough.” The clearer you are, the faster your dachshund will understand what earns the reward.
2. Reward the Calm Moments
When your dachshund stops barking, even for a second, reward that silence right away. Use treats, gentle praise (“good quiet!”), or a favourite toy. Over time, your pup will connect the dots — quiet equals good things!
3. Be Consistent
This step is everything. If you sometimes reward barking and sometimes don’t, your dachshund will get confused. Stay consistent, and make sure everyone in the household follows the same routine and commands.
4. Keep Sessions Short and Fun
Dachshunds are smart but easily distracted, so stick to quick sessions — around 5–10 minutes at a time. End each one on a positive note, even if progress is small.
5. Patience Pays Off
Positive reinforcement isn’t instant, but it’s powerful. With time, repetition, and a calm tone, your dachshund will start to understand when to use their “inside voice.”
Remember: training should strengthen your bond, not test it. Keep it light, encouraging, and full of praise. With your guidance and a few tasty treats, your dachshund can learn that quiet moments are just as rewarding as the loud ones.
Addressing Underlying Behavioural Issues
Addressing Underlying Behavioural Issues
If your dachshund keeps barking despite consistent training, walks, and playtime, there might be something deeper going on. Barking is your doxie’s way of communicating — and sometimes, that message comes from stress, fear, or anxiety.
Here’s how to get to the root of it (and help your pup find their calm again):
1. Look for the “Why” Behind the Bark
Every bark tells a story. Is your dachshund barking out of separation anxiety, fear, boredom, or territorial instinct? Pay attention to when and where it happens. Understanding the trigger is the first step to changing the behaviour.
2. Get Professional Support if Needed
If you’ve tried training and still can’t pinpoint the cause, it might be time to bring in a certified dog trainer or behaviourist. Professionals can assess your dachshund’s environment, routines, and stress levels, then create a custom plan that actually works.
3. Don’t Reward the Wrong Thing
It’s easy to accidentally reinforce barking by giving attention when your pup makes noise. Even scolding can count as attention. Instead, calmly ignore barking and reward quiet moments — a few seconds of silence is enough to start shaping better habits.
4. Redirect Their Energy
Sometimes, a simple distraction can work wonders. Offer a puzzle toy, practice a trick, or head outside for a walk when you sense a barking episode coming on. Redirecting your dachshund’s focus helps them release energy in positive ways.
5. Stay Consistent and Patient
Behavioural change doesn’t happen overnight. Dachshunds are smart and sensitive — they pick up on your energy. Stay calm, stay consistent, and keep rewarding the progress you do see.
Remember: barking isn’t bad — it’s communication. Your job is to help your dachshund feel safe enough that they don’t need to bark so much. With patience, structure, and the right kind of attention, even the most vocal doxie can learn when to speak up and when to relax.
Medical Treatment or Pain Management
In some cases, excessive barking in dachshunds can be a sign of an underlying medical condition or chronic pain. If you have tried positive reinforcement training, exercise, mental stimulation, and addressing underlying behavioural issues with no success, it may be time to consider medical treatment or pain management. In such case, you need to take some steps to help your dachshund:
- Consult with your vet: The first step in addressing medical conditions or chronic pain that may be contributing to your dachshund’s excessive barking is to consult with your veterinarian. They can conduct a thorough exam to identify any potential health issues and recommend appropriate treatment options.
- Address underlying medical conditions: If your dachshund is suffering from an underlying medical condition such as allergies, an ear infection, or thyroid issues, addressing these conditions can help to reduce their barking.
- Consider pain management: If your dachshund is suffering from chronic pain, such as arthritis or back problems, pain management can help to reduce their overall discomfort and barking tendencies. This may include medication, physical therapy, or alternative treatments like acupuncture.
- Be patient: Medical treatment or pain management may take some time to have an effect, and it’s important to be patient and consistent with any treatment plan.
By consulting with your vet, addressing any underlying medical conditions, considering pain management, and being patient, you can help to reduce your dachshund’s barking tendencies and improve their overall quality of life.
What Not to Do
❌ Don’t yell or punish.
It can make your dog more anxious or confused — and might actually make the barking worse.
❌ Don’t give attention mid-bark.
Even negative attention can reinforce the behaviour. Wait for a quiet moment, then reward.
❌ Don’t expect instant results.
Training a dachshund to bark less is about progress, not perfection. It takes consistency, patience, and a bit of humour along the way.
Final Thoughts
Barking is part of what makes dachshunds, well… dachshunds. They’re small, mighty, and endlessly expressive. Once you understand the “why” behind the bark, it’s easier to guide them toward calmer behaviour — and appreciate their big personalities even more.
With positive reinforcement, regular exercise, and a whole lot of love, your dachshund can learn to communicate in quieter (and cuter) ways.
Because at the end of the day, we wouldn’t trade that bark — or the little legs it comes from — for anything.
FAQ: Dachshund Barking — What Owners Need to Know
1. Why do dachshunds bark so much?
Dachshunds are naturally vocal dogs because they were bred as hunters and watchdogs. Their barking comes from strong protective instincts and a big personality in a small body! They bark to alert, communicate, and express emotions like excitement or frustration.
2. How can I stop my dachshund from barking all the time?
To reduce excessive barking, focus on positive reinforcement training — reward quiet moments, teach a “quiet” cue, and stay consistent. Make sure your dachshund gets enough daily exercise and mental stimulation through play, walks, and puzzle toys. A tired dachshund is usually a quieter one.
3. Is barking normal for dachshunds?
Yes — barking is completely normal for this breed. Dachshunds use their voice to communicate with humans and protect their territory. The key is helping them understand when barking is appropriate and when to stay calm.
4. Do dachshunds bark more when left alone?
Absolutely. Dachshunds are prone to separation anxiety because they form strong bonds with their owners. When left alone, they may bark to express stress or loneliness. Building independence gradually, using enrichment toys, and creating a calm goodbye routine can really help.
5. Will my dachshund ever stop barking completely?
Not entirely — and that’s okay! Barking is part of your dachshund’s personality. The goal isn’t silence, but balance. With the right training, attention, and daily routine, you can teach your dachshund to bark less and communicate more calmly.
6. Can excessive barking mean something is wrong?
Yes. If your dachshund suddenly starts barking more than usual, or the barking sounds different, it could be a sign of pain or a medical issue (like an ear infection or dental discomfort). Always check with your vet to rule out health problems.
7. What’s the best training method to stop dachshund barking?
The most effective approach is positive reinforcement training combined with structure and patience. Avoid yelling or punishment — this can increase anxiety and barking. Instead, reward quiet moments and redirect attention with toys or gentle commands.
8. Are dachshunds the most vocal breed?
They’re definitely up there! Dachshunds are one of the most expressive and talkative breeds, known for their big voices and bold personalities. But with consistent boundaries, even the chattiest doxie can learn when it’s time to relax.
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