Dog Lovers R Us

Dear Alex,

congrats on your doxie. First of all let me tell you there are reasons why pet lovers are advised to check the personalities of our various four footed friends. Dachshunds are barkers!!! that being said...
You have to decide on barking "allowed" time. I am serious. My four are are notorious as was my diva.
One tool is a can with a few pennies in it. A soda can and maybe 20 pennies masking tape seals the open end nicely. When Schnitzel starts barking you say firmly NO Bark! and shake the can. the vcan does frighten them but if you over use it they get beligerent and learn to not far it. Another tool is a sprayer of water. You have to allow some barking especially if you play with toys. You wil learn that most doxis attack, with joy and love, their toys to death. They destroy them with delight in minimal time. I am talking 10 to 20 minutes for some toys. It is their get the prey instinct and they delight in it. Another thing I do is " Barking??? Bark outside and show them to the fdoor.> You have to make sure they know they can't bark at night. Not all the neighbors will guiggle at the "cute things" that make Schnitzzy go off! When my dawgs go out they help themselves through the doggy door. At night I go to the door with them and wisper. They have learned that my whispers mean no barking for them either. Dachshunds are demanding, and beligerent. There goes that word again. Seriously, they take long to train (potty) and to understand that you not they are the boss. Once you give them an exception (poor baby I know. We firgive this time) you have to start all over again. And spanking only makes them nervous and takes their spark from them. I could go on and on and on.....
they are a wonderful loving, and lovable breed that needs attention and stimulation cause the biggest thing to make barking dawgs bark more is boredom. Anyt more I can help with let me know. I am in and out ( more out) right now with the holidays. I promise the time you put into this baby will be well worth it. Good luck ,Blessings, and Happy Holidays,
mamu