How to Stop Your Dachshund Puppy from Biting: A Guide for Dachshund Owners

How do I stop my dachshund puppy from biting?

Biting is a natural behavior for dachshund puppies as they explore the world with their mouths. However, it’s essential to teach them that biting humans is unacceptable. You can curb this behavior and encourage gentler interactions with patience and consistent training.

Here’s how to stop your dachshund puppy from biting, based on proven techniques from experienced dachshund owners.

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Step 1: Teach Bite Inhibition

Teaching your puppy bite inhibition helps them understand that biting hurts and should be avoided. This method mimics how their littermates react to bites during play.

• Simulate a Sibling Reaction: When your puppy bites, let out a high-pitched “Yelp!” or say “Ouch!” loudly to startle them. This mimics how other puppies react to a painful bite, signaling that they’ve gone too far. After yelping, stop interacting for a few seconds to reinforce the message.
• Time-Outs: If your puppy bites during play, calmly withdraw your hand and stop playing immediately. Place your puppy in their pen or kennel for a short time-out. This helps them understand that biting leads to the end of fun and attention.

Step 2: Redirect and Distract

Puppies often bite out of curiosity or boredom. Redirecting their attention to appropriate objects is a key strategy.

• Reinforce Good Behavior: When your puppy chews on their toys instead of biting you, reward them with praise or treats to reinforce the positive behavior.
• Offer Chew Toys: Always have a variety of chew toys available. When your puppy starts biting, immediately give them a toy to redirect their focus. Larger toys work best to keep their mouth away from your hands and feet.
• Carry Tug Toys: If your puppy targets your ankles or feet, carry tug toys with you and use them to redirect the biting behavior. Dachshunds love playing tug-of-war, which also satisfies their hunting instincts. Choose durable and safe toys like KONG products for this purpose.

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Step 3: Establish Training Strategies

Training your dachshund with consistent consequences and positive reinforcement is essential for long-term success.

• Consistent Consequences:
  • Stop playing immediately when biting occurs.
  • Turn away and withdraw attention for a few seconds.
  • Only resume play once your puppy has calmed down.
• Positive Reinforcement:
  • Reward your puppy with treats and praise for playing gently.
  • Use treats to teach gentle mouth control and reinforce good behavior.

Step 4: Manage Energy Levels

Sometimes, excessive energy or lack of stimulation can lead to biting. Keeping your puppy mentally and physically engaged can prevent this behavior.

• Provide Stimulation:
  • Schedule regular play sessions and walks to burn off energy.
  • Use puzzle toys and training games to challenge their minds.
• Ensure Proper Rest: Puppies need plenty of naps throughout the day. An overtired puppy may become more prone to biting out of frustration.

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Step 5: Focus on Early Socialization

Exposing your dachshund puppy to various environments, people, and animals helps reduce anxiety-driven biting and builds confidence.

• Gradual Exposure: Introduce your puppy to new situations slowly and positively.
• Safe Interactions: Encourage supervised play with other well-socialized dogs to teach appropriate behavior.

Step 6: Address Teething and Furniture Chewing

Teething is a common reason why dachshund puppies bite and chew on furniture. Providing proper chewing toys is critical during this phase.

• When Do Dachshund Puppies Start Teething?
  • Dachshund puppies start teething at 3 weeks, with all baby teeth in by 6 weeks.
  • From 3 to 6 months, they lose baby teeth and grow adult teeth, a process that can be painful and uncomfortable.
• Teething Symptoms:
  • Chewing on everything
  • Frequent drooling
  • Eating slowly
  • Red, swollen gums
  • Whining
• How to Stop Furniture Chewing:
  • Offer safe and enticing chew toys like KONGs stuffed with treats.
  • If you catch your dachshund chewing furniture, firmly say “No” or “Leave it,” then redirect them to their toy.
  • Avoid punishment; instead, guide them to learn what they can and cannot chew.

Consistency is Key

Stopping your dachshund puppy from biting requires consistent effort from everyone in your household. Ensure all family members follow the same rules and training techniques to avoid confusing your puppy.

Why Do Dachshund Puppies Bite?

Dachshund puppies often bite during play, teething, or as a response to excitement or anxiety. Understanding the root cause of the behavior will help you address it effectively. Puppies also mimic behaviors they experienced with their littermates, so biting can be a playful yet inappropriate attempt to interact.

At What Age Do Dachshunds Stop Biting?

Dachshund puppies typically stop biting excessively once they finish teething around 6 months of age. However, playful biting may continue until they reach about 24 months. Proper training ensures they know to only chew on toys, not people or furniture.

Related post: How to Train Your Dachshund Not to Bite

Final Thoughts

Biting is a natural stage of your dachshund puppy’s development, but with patience, consistency, and the right training methods, you can help them grow into a well-behaved companion. Remember, every puppy is different—progress may take time, so stay committed and celebrate small wins along the way!

Looking for more tips on raising a happy and healthy puppy? Check out our article on New Puppy Supplies for everything you need to get started!

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