How To Handle Aggressive Dachshunds

June 15, 2023

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A Complete Guide On How To Handle Aggressive Dachshund Dogs

Having an aggressive dog could prove to be challenging. Some dogs are naturally aggressive, while others develop this trait later on. Every pet owner is highly-concerned about his dog’s behavior.

Dachshunds can get aggressive, especially when they are not socialized properly. They could develop this behavior which you might find troublesome, especially when you take your dog out in public.

Here is a complete guide on how to handle aggressive dachshund dogs so that you don’t have to worry about them growling at your neighbors and visitors.

About Dachshund Dogs

First, let’s look at a few facts about dachshunds. Dachshund dogs are easy to identify due to their distinct appearance. They are renowned for their dwarf status. However, don’t be deceived by their looks.

Dachshunds are stubborn and self-ruling, which could be challenging when dealing with them. They are fiercely independent and can decide for themselves when and how they will attack the prey.

Are Dachshunds Aggressive?

Dachshunds are genetically disposed to aggression, primarily towards small animals. The situation could be worse if your dog is not socialized correctly.

Dachshunds were bred to hunt badgers, so it’s natural to expect them to be quite aggressive. However, not every dachshund you meet will be aggressive towards you. If they are appropriately trained, they will not show aggressive behavior.

Dachshunds who are not socially trained could be nasty and not kind to strangers.

Signs Of Aggressive Behavior In Dachshunds

Before dealing with your dog’s aggressiveness, you must know the warning signs. Several body signs indicate an aggressive dog.

Dogs rarely attack without showing any warning signs. Here are the symptoms of aggressive behavior in dachshunds.

Cold eyes
Tensed body
A low, threatening growl
Snarling
barking
Curling lips
Raised hackles
Rapidly moving tail
Ears turned forward
Maintain eye contact
Lunging
Mouth closed
Baring teeth
Tensed or tucked tail

Why Do Dachshunds Show Aggressive Behavior?

There are several reasons for dachshunds to show aggressive behavior. Here are a few such reasons:

A need to protect, especially when under threat for something it cares about like food or a loved one.
In pain, such as resulting from a minor injury or stomachache.
Out of fear, especially as a defense mechanism in dogs that have experienced abuse or trauma in the past.
Sex drive and high testosterone levels.
Strong prey drive and the instinct to hunt and kill for survival or sport.
Out of boredom.
Due to anxiety.

How To Handle Aggressive Dachshund Dogs

Once you’ve identified that your dachshund is showing aggressive behavior based on the warning signs, it’s time you take action. Proper identification of the symptoms is the first step to handling your dog’s aggressive behavior.

After that, you can take several steps to handle your aggressive dog. Here are a few things you can do to control your aggressive dachshund.

Socialize Your Dachshund

One of the primary reasons for dachshunds to show aggressiveness is the lack of proper socialization. Dachshunds are naturally suspicious of strangers. So, early socialization is crucial to ensure they get along well with other pets.

Here are a few ways you can help your dachshund socialize.

Invite friends over to your house.
Go to the park.
Take your dachshund to puppy obedience school.
Organize your dachshund puppy for a socialization party.

An important thing to note is that you must expose your dachshund to as many different people and pets as possible. Don’t force your dachshund to interact with others if they seem scared or uncomfortable.

Teach Bite Inhibition Early

Teaching your dachshund puppy bite inhibition early on is vital to avoid problems in the future. If your dachshund bites, give a loud yelp and ignore it for a few minutes.

You can also give it some ‘me-time’ inside its crate and stay aside for some time. Your dachshund will realize that this is all because it bit.

All of your family members should also follow suit. If not, you will not be successful in teaching bite inhibition.

Consistency is also vital. Do the same when it displays this behavior. After some time, your dachshund will realize that it shouldn’t bite.

Engage In Basic Obedience Training

Obedience training is vital for any dog breed. However, it’s more important when you have an aggressive dog.

It’s always better to start obedience training as soon as you bring your dachshund puppy home. Remember to combine training with positive reinforcement. Always end training sessions on a positive note. However, even with the best intentions, it can sometimes be difficult to keep your furry friend engaged, particularly when they are a breed like the Dachshund, known to get bored quickly.

This is where technology can come in handy. Consider employing the use of some of the Best Dog Training Apps available today. These apps offer an engaging and interactive way to train your dog, featuring a variety of commands, activities, and games. You can easily adjust the difficulty levels to suit your dachshund’s learning pace, ensuring that they never get bored with repeating commands.

Enrolling them in obedience school is also an option if it fits your budget, but the flexibility and interactive nature of training apps make them an excellent supplement or even an alternative to traditional methods.

Rule Out Any Medical Issues

If you realize that your dachshund is suddenly showing aggressive behavior, then it’s time to get it checked by a vet. Your dog may be suffering from a health condition you must confirm from a medical checkup.

The same is true if your older dachshund starts becoming aggressive. It could also be due to a medical problem. Pain and injury can also make any dog show aggressive behavior.

Keep an eye out for any indications of sudden behavioral changes in your dachshund to rule out any possibilities of health problems.

Correct Bad Behavior In A Positive Way

Always correct bad behavior positively. Even while training, you need to encourage positive reinforcement. It is a crucial way to get your dog to behave well.

From the owner’s perspective, friendly and positive behavior can tame even the most aggressive dog. Behaving otherwise will only introduce fear and make your dachshund more aggressive.

Be patient and calm at all times. Stop unwanted behavior with a firm ‘no’ so that your dachshund knows it’s not to be approved.

Be A Strong Leader To Your Dachshund

You must establish a strong leadership position to train your dachshund. Dachshunds are descendants of wolves, and the feeling of belonging to a pack is naturally built within them.

Good leadership is vital for a good relationship between you and your dachshund. When you show good leadership, your dachshund follows your lead.

Make Sure your dachshund obeys you before rewarding it with a treat or toy.

Keep Dachshunds Busy

Always keep your dachshund occupied with something to do. This dog breed can get easily bored and wander off doing whatever they wish.

Spend quality time with your dog, take it for walks, and go to the park to play. Use a leash when taking your dachshund outdoors.

When you keep them busy and occupied, they have less time to spend being bored. It will prevent them from becoming aggressive due to boredom.

Avoid Showing Violence To Your Dachshund

Showing violence is not going to take you anywhere in terms of handling your aggressive dachshund. Showing violence and punishing your dachshund can make it even more aggressive.

Dachshunds are a stubborn breed. Punishing it will only make it show its dominance by overpowering you.

Tips To Handle Aggressive Dachshund Dogs

Here are more ways in which you should handle your aggressive dachshund:

If possible, avoid putting your dachshund in situations that trigger aggression. It is possible if you know the cause of its aggression.
Desensitize it by gradually exposing it to the trigger and getting it used.
Reward it for showing positive behavior.
Provide it with confinement.
Be consistent in all steps you take in handling aggressiveness.
Spend quality time with your dachshund.
Be patient and calm with your dachshund.
Ensure your dachshund gets enough exercise.
Use a muzzle if your dog bites.
Use management tools and techniques such as puppy gates, crates, etc.
Consider paying and neutering.
Consult a professional if you cannot handle it yourself.

Conclusion

Dachshunds can become aggressive, especially when they are not appropriately socialized at the puppy stage. Therefore, starting at an early age is vital to have a socially-trained puppy that will not be aggressive towards strangers.

Apart from socializing, there are many other ways to handle aggressive dachshund dogs. Keep in mind not to show violence or use punishment on your dachshund. It could make the situation even worse.

Frequently Asked Questions

What To Do If Your Dachshund Growls And Snaps At You?

If your dachshund growls at you, stop moving and back away from the dog. Do not talk to it when it displays this type of behavior. When you consistently show your disapproval, it will realize that it should not exhibit such behavior.

Are Dachshunds Considered An Aggressive Breed?

Dachshunds are generally considered to be aggressive. They don’t interact well with strangers, so you need to socialize with them as puppies. Exposing them to many different people and pets will help in the long run.

Why Is My Dachshund Aggressive Towards Other Dogs?

Dachshunds can be aggressive towards other dogs when they are not appropriately socialized initially. It could occur due to fear, defensive possessive behavior over resources or loved ones, poor communication, and territorial behavior over the owner.

Despite all of the above, we have arranged dog boarding for many lovely Dachshunds. See more information here.