Crate Training a Dachshund Puppy | A Gentle 14-Day Plan

For the full breakdown, see our best Dog Crate For Dachshund guide.

Bringing home a Dachshund puppy means protecting that long, vulnerable back and managing a famously stubborn streak. Crate training handles both: it gives your puppy a safe den for nap time and prevents the jumping and climbing that can injure a developing spine. Done right, the crate becomes your puppy’s favorite spot, not a jail cell.

The method is straightforward, but consistency matters more than anything. Start the day your puppy arrives, keep every session short and happy, and never, ever use the crate as punishment.

When To Start and What You’ll Need

Start immediately. Dachshund-specific guidance recommends beginning as soon as the puppy comes home, ideally at 8 to 10 weeks old. The sooner you start, the easier the habit forms.

Choose a crate that fits a growing Dachshund. A soft-sided or wire crate with a divider is ideal, letting you enlarge the space as your puppy grows. Fill it with soft bedding, a blanket, and a safe chew toy. Covering part of the crate mimics a den and helps your puppy settle.

Place the crate in a quiet but social area, like the corner of your living room or near your bed at night. Your Dachshund needs to feel part of the family pack, not banished from it.

The Step-by-Step Training Method

Begin with the crate door wide open and let curiosity do the work. Toss a few treats inside and let your puppy wander in and out freely. Then move to structured sessions, building duration gradually over days.

• Step 1: Feed meals and treats inside the crate with the door open. This builds a strong positive association.
• Step 2: Close the door for 1–3 minutes while your puppy eats or chews, staying right there. Repeat several times daily.
• Step 3: Gradually extend sessions to 5–10 minutes. Stay nearby so your puppy learns being inside is safe.
• Step 4: Reward calm behavior inside the crate with quiet praise. Open the door while your puppy is still calm, never reward the exit itself.

Your puppy will likely adapt within 7 to 14 days. Some Dachshunds take longer, especially if they are older. Move at your puppy’s pace, and never force entry — physically pushing a puppy in or slamming the door creates fear that takes weeks to undo.

Safety Rules Every Dachshund Owner Must Follow

Never leave a collar on a crated dog. Collars can catch on crate bars and cause serious injury; remove it every time. Dachshund-health guidance is emphatic on this point.

Keep confinement short. Young puppies simply lack the bladder control and emotional maturity for long stretches. If you work full-time, arrange for someone to let your puppy out at midday.

Size matters for back health. A crate that is too large encourages pacing, while one that is too small forces awkward positioning. Your Dachshund should be able to stand up, turn around, and lie flat — no more, no less. When considering a durable, correctly sized crate for your growing Dachshund, our tested roundup of the best dog crates for dachshunds compares the top options side by side.

If your puppy cries, respond briefly and calmly. Wait for a moment of quiet before opening the door, so your puppy learns that calmness earns freedom and whining does not.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

• Using the crate as punishment: If the crate means “time out,” your Dachshund will fear it, ruining your training progress.
• Starting with sessions too long: A 30-minute first session sets everyone up for failure. Keep it to minutes, not hours.
• Rewarding exit: Praise your puppy for lying quietly inside, not for coming out.
• Forcing entry: Never push your puppy into the crate or trap them inside. Voluntary entry builds trust.
• Placing the crate in isolation: A remote room feels like abandonment to a pack animal. Keep the crate where family life happens.
• Leaving a collar on: This is a genuine safety hazard, not a comfort choice.

Watch for the signs of success: your puppy walks into the crate on their own, settles quickly, and naps peacefully. That is the goal, and it usually arrives within two weeks of consistent practice.