Dachshund puppy crate training takes a little more patience than it does with some other breeds, and if you’ve spent any time around a dachshund, that probably doesn’t surprise you. This is a breed with a strong personality and an even stronger opinion about being told what to do.
That said, crate training is genuinely one of the most useful things you can do for a new dachshund puppy. It supports potty training, keeps your puppy safe when you can’t supervise, and gives them a space that feels like their own.
We walk every new dachshund owner through this process, and this guide covers exactly how to do it, step by step, without turning it into a fight.
Why Crate Training Matters Even More for a Stubborn Breed Like the Dachshund
Dachshunds were originally bred to hunt badgers underground, which is part of why they naturally gravitate toward small, enclosed spaces. A crate genuinely appeals to their instincts, once they get past their initial stubbornness about anything new.
Beyond the den instinct, crate training also protects your dachshund’s back. Left unsupervised, a curious dachshund puppy may try to jump off furniture or squeeze into risky spots, both of which put unnecessary strain on a spine already prone to injury.
Choosing the Best Crate Size for a Dachshund Puppy
Getting the crate size right matters more for dachshund puppy crate training than people expect. Too much extra space lets a puppy use one corner as a bathroom, which works against the entire point of the crate.
| Dachshund Size | Recommended Crate Length | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Miniature | 18–22 inches | Look for a divider panel to size up as your puppy grows |
| Standard | 24–30 inches | Slightly larger, but avoid oversizing early on |
A good rule of thumb: your puppy should be able to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably, without a lot of leftover space.
Dachshund Puppy Crate Training: Step-by-Step
Here’s the process we recommend for crate training a dachshund, broken into manageable stages.
Step 1: Introduce the Crate as a Positive Space
Place the crate in a common area of the house, not a closet or basement. Leave the door open and toss in treats or a favorite toy so your puppy explores it on their own terms.
Never force your puppy into the crate or use it as punishment. That single mistake can undo weeks of progress with a breed as opinionated as this one.
Step 2: Start With Short, Closed-Door Sessions
Once your puppy is comfortable going in and out freely, start closing the door for just a minute or two while you stay in the room. Gradually build up to five, then ten, then fifteen minutes.
Stay calm and quiet during this stage. Reacting to whining, even to comfort your puppy, can accidentally reinforce the behavior.
Step 3: Build Up to Alone Time
Once your dachshund puppy is settled with the door closed while you’re nearby, start stepping out of the room for short periods. Slowly extend the time you’re away, always returning calmly rather than making a big entrance.
This is also the stage where overnight crating in the bedroom tends to work well, since it combines security with closeness to you.
Step 4: Troubleshooting Stubborn Behavior
Some dachshund puppies test the process harder than others. If your puppy barks or whines persistently, resist letting them out mid-tantrum, since that teaches them the behavior works.
Instead, wait for even a few seconds of quiet before opening the door, so your puppy learns that calm behavior, not noise, is what earns freedom.
How Long Does Dachshund Crate Training Take?
Most dogs take around six months to become fully comfortable and reliable with crate training, according to guidance reported by NBC News citing the American Kennel Club. Given the dachshund’s independent streak, it’s smart to expect your timeline to land on the longer end of that range rather than the shorter one.
Consistency matters more than speed here. A dachshund puppy crate trained gradually and patiently tends to stick with the routine far better than one rushed through the process.
Common Crate Training Mistakes to Avoid
According to guidance from Texas A&M’s College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, dogs generally avoid soiling the space where they sleep, which is exactly why an appropriately sized crate supports housetraining so effectively. That same guidance also warns against using the crate as a punishment, since it can quickly turn a helpful tool into a source of fear.
A few other common mistakes worth avoiding: leaving a puppy crated for too many hours at once, skipping bathroom breaks before crate time, and giving in the moment your puppy whines.
Crate Training and the Rest of Your Dachshund Puppy’s Routine
Crate training rarely happens in isolation. It tends to click into place alongside potty training and a consistent sleep schedule, since all three routines reinforce each other.
If you’re working through these at the same time, our guides on dachshund puppy potty training and puppy sleep schedules by age pair naturally with the process outlined here.
Puppies Ready to Start Their Own Crate Training Journey
If you’re preparing to bring a new dachshund puppy home, here are a few currently available.
Milo — Male, 9 weeks — $700 Milo is at the perfect age to start crate training right from day one. See Milo and our full current litter →
Bella — Female, 10 weeks — $700 Bella is already comfortable with routine, making her a great fit for a structured crate training plan. View Bella’s listing →
Royce — Male, 9 weeks — $700 Royce is confident and curious, exactly the personality that tends to warm up to a crate quickly with positive training. Check Royce’s availability →
Every puppy comes with a 1-year health guarantee and is already started on a consistent routine. Reach out through our contact page with any questions before bringing your puppy home.
FAQs About Dachshund Puppy Crate Training
How long does dachshund puppy crate training take? Most dogs take roughly six months to become fully comfortable with crate training, and dachshunds, given their independent streak, often land on the longer end of that timeline.
What size crate is best for a dachshund puppy? Miniature dachshunds typically do well with an 18 to 22 inch crate, while standard dachshunds need closer to 24 to 30 inches, with a divider panel to adjust as they grow.
Should I let my dachshund puppy cry it out in the crate? No. Letting a puppy out mid-tantrum teaches them that whining works, but ignoring genuine distress for long periods isn’t the goal either. Wait for a moment of calm before opening the door.
Can crate training help with a dachshund’s back health? Yes, indirectly. A crate limits unsupervised jumping and risky movement, which helps protect a dachshund’s spine while they’re unsupervised.
Is it cruel to crate train a dachshund puppy? No, when done positively and never used as punishment, crate training gives dogs a secure, den-like space they often come to prefer on their own.
Where should I put my dachshund’s crate at night? Many owners find success keeping the crate in the bedroom initially, since it combines the security of the crate with closeness to their owner.
Why is my dachshund puppy more stubborn about crate training than other breeds? Dachshunds have an independent, strong-willed personality by nature, so consistency and patience matter more with this breed than with more naturally compliant dogs.
Do Elite Dachshunds puppies come already started on a routine? Yes. Puppies from Elite Dachshunds go home already familiar with structure, making the transition into crate training smoother for new owners.
How do I combine crate training with potty training? The two work well together, since dogs naturally avoid soiling their sleeping space. Our potty training guide walks through how to align both routines.
How do I ask Elite Dachshunds about a puppy’s current routine? The easiest way is through our contact page, or by emailing elitedachshundpups@gmail.com directly.
Ready to Start Crate Training Your Own Dachshund Puppy?
With a little patience, dachshund puppy crate training builds a routine that benefits both of you for years to come. 🐾
Take a look at our current available puppies, read what past families have said on our reviews page, or reach out with any questions before bringing a puppy home.
📧 Email us anytime at elitedachshundpups@gmail.com ✅ Contact us here to ask about a specific puppy or upcoming litter