First things first; chewing is natural behavior for Dachshunds, especially puppies. Dachshund chewing is not something that you can stop, all you can do is redirect the chewing onto an acceptable item, providing enough interesting toys and activities so that your Dachshund will not want destroy your things.
Should You Stop Your Dachshund Puppy Chewing?
When a Dachshund is a puppy they look cute and really don't do much damage when chewing. Many people think that this is OK, or even funny, but it isn't. Left unaddressed your Dachshund puppy will grow up thinking that it is acceptable to chew on anything they want, causing hundreds, even thousands of dollars of damage to your expensive furniture, floors and shoes. You need to stop your Dachshund chewing when they are a puppy, showing them that chewing on your possessions is not OK but there are many toys that are acceptable to chew.
How to Stop Your Dachshund Chewing
Once you have made the decision to stop your Dachshund chewing you have a few options available, all of which involve positive training techniques. Never punish your Dachshund by shouting or hitting them. They do not understand what they did wrong and may react by becoming aggressive towards you.
Crate Training. If your problem is with Dachshund chewing when you are out of the house then you may want to consider crate training your Dachshund. Dachshunds see crates as their den, a place where they feel comfortable and protected. Properly introduced to a crate, your Dachshund will be safe and secure while you are away as will your possessions.
Modifying Behavior. You can't stop your Dachshund chewing, so train them to chew on dog toys. When you see your Dachshund go to chew dachshund bobblehead something they shouldn't or catch them actually chewing, quietly tell them to stop, remove the unapproved item and give them one of their dog toys. As soon as they start chewing on their toy give them lots of praise. Your Dachshund will quickly learn what they can and cannot chew.
Keep Your Dachshund Occupied. The key here is to stop your Dachshund from becoming bored. Many times Dachshund chewing is a result of frustration and boredom, being something to do to pass the time and stay active. The most important thing to do is to give your Dachshund plenty of exercise. Twice daily walks of at least 30 minutes with play sessions built in will tire your Dachshund out mentally and physically, making it more likely that they will sleep when you are away. When you are away, make sure that they have plenty of toys to keep them occupied.
Anti Chew Sprays. To deter hard core Dachshund chewers there are no chew sprays available. These are sprays that contain pepper or bitter apple. They taste horrible, but are safe and will stop even the most determined Dachshund chewing.
To stop your Dachshund chewing your possessions for good requires you to be consistent. All family members have to have the same expectations and give the same response when correcting unwanted chewing. Pick up your clothes and shoes, and tidy away your valuable possessions. Don't leave temptations out for your Dachshund, just leave out items they are allowed to chew on.
Dachshunds are intelligent dogs but they are not perfect and they will make mistakes as they learn what they can and cannot chew. Remember not to punish them, but to keep up with positive reinforcement and they will learn.
