Crate Training a Dachshund: A Practical Guide for New Owners
Crate training a Dachshund is a powerful way to create structure, safety, and comfort for your dog—especially during the early months of puppyhood. These small hound dogs, often called Doxies or Weenie dogs, are known for their independence, stubborn streak, and strong prey drive.
Whether you have a miniature Dachshund or a standard size, the crate can serve as a calming, den-like space that helps with housebreaking, separation anxiety, and managing destructive behaviors.
Because Dachshunds were originally bred in Germany to hunt burrowing animals like badgers, they naturally enjoy cozy, enclosed spots—making crates a good match for their instincts.
This guide will walk you through the crate training process, from choosing the right crate size to building positive associations and establishing a reliable routine for your Dachshund puppy or adult dog.
Crate Training a Dachshund: A Practical Guide for New Owners – Short Answer
Crate training Dachshunds helps manage their separation anxiety, supports house-training, and provides a secure resting space—especially important for breeds prone to IVDD. With consistency and positive reinforcement, both miniature and standard Dachshunds can thrive in a well-structured crate routine.
Why Crate Training a Dachshund is Important
Some people think crate training feels like confining a dog, but in reality, teaching your Dachshund to be crate-trained can be incredibly helpful. If your pup ever suffers from an IVDD incident, your vet might suggest conservative treatment that includes strict crate-rest and medications for up to 6 weeks.
A trained and confident dog can cope better during this stressful experience, especially when they’re already used to resting in a crate. This also helps if your dog needs surgery or any treatment where the vet may need to confine them in a cage.
Crate training also supports house-training, since dogs usually avoid messing where they sleep, keeping their beds clean. When you visit new homes or hotels, the crate becomes a familiar, safe space where your pup can relax without causing accidents or damage.
It’s best to start young, make the crate a positive experience, and turn it into a safe, happy place for your puppy or older dog. And remember—never leave a dog in a crate with a collar on, as there’s a serious risk of it getting caught and causing strangling.
When and How Long to Crate a Dachshund
Understanding how long to leave your Dachshund in a crate during the daytime is key to successful crate-training. It will mostly depend on the dog’s age and how much progress they’ve made with the training. A puppy under 3 months may only be able to cope for around 30 minutes when alone, while by 6 months, many can handle being crated for a couple of hours without stress. We always recommend keeping crate time short and positive in the early stages.
For an adult dog, it’s best practice to not be left alone in a crate for more than 4 hours at a stretch. No matter their age, dogs should always have access to fresh drinking water, especially if crated for any length of time. As someone who’s raised multiple Dachshunds, I’ve found sticking to these guidelines makes them feel safer and more secure when crated, and builds trust over time.
Choosing the Right Crate Size
When selecting a crate for your Dachshund, it’s important to plan for their fully grown size—not just the puppy stage. For an adult Mini, a 24″ x 18″ x 21″ crate is usually suitable, offering enough space for them to stand, turn, and rest comfortably. If you own a Standard Dachshund, go for a 30″ x 19″ x 21″ crate to give them proper room.
Many owners forget to check if the crate will fit in the back of their car, especially if you plan to use it for travelling. A good crate ensures your dog is safely secured whether you’re on a trip or just heading to the vet. If you’re lucky enough to have a couple of Standard Dachshunds, consider upsizing to a 31″ x 21″ x 24″ crate so they can both relax comfortably.
Based on experience, giving them a bit of extra space keeps them calm during car rides and makes the crate feel more like a safe den than a confined box. Choosing the right size isn’t just about numbers—it’s about creating a safe, cozy space that supports both rest and travel needs for your furry companions.
How to Start Crate Training
Begin crate training by making it fun for your puppy—use treats, kibble, or toys to encourage them to explore the crate. Leave the door open so they can go in and out freely. Once your puppy is happy doing this, start closing the door for short periods. Let them get used to the sound of the door closing, then reward them with a treat.
Over time, gradually increase the time they stay inside in 5-minute increments, and you can even fill a toy with treats to keep them busy inside. This approach also helps your puppy get used to being left alone for short periods, which can prevent separation anxiety.
If you’re working on How to Toilet Train a Dachshund Puppy at the same time, crate training can reinforce clean habits effectively.
If your puppy becomes distressed, shorten the time again and then slowly build it back up. Dogs respond well to positive reinforcement and repetition, so stay consistent and patient throughout the process.
Night-time Crate Training Tips
The first few nights with your puppy can feel stressful—it’s a big change of routine, especially being away from their mum and siblings. Placing the crate close to your bed can help comfort your pup, as they’ll know you’re nearby, and you can offer reassuring noises if needed.
As your puppy starts sleeping longer overnight, you can gradually move the crate further away, eventually placing it in whichever room you prefer them to sleep in.
Since young puppies (8–12 weeks) rarely sleep through the night without needing a toilet break, be prepared to take them outside several times. Watch for whining or scratching, which may signal a toilet trip. Ignoring these cues may lead them to go in the crate, creating a habit that makes house-training much harder.
Overcoming Common Crate Training Challenges
I know that many of you may not currently own Dachshunds, but I’m honestly surprised by how many messages I receive about crate training them. The reality is, crate training any dog is a challenge—and I remember clearly how even our black Lab puppies would cry endlessly in their new crates.
But when it comes to Dachshunds, it’s on another level. These four-legged canines are known for being relentless when it comes to barking, crying, and howling. Especially during the first few weeks of training. Two or three months of sleepless nights can drive any new owner toward exhaustion or even mental burnout.
If you’re also dealing with vocal outbursts, learning How to Stop Your Dachshund from Barking can help ease the frustration during training.
When we brought home our new Dachshund puppy, things didn’t go smoothly. We had been told that crate training was essential—not only for our dog’s happiness but also for ours. This breed is known to be stubborn, anxious, difficult to housebreak, and very attached to their humans, which can lead to intense separation anxiety.
We placed her in the crate, and that’s when the barking, crying, and howling began. It felt endless. But if you’re a first-time Dachshund owner and feeling like giving up, don’t. These early nights of resistance are part of the process.
Today, that same crate is her favorite retreat. Sometimes I’ll even catch her playing inside or sleeping in late, completely at ease. This transformation didn’t happen overnight, but with consistent effort and patience, your Dachshund can learn to love their crate too.
Safety Tips for Crate Use
When crate training your Dachshund, ensuring their safety is just as important as promoting comfort. One of the most crucial safety rules is to never leave a collar on your Dachshund while they’re inside the crate, as it can pose a serious risk of strangulation if it gets caught on the crate bars.
Many veterinarians and dog trainers strongly advise removing collars, especially for puppies or miniature Dachshunds who tend to move around frequently while crated. Opt for a safe, secure space where your dog can lie down without hazards, and always check that the crate structure is solid and escape-proof.
Proper crate use also complements early efforts in How to Socialize a Dachshund Puppy by helping them feel safe and supported in new environments.
Additionally, make sure the crate environment is well-ventilated to avoid overheating, especially during warmer months. Dachshunds, with their long bodies and low stature, are prone to heat discomfort and need consistent airflow to stay cool and calm.
Avoid placing the crate in direct sunlight or in poorly ventilated rooms. Most importantly, never use the crate as a form of punishment. A crate should be seen as a safe, positive space—not a place of fear. When used correctly, crate training helps reduce separation anxiety, supports house-training, and offers your Dachshund a personal retreat they can truly enjoy.
Consistency and Long-Term Success
Establishing a consistent crate training routine is key to long-term success with your Dachshund. Keeping the crate in the same location helps create a stable, familiar environment that your dog can rely on.
Whether you own a miniature Dachshund or a standard breed, routine builds trust and encourages your pup to view the crate as a dependable part of daily life. Always ensure your dog gets enough exercise and mental stimulation before crating to reduce restlessness or boredom.
A well-trained pup also responds better to lessons like How to Train Your Dachshund to Be Calm Around Visitors which makes home life smoother and more enjoyable.
With patience and repetition, the crate transforms into a true safe zone for your Dachshund. Over time, your dog will learn that the crate is a space for rest, security, and comfort, not confinement.
Positive reinforcement, such as offering treats, toys, or cozy bedding, reinforces good behavior and makes the crate inviting. The combination of a familiar location, proper physical activity, and emotional reassurance lays the foundation for lasting crate training success.
Final Thoughts
Crate training a Dachshund may come with its challenges, especially given the breed’s stubborn personality, strong bond with owners, and tendency toward separation anxiety. However, when done with consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement, a crate can become a trusted safe space that supports your Dachshund’s mental well-being, helps with house-training, and even plays a vital role during IVDD recovery or vet visits.
Whether you’re raising a miniature Dachshund or a standard-sized pup, incorporating a crate into your daily routine offers benefits for both you and your dog. From managing barking and restlessness to promoting better behavior during travel or time alone, crate training enhances your Dachshund’s quality of life when approached the right way.
Also read our article on Are Dachshunds Easy to Train?
FAQ’s
Is crate training good for dachshunds?
Some may think that placing a dog in a crate is cruel, but for a Dachshund, crate training can be incredibly helpful—especially in medical situations. If your Dachshund suffers from an IVDD incident, your vet might suggest conservative treatment, which involves confinement in a crate to aid recovery.
Having a crate-trained dog ensures smoother handling during such health conditions and gives your pup a secure place to rest while reducing stress for both pet and owner.
How long does it take to crate train a dachshund?
When crate training a Dachshund, it’s essential to keep your expectations realistic and understand that real progress takes several weeks to a couple of months. A successful training plan works within your Dachshund’s comfort zones, so it’s not fair to expect them to stay in a crate for hours right away. Be patient, stay consistent, and allow your pup time to adapt to their new routine gradually.
Should my dachshund sleep in a crate?
Dachshunds naturally thrive on routine, and using a crate is a great way to establish and maintain a consistent daily schedule. By setting regularly scheduled crate times for sleeping, relaxing, or even quiet play, your dog learns to feel more secure and settled.
This kind of structured approach has been shown to positively affect a Dachshund’s overall behaviour, temperament, and emotional balance—making crate training a reliable tool for long-term success.
How long can you leave a dachshund in a crate?
In general, it’s recommended that the maximum length of time any adult dog should be left alone in a crate is around 4 hours. Extended confinement in a small cage for long periods isn’t ideal, both for their comfort and mental health.
A foldaway pen can be a more practical alternative, offering more space and flexibility while still providing the necessary boundaries. Proper space management and supervision reflect responsible ownership and help maintain a healthy daily routine and good behavior.
