Aggression can be triggered by many things, including illness, injury and dominance. It doesn't matter what caused the aggression, you just need to know to stop it immediately. Failure to address aggression in Dachshunds can result in people getting bitten, and you being held accountable.

Causes of Dachshund Aggression

Even very young Dachshunds come less than eight weeks of age, can show signs of aggression. The first month of a dog's life is their socialization period. It is very important that during this time you expose your Dachshund to other dogs, people and new situations. While still with its mother, your Dachshund will start to explore its world and learn the basics about how to behave from its littermates. Dachshund puppies are very impressionable. it is important that you handle them gently so they know that they can trust that people will not hurt them. Dachshund aggression is often seen in Dachshunds that were taken away from their mothers before eight weeks of age or who were mishandled as puppies.

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There are several reasons for aggression in Dachshunds. Heredity may contribute to Dachshund aggression, but this is not always the case and shouldn't automatically be assumed to be the cause of aggression in Dachshunds. Unless you are showing or breeding your Dachshund they should be neutered. This will reduce the urge to roam and mark their territory as well as reducing aggression. Environmental factors are the most likely causes of Dachshund aggression.

Dachshund Socialization

Poor socialization and rough handling may predispose a Dachshund to aggression in later life. Pack hierarchy in households with more than one dog can result in Dachshund aggression as the dogs vie for a position within the pack. Aggression in Dachshunds that are challenging for a higher position in the pack can range from a challenging body position, all the way to biting and fighting. From the start, you need to assume and maintain the alpha position in your household.

If your Dachshund does not see you as a leader, they will likely take over the alpha position, which could lead to problems with aggression as they work to maintain their position as top dogs.

Stopping Dachshund Aggression.

Any aggression that starts in adult dogs is significant and needs to be stopped. You need to consider the position of family members, and your Dachshund in your household and determine who holds the alpha position.

You also need to think about what you do when your Dachshund is aggressive. You may be inadvertently rewarding the behavior, making the aggression worse When training your Dachshund, show you are pack leader. Train skills including down, sit and come when called. Have a structured routine for your Dachshund. Feed them the same time every day, and don't feed them table scraps, give dog food only. When going out for a walk train your Dachshund not to pull on the leash. Pulling is a show of dominance that can lead to aggression, or increase aggression. There are times when yo should just get the help of a professional. One of these situations is if your Dachshund is a fear biter. Fear biters are unpredictable and potentially more dangerous than dominance aggressive Dachshunds.

A veterinary behaviorist is the best suited professional to help fear aggressive Dachshunds, being able to structure and demonstrate a training program, as well as providing medications if needed. Aggression in dachshunds is not uncommon. As soon as you see aggressive tendencies it is time to address them, no matter the age of your dog. Remember, the time to act is before someone gets bitten and you are held liable for your Dachshunds behavior