Doorbell Madness and Delivery Season with a Dachshund
December has a way of turning the front door into the most exciting place in the house. Parcels arrive daily, neighbours pop in, friends drop off cards, and the doorbell seems to go off every time you sit down with a cuppa. If you live with a Dachshund, you might also have a tiny security guard who takes the job very seriously.
A lot of dogs bark at the door because they are excited, surprised, or trying to protect their home. Dachshunds are known for being alert and bold, so it can feel like they go from asleep to full volume in half a second. The aim is not to stop your dog from ever reacting. It’s to help them feel calmer and teach them what you would like them to do instead.
Why Does the Doorbell Set Them Off
The doorbell is a predictor. It usually means a person is about to appear, voices will happen, and the energy in the room will change. Your dog learns that quickly. Add in the busy Christmas build-up, plus more movement outside, and the pattern gets stronger.
It is also worth remembering that your Dachshund is low to the ground. They can feel a bit vulnerable when someone arrives and towers over them in the hallway. Barking can be their way of creating space and asserting control over what happens next.
Start With Management So Everyone Can Breathe
Training is easier when the situation is not out of control. A few small changes can reduce the number of full volume moments straight away.
If you can, put a small table or hook near the door so parcels can be placed down without the delivery driver having to lean into your space. Close the living room door when you’re expecting many deliveries, or use a stair gate so your Dachshund doesn’t rush right up to the front door. If your dog tends to dart, pop them on a lead before you open the door. It’s simple, but it stops the chaos.
Another easy win is to make the doorbell sound quieter. Some doorbells have volume settings. If yours does, reduce it a little during December. If it doesn’t, you can tape a bit of felt or a folded tissue over the chime area to soften it. You’re not trying to mute it completely, just take the edge off.
Teach A Simple Job That Replaces Barking
Dogs do better when they know what to do. A great option is a “go-to-your-bed” cue. You are asking for a quick run to a bed or mat, then a reward. Start when it is calm, not during a real delivery.
Stand near the mat, say your cue, such as “bed”, and when your Dachshund steps onto it, reward. Build it up until they happily run to the mat from across the room. Then practise with low-level triggers. Knock lightly on a table, say bed, reward on the mat. Repeat until the knock becomes a signal to move away from the door rather than charge towards it.
Once your dog understands the game, try it with the real door. Tap the door gently, cue bed, reward. Over time, you can build towards the doorbell, but go at your dog’s pace. If they bark, it just means the step was too big. Make it easier next time.
What To Do If Your Dachshund Barks Anyway
Even with training, some barking will happen, especially during the Christmas rush. Try not to shout. It usually adds more energy and can make it feel like you are joining in. Keep your voice steady, cue the bed, and reward the calm moment. If your dog is too worked up to listen, use management instead. Close a door, use the gate, or pop them in another room with a chew for a minute.
If your Dachshund struggles with visitors, a simple greeting plan can help. Ask guests to ignore your dog for the first minute, no bending over, no reaching down, no excited voices. Let your dog approach when they are ready. This alone can reduce barking in many homes.
Make Delivery Days Easier
If you anticipate a busy day, plan ahead. Take your Dachshund for an early walk, or engage them in a sniffy wander to stimulate their mind. A food toy, a lick mat, or a long-lasting chew can keep them settled when the door goes repeatedly. And if you work from home, consider setting delivery instructions so parcels can be left in a safe place without a knock, when possible.
With some practice, the doorbell doesn’t have to dictate your entire day. Your Dachshund can remain alert and involved, but with a calmer routine that allows everyone to enjoy the season more.
From all of us at Coots at Eversden, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We hope you and your four-legged friends have a peaceful festive season, full of warmth, love, and small moments that really matter.
And if you fancy ending the year with a smile, we are also running a Christmas photo competition. The winner will receive a portrait of their pet. To enter, simply send your photo to Marina or Kate by 24th December. Good luck, and we can’t wait to see your lovely entries.
